Leading Aircraft Woman Deborah Booker

Please tell us who you are

My name’s ACW Booker, I’m based at RAAF base Amberley and I started with the Defence Force on the 14th of August 2008. My position is the Security and Law Enforcer.

What does that position involve?

Basically it’s similar to your civilian police officer, we ensure security around the base and that members are adhering to our safety regulations, Vic regulations… we do minor investigations within the RAAF base Amberley.

Is it important for indigenous people to be part of the ADF?

I’m an Indigenous Australian I’m from Alice Springs, my tribe is the Gidja tribe and my skin is Nangala. I think it’s proud and very important to be a part of the Defence Force, contributing back to Australian Society. And it’s important for indigenous people to be involved to be involved with the Defence Force because we nurture the ground that we live on, we value it and it makes us very proud to be a part of something so big and be able to give something back to our country.

What is the most challenging thing that has happened to you?

I live for work and sport, I pride myself on the way I carry myself and how my values do rub off on other people. I’m involved in a number of sports where I go and represent the Defence and I feel proud and privileged to be able to do that and represent and be the face for the Defence.