Harry Allie BEM AM

Australia’s first Indigenous Elder in the Royal Australian Air Force, Harry Allie AM BEM was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his significant service to veterans, to Indigenous organisations, and to the community in January 2023.

This honour is the latest of many recognitions for his long service to the community and throughout his career within the RAAF. However, he says his nomination for an award within the Order of Australia has particular significance.

“I'm immensely proud, and particularly to be honoured in the way that I am, to ensure that we're moving forward. I am proud to assist our veterans, whether they be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or whatever. We all served together. (I want) to ensure that we're travelling well and to move on to the next thing and to have an enjoyable life.”

He says that keeping busy is important and your age should not be a consideration when helping others.

“Age doesn't come into it. People contact you and (ask) if you can help move things forward. And that's what I enjoy doing.”

“There will be a time when age will finally catch up to me, where it'll be getting harder and harder to sort of participate. But I'll do what I can while I am able to.”