Army’s Indigenous Elder steps down from role

After nearly four decades of service, Aunty Lorraine Hatton is stepping away from Army – for the second time.

Enlisting in 1986, Aunty Lorraine served 21 years in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals, reaching the rank of WO2.

She returned to the Army in 2020 as the Army Indigenous Elder – a role that involves representing CA and engaging with Indigenous communities the Army serves among and draws its troops from, particularly in the north.

For Aunty Lorraine, service has always been defined by people.

“I went from a family of 11 to a family of thousands,” Aunty Lorraine said.

Over six years in the role, Aunty Lorraine focused on building connection, bridging cultural understanding and strengthening the Army’s relationships with Indigenous communities, particularly where the Army operates.

“Part of my job is to dispel myths and have those conversations people might be unsure how to ask,” she said.

That focus on open dialogue has contributed to a more culturally-aware force, supporting Army capability through improved trust, cohesion and engagement.

Reflecting on her role, she said cultural connection remained central to Army’s future.

“We’re re-establishing those bonds through culture,” she said.

Aunty Lorraine hopes her legacy will lie in the relationships she has built and the stories she has shared, connections that will endure beyond her service.

“It’s never really a goodbye, it’s a ‘see you later’,” she said.