"Standing on a wharf, looking at a ship and deciding that's what I wanted to do."
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That was the moment Royal Australian Navy Commander Michael Doncaster decided as a boy that he wanted to join the navy; a career that he has since enjoyed for most of his adult life.
Commander Doncaster shared this and more about his life as a naval officer with a handful of people at an event at Moree Community Library on Wednesday, during his visit to Moree as the 2019 Anzac Day guest speaker.
Originally from Geraldton, Western Australia, he joined the Navy in August, 1980 and regularly received promotions through the sailor ranks before making Lieutenant in 2007.
He was promoted to Lieutenant Commander in January, 2010 and then Commander in July, 2018, being posted on HMA Ships all over the country as well as posts in Cambodia, Malaysia and the Australian Embassy Rome.
He currently serves as the Deputy Director Five Eyes and Global in Navy International Engagement, overseeing a team responsible for the Navy's critical relationships with the US, Canada, UK, New Zealand and all countries outside the Asia Pacific region.
He was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the 2010 Queen's Birthday Honours list for meritorious achievement during his tenure at the Navy International Engagement between 2008 and 2010 and now resides in Canberra with his wife Sandra O'Keefe.
"Nearly all my adult life I've been wearing this uniform," Commander Doncaster told the small crowd at the library.
"I've never stopped enjoying what I've done. It's not about money, stature or privileges, it's about enjoyment. I've travelled the world, seen different things. It's fun, interesting, challenging and diverse. Although, don't get me wrong, it has been difficult.
"No-one ever wants to go to war, but it's the contract you make with the people of this country."
As Moree's special guest for Anzac Day, Commander Doncaster will lead the march at the dawn service at 6am and deliver an oration during the main commemoration at 10am. On Wednesday he also spoke at Fairview Retirement Village's Anzac Day service.