When Lieutenant Estin Hunter joined the Royal Australian Navy in 2018, he never thought he would have an opportunity to work within any kind of Indigenous advisory or First Nations-facing role. In fact, it was the last thing in his mind that something like this would even exist. 

Fast forward eight years, and the hydrographic officer now works directly as Staff Officer to the Navy Indigenous Advisor (NIA).

Estin Hunter grew up in Kuranda, North of Cairns, around his father’s family. He is a Djabugay man like his father, and his mother is Chilean. 

From as early as he can remember, LEUT Hunter’s father worked as a Ranger in Kuranda, and then in numerous cultural heritage roles in different locations. Growing up, he was exposed to different first nations issues, but never really appreciated or understood them until later in life.

Estin began the ADF enlistment process during high school, but decided to pursue tertiary studies instead, undertaking a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science through Griffith University, QLD, hoping to become a physiotherapist

Towards the end of university, his thoughts turned back to Navy. 

After his sister joined the Army in 2016, he completed both his studies and the enlistment process in 2017, joining Navy in 2018 as a Maritime Warfare Officer (MWO).”

During his MWO training LEUT Hunter elected to specialise as a Maritime Geospatial Officer Hydrographer. 

Since enlisting, LEUT Hunter has served in HMA Ships Canberra, Maryborough, Armidale, and Melville until her decommissioning in 2024, before taking up the role as the Staff Officer for the Navy Indigenous Advisor.

As his staff officer, LEUT Hunter provides close administrative support to NIA. He also coordinates the Bungaree dance group and Navy’s Regional Indigenous Development Coordinators (RIDCs). 

LEUT Hunter is also responsible for ensuring the First Nations Diversity Reference Group (DRG) within the Directorate of Navy Culture is supported.  

What LEUT Hunter enjoys most about his role is being able to influence Navy’s strategic direction and having the freedom to shape the future of Navy Indigenous by going after the most valuable initiatives.

He feels that being listened to by the organisation is a critical factor in driving meaningful change.

LEUT Hunter’s aspiration is to develop Navy’s internal cultural network. He hopes to build a network of First Nations members on different bases, engaged with First Nations activities that are integrated with whole units, not just involving First Nations members.

“Sharing culture and continuing to educate is the most important aspect of what we are doing,” he said. 

“When this opportunity came up, I'd always known that I might work in the area later in life, I just didn't know it would be an opportunity within Navy.

“Now that I've got the opportunity, I'm glad that I have had the exposure and chance to do it,” he said.