Major Jamielle Knight’s childhood in Gladstone, Queensland, nurtured a powerful sense of community. She now comes full circle, returning after 35 years, with senior responsibilities to strengthen protection of the Australian community during Exercise Austral Shield.
Deployed as part of Joint Task Force 629, Major Knight works alongside Queensland Police and Australian Federal Police to develop security measures that support the region’s safety and preparedness.
“Coming back has brought a flood of memories from those formative years – of school, sport, the beach and the friendships that helped shape who I am today,” Major Knight said.
“Walking through familiar areas has reminded me of the strong community spirit that exists here.”
The importance of community informed her dedicated career in the Army, where she enlisted at age 19 and has since served across Australia and overseas, in command and staff appointments, and support to operations.
‘Returning to Gladstone as an Australian Army officer is a truly surreal and deeply personal experience.’
Commissioning as a logistics officer opened up a new world and a breadth of experience across the Army for Major Knight. She now serves as a staff officer in logistics at Headquarters Forces Command.
“But returning to Gladstone as an Australian Army officer is a truly surreal and deeply personal experience,” she said.
Among the nostalgic moments, she recalled training in squads at Gladstone Swimming Club and the support she received from the local government as a scholar at Tannum Sands Primary School.
Community spirit was also strong at the NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremony and morning tea at Gladstone Regional Council, which Major Knight and over a dozen soldiers supported.
Major Knight valued the chance to engage directly with the Queensland Police, Gladstone Ports Corporation and Gladstone Airport Corporation.
“It is also an opportunity to learn from our partners, identify areas for improvement and enhance our collective readiness for future challenges,” she said.
