Our People in the NT
Andrew Stokes - Jingili Man’s Solomons Tour
“It was a great opportunity to do our bit to help boost morale,” said Andrew. “I always look forward to the challenge of putting on a great show in difficult conditions!”
Andrew attended Jingili Primary School, Nightcliff High School and Casuarina Secondary College, and joined the Navy in 1990. Then came more training at the Defence Force School of Music. Andrew is now a Lieutenant, and he’s the music director of the Navy Band based in Sydney.
Andrew is responsible for more than 50 musicians in the Sydney detachment. They perform at official functions, ceremonial and training parades; and provide music at sporting events, civil parades and festivals.
“My job has also taken me to Gallipoli, the Brunei International Tattoo for the Sultan’s 60th birthday, and to the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Greece and Crete.
“I was a working musician and a keen sailor so I thought I’d join the Navy band. I’ve always had a passion for music and can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Now that Andrew has returned from the Solomon Islands, he is looking forward to spending quality time with his wife and their 19-month-old daughter.
Also performing with the Navy band were successful solo artists Russell Morris and Darryl Cotton – also known for performing with Somebody’s Image and Zoot respectively; comedian Chris Radburn; magician Adam Dean; didgeridoo artist Adrian Ross; MCs rock guru Glenn A Baker and model Anneliisa Tonisson.
Some 140 ADF personnel are now working alongside military personnel from New Zealand, Tonga, Fiji and Papua New Guinea in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police, along with other participating Police Forces from Pacific nations.
The Forces Entertainment team regularly takes entertainers to overseas theatres of operations, bringing a little bit of home to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who are away from loved ones for months at a time.