Musician Petty Officer Nadene Starkie has returned to Albany nearly 40 years after joining the town’s local Navy Cadet unit.

Petty Officer Starkie began her Navy journey in the 1980s as a member of the Australian Navy Cadets at TS Vancouver in Albany, Western Australia. 

That early exposure to Navy life sparked what would become a lifelong connection with maritime service and music. 

After completing her schooling, Petty Officer Starkie moved to Perth to study nutrition and food science at university. 

Seeking a flexible job to support her studies, she joined Navy as a reserve musician in 1991.

She now serves as a vocalist in the RAN Band Western Australia and performs across a wide range of genres and ceremonial roles. 

Petty Officer Starkie said a highlight of her career was deploying to the Middle East and performing alongside an Australian rock star.

“I have had many wonderful and sometimes quite extraordinary experiences during my time with the band,” Petty Officer Starkie said.

“In 2003, I was deployed to the Middle East Area of Operations as part of Operation Catalyst and was awarded the Australian Active Service Medal on completion.

“During that deployment, I performed alongside Angry Anderson and in a series of Tour De Force concerts with the RAN Band Sydney.”

'One of the most rewarding parts of my role is engaging directly with the public and sharing what we do through music.'

Petty Officer Starkie recently returned to Albany during the town’s bicentenary celebrations, performing alongside her husband, Brenton, in front of friends, family and current Vancouver cadets, bringing a nearly 40-year Navy journey full circle at the place it began. 

Petty Officer Starkie said the public-facing nature of her role remained the most fulfilling aspect of her service.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my role is engaging directly with the public and sharing what we do through music,” she said.

“We often surprise audiences with the breadth and diversity of our repertoire.

“I love meeting people, sharing stories and helping connect the wider community with Defence through music.”

She met Brenton – also a petty officer – in the band, and later their son followed in their footsteps, serving as a trumpet player in the band for five years. 

Petty Officer Starkie said her career had been professionally and personally rewarding.

“The RAN Band has given me much more than the gift of music,” she said.

“I consider the band my family, and it is a privilege to work alongside such high-calibre, versatile musicians who are endlessly supportive and generous in sharing their knowledge.”

Outside of Navy service, Petty Officer Starkie balances her musical career with meaningful civilian employment, currently working as a crisis supporter at Lifeline. She also continues to perform regularly with her civilian party band across Perth and regional Western Australia.