AABC Association (Bruce Pinney) Award 2022

Lance Corporal Amelia Johnson

The Citation reads:

Lance Corporal Amelia Johnson currently serves as a vocalist within the Australian Army Band Kapooka (AAB-K), and also provides significant additional capability on keyboards during a period where that position within the Band has remained vacant. Lance Corporal Johnson's talents also extend to performing in varying roles in support of the weekly March Out Parades held at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion, both as a musician and as a parade Master of Ceremonies.

Always the consummate professional, Lance Corporal Johnson responded on very short notice when required to perform the Proclamation of the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III at Parliament House on 12 September 2022. Her performance of 'God save the King' was the first official performance of this anthem in over 70 years, and was delivered in front of the Governor-General and a live national broadcast audience.

Earlier this year, Lance Corporal Johnson provided mentoring support to the ADF Arts for Recovery, Resilience, Teamwork and Skills Program. Her mentorship over the course of the program was pivotal in assisting the recovery of ADF members who have been wounded, injured or become ill during their service. Lance Corporal Johnson's teaching and mentoring skills saw a significant improvement in the singing capability for those within the music and rhythm stream, earning her the respect of her fellow mentors and participants alike.

Lance Corporal Johnson actively volunteers for 'Kookaburra Kids', a foundation delivering services to young people impacted by family mental illness. Her involvement within the 'Defence kids' program in particular has contributed to the awareness of mental health, coping skills and resilience within children of military families.

Lance Corporal Johnson's personal commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is evidenced by her ongoing postgraduate studies in teaching. She is an exemplary soldier musician demonstrating the highest standards of Defence values and Army's ethos in keeping with the finest traditions of all previous recipients of this award.

Gordon Lambie, OAM, CSM
President AABCA