Ex-serviceman and Yamatji elder, Mr Mallard, was a proud ambassador and advocate for the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen and women.
Part of the Stolen Generation, Mr Mallard served in the Australian army from 1962 to 1985, and in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 1999. He saw active duty in Borneo and Vietnam – but on returning home, like other Aboriginal soldiers, was rejected by the RSL. This spurred him to promote the military service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within Veterans' Affairs and the broader community.
Despite PTSD and Parkinson's disease, Mr Mallard was Media Officer at Ellenbrook RSL and a dedicated veterans' issues volunteer. He was the Chairperson of Voice of the Voiceless Ministry that helps people with addiction, mental illness and social issues.
In 2015, he received a Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation as a member of the 1RAR Group, and was City of Swan Citizen and Senior Citizen of the Year in 2018.