6 March 2019

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women Forge Connections with the Australian Defence Force through Service and Sport

As part of International Women’s Day celebrations, Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett, visited Woodside Barracks to meet with young women from the South Australian Aboriginal Netball Academy as they took part in a unique Australian Defence Force (ADF) experience day.

The women, aged between 15 and 18 years, met with current serving ADF members to learn about the wide range of roles available in the ADF and hear firsthand accounts of the members’ experiences in the Defence Force.

Throughout the day, the young women experienced weapons handling, explored an air defence simulator, undertook a military style obstacle course and learnt the military fundamentals of resilience, mateship, leadership and teamwork.

Minister Fawcett said the experience allowed the ADF to connect with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and educate, inspire and motivate women to pursue ADF careers.

“There is a range of exciting career opportunities in the ADF available to women and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” Minister Fawcett said.

“It was great to attend and see the enthusiasm of the young women who may potentially pursue a career in the Navy, Army and Air Force.”

Today’s event is part of a broader ADF commitment to providing career opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, offering a number of pre-enlistment programs to help candidates prepare for life in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

For more information about the opportunities available in the ADF, visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/indigenous

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