THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Member for Lingiari
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
129/2009
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DEFENCE INDIGENOUS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM WRAPS UP FOR 2009
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet was joined by
the Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon in congratulating the 10 graduates of the
Inaugural Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP).
“The program is designed to provide young indigenous adults with life skills to secure
and sustain continuous employment of their choice as well as being role models
within their communities.” said Mr Combet.
Over the 7 month duration of the course the students undertook basic military recruit
training and specialised NORFORCE patrolman training. All graduates are now
qualified in a Certificate Level 2 Qualification for both Rural Operations and General
Education.
Participants studied primarily at Charles Darwin University – Katherine Rural
Campus.
Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon said it was a fine achievement.
“The program has given the inaugural 10 graduates a solid foundation for their future
civilian employment as well as careers serving in the Army Reserve as part of
NORFORCE.”
“These students have demonstrated a high level of skill, commitment and enthusiasm
to complete the DIDP course. I encourage other Indigenous adults to apply for future
DIDP courses.” said Mr Combet.
“This program is part of the government’s plan to close the gap between Indigenous
and mainstream Australian employment participation rates. The DIDP assists with
increasing the opportunities for Indigenous Australians in remote communities,
whether that is making a contribution back in their community through paid
employment or within the ADF more widely.”
The DIDP a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Northern Territory
Department of Education and Training.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Alice Plate (Warren Snowdon)
02 6277 7380 or 0400 045 999
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
