THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Fri, 29 Oct, 2010
9/10
MEDIA RELEASE
Navy helps support young Indigenous Australians in new
development course
The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, today
congratulated a group of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who
graduated from the Navy’s first Defence Indigenous Development Program.
“Today’s ceremony saw 25 young Indigenous adults from across northern Queensland
graduate from the seven-month course, and more than half of them recommended to
join the Navy.
“This is a significant milestone for participants, their families, the far north
Queensland community and the Department of Defence,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The Defence Indigenous Development Program – Navy has challenged the
participants on a number of levels. They have had to do training in literacy and
numeracy, marine studies, fitness and life skills.
“These graduates have sailed on STS Young Endeavour, completed a boot camp at
HMAS Cerberus and undertaken work experience at HMAS Cairns. They also
completed Access 10 training and components of a Boat Coxswains ticket through
Tropical Far North Queensland TAFE,” he said.
The participants demonstrated their teamwork ability and an aptitude to thrive in a
military environment whilst training at the Djarragun College Wilderness Centre.
“On a recent visit to Cairns, I was able to observe first-hand this excellent program. The
participants’ experiences have developed both their leadership qualities and a personal
sense of camaraderie. I am hopeful this course has given them the confidence and fitness
to embark on a career in the Royal Australian Navy, and the participants have been
provided with advice and guidance on the Navy recruitment process,” Mr Snowdon said.
“While not all participants will join the Navy or the other services, the important point
to make is, the program has equipped them with skills and experiences that will
enable them to gain employment in the wider community.
“I am excited about what the future may hold for these young Australians and I wish
them all well for their future endeavours,” he said.
The Defence Indigenous Development Program – Navy is a joint initiative between the
Department of Defence and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace
Relations. It also forms part of the Australian Defence Force’s Indigenous Employment
Strategy.
The Defence Reconciliation Action Plan 2010-2014 was developed following broad
consultation across Defence and Reconciliation Australia and provides action plans to
implement employment opportunities and retention initiatives for Indigenous
Australians who choose Defence as their employer.
Graduates are from towns such as Rockhampton, and communities such as Bamaga and
Boigu Island. Media can request to interview participants and photos will be available.
Media contacts:
Alice Plate: 0400 045 999 (Snowdon)
Petty Officer Shayne Firth 0419 895 808 (DIDP – for interviews with participants)
Defence Media: 02 6127 1999
NEWS 
