Navy supports Indigenous youth program
2 June 2010 By Annie Casey
The hopes and ambitions of Indigenous youth have been given a helping hand with the launch of the Defence Indigenous Development Program – Navy (DIDP-N) at HMAS Cairns.
Dignitaries, program providers and family and friends of 34 participants gathered for the official launch which also marked the completion of the preparatory Phase One of the seven month program.
DIDP-N is a Defence-led partnership with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). It provides Indigenous youth in Far North Queensland with education, training, life skills and confidence to embark on a career in the RAN, as well as skills, which are useful on return to their own towns and communities.
Queensland Senator Jan McLucas assisted Director General Navy People CDRE David Letts in presenting certificates to the participants on their successful completion of Phase One of the DIDP-N. It was also an opportunity to meet and greet participants, family members and providers.
Most of the students were selected through the DEEWR Job Services Agency network although some were already contacts of the Defence Indigenous Community Engagement officers through Defence Indigenous Youth Connection Program activities.
Graduates of Phase One have just completed a 10-week course in Numeracy, Literacy, Science and Life skills at live-in accommodation at the Djarragun College Wilderness Centre situated at the base of the Gillies Range, Gordonvale.
After meeting the students and staff on location at the Djarragun Centre CDRE Letts said “I was impressed with the staff’s incorporation of Navy language and culture into the learning opportunities and day to day life of the trainees. This allowed the trainees to gain a taste of Navy life through the gradual introduction of Navy culture and activities, including familiarising them with Navy employment options that might be available on completion of the program.”
“A striking feature I observed on the day was the dedication and enthusiasm of both the staff, which included Navy instructors and Indigenous Mentors, and trainees. There was a strong sense of teamwork and cohesion evident among them.”
Defence Director of Indigenous Affairs, Ms Soozie Parker, announced that all 34 participants had successfully completed the preparatory phase of the program and would all be offered positions on Phase Two of the course.
The next phase of the DIDP has just begun and runs for five months in Cairns. It includes attending the Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE for training in boat handling, first aid, safety, Bronze Medallion (lifesaving) and teamwork.
Upcoming highlights of the program include: a ‘Boot Camp’ at HMAS Cerberus in Victoria, a voyage in STS Young Endeavour from Townsville to Cairns and a sea ride onboard HMAS Tobruk.
Trainees who graduate in October will be encouraged to apply for entry into Navy.
The DIDP-N is an important initiative in the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan 2010-2014 implemented by the Defence Directorate of Indigenous Affairs. The DIDP – Navy follows the successful completion of a pilot program run in Katherine last year by Army. The DIDP – Army is now in its second year at Katherine Rural College in the Northern Territory.
