Joining the Royal Australian Navy is one of the best decisions Petty Officer Frances Visini ever made, and when she did, she gained a profound sense of belonging and pride.

PO Visini, or Auntie Fran, as her colleagues and recruits know her, joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) in 1970.

Aunty Fran was born on Thursday Island. She has both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage with connections to Mer, Mua and Mabuyag in the Torres Strait, and to the Yupungathi Clan from Western Cape York Peninsula in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Aunty Fran’s service in the WRANS was relatively short, but the friendships, values, and confidence she gained stayed with her for life.  Those foundations later supported her to raise four children, complete university studies, and spend nearly 25 years as an educator in both childcare and state schools.

Aunty Fran’s involvement in the NIDP came about unexpectedly.  Although hesitant at first, she became deeply inspired and genuinely motivated when she realised that her work would allow her to support and mentor young Indigenous people as they pursue careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

Aunty Fran grasped unique opportunity to reconnect with the Navy after more than fifty years, and now serves as an NIDP Elder.

The most recent NIDP (25) graduation marks Aunty Fran’s 8^th intake into the NIDP Program, having supported and mentored young Indigenous people as they walk their own paths into the ADF for four years. 

“This is where our young men and women walk in two worlds: honouring their culture and heritage, and contributing to the defence of and service to our nation,” she said. 

For Aunty Fran, being an NIDP Elder has been an uplifting experience. She enjoys how different every intake is, the unique challenges they come with, and looks forward to working with each new cohort. 

Having come back to Navy after nearly 50 years, Aunty Fran says she now feel complete.