Twelve local high school students from the Walgett and Lightning Ridge region headed off on a week-long program across NSW and ACT Defence sites recently, immersing themselves in this unique way of life.

They got to learn about careers and tackled activities such as sea survival skills at HMAS Albatross and the over-water obstacle course at the Australian Defence Force Academy. 

This was all possible as part of a defence-focussed Indigenous Youth Program.

Head teacher NSW Education Educational Careers Pathway Program Timothy Wykes said the program was incredibly rewarding for students because they dove headfirst and immersed themselves in Navy, Army and Air Force life. 

“The program pushed the students out of their comfort zones and encouraged them to apply teamwork, leadership and communication skills,” Mr Wykes said. “It was great to see the students still buzzing with excitement long after the bus ride home.”

Year 12 student George Kennedy from Walgett took up this opportunity of a lifetime and joined students from Lightning Ridge and Goodooga to visit bases at Wagga Wagga, Canberra and Nowra. George was inspired by his grandfather’s service in World War 2 and aims to follow in his footsteps and become an Army officer.

George Kennedy conquers the over-water obstacle course at the Australian Defence Force Academy. IMAGE: Kym Smith

Manager for Defence Work Experience ACT and Southern NSW, Isabel Massey, said it was a privilege to meet and spend a week with the 12 students. 

“It was inspiring to see these students taking on leadership roles and achieving things they may not have previously thought possible,” she said. “The feedback from the teachers is that the students are still buzzing with excitement over their experience.”

Activities also included taking part in pre-fitness assessments which are a requirement for anyone wanting to join the RAAF as a cadet. They also had access to air simulators, and even got a sneak peek at the Prime Minister's aircraft which had landed at their location.

Skye Noye finishes the tunnel course as part of the Indigenous Pathways program in Canberra. IMAGE: Kym Smith

The students participated in some of the leadership and teamwork scenarios that are given to serving members which required them to work together as a team to achieve their goals. Not easy tasks however they all worked together and were able to come up with solutions and worked towards achieving their goals.

For students such as Bryton Seabrook and Nick Newton, they now have a challenging decision ahead of them, drawn to multiple career paths within defence. 

“Exploring the role of an aviation technician in the Navy is very interesting, but also working on helicopters sounds great,” Bryton said.

Nick Newton in the tunnel course in the defence work experience program. IMAGE: Kym Smith

Nick took a shine to army life. “I am really interested in an infantry role in the Army; however, being a seamanship and small-arms specialist [boatswain’s mate] also looks cool,” he said.

Two other students had their say on their preferences. Markel McBride dreams of navigating the seas as a Navy chef and Skye Noyes aspires to be a boatswain’s mate in the Navy. 

Defence’s work experience program invests in developing the skills of young Australians. You can find out more about the program and the wide variety of pathways into Defence here.