15 April 2009
Launch of the Defence Indigenous Development Program
Twenty young Indigenous men from Arnhem Land’s Numbulwar through to Hermannsburg in Central Australia have begun a seven month military and life skills training course as part of the first Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP).
Speaking at the launch of the DIDP in Darwin today, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence, Science and Personnel, said the course forms part of the Australian Defence Force’s wider Indigenous Employment Strategy and will help increase the training and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians in remote communities.
“The ADF has much to offer, and much to learn, from Indigenous Australians and this pilot program for 20 young men illustrates Defence’s commitment to closing the Indigenous employment gap,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Whether they ultimately choose a career within Defence, or pursue other work, the next seven months will give these men skills and confidence that will serve them into the future.”
The seven month pilot course will be trialled at Darwin’s Larrakeyah Barracks and the Katherine Campus of Charles Darwin University, Students will spend around four weeks in training, followed by a one week break at home in their community and will be paid and receive free health care, accommodation, meals and uniforms whilst attending the course.
The DIDP is a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training (DET).
The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O'Connor, said the aim of the pilot is to provide training and foundation skills development for young Indigenous men as well as give them a first hand experience of the range of careers on offer in the defence forces.
“Indigenous trainees will undertake basic military recruit training and specialised NORFORCE patrolman training, as well a Certificate II in Rural Operations which includes learning about landcare, construction, health and wellbeing and literacy and numeracy.
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP Minister for Defence Science and PersonnelDefence Indigenous Development Program Recruit Jean Daniels introduces himself to MP Warren Snowden during a visit to the recruit induction course on Larrakeyah Barracks in the Northern Territory.
(Date uploaded: 15 March 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP Minister for Defence Science and Personnel chats with Defence Indigenous Development Program Recruits during a break from their recruit induction course on Larrakeyah Barracks in the Northern Territory.
(Date uploaded: 15 March 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Defence Science and Personnel chats with Defence Indigenous Development Program Recruits during a break from their recruit induction course on Larrakeyah Barracks in the Northern Territory.
(Date uploaded: 15 March 2009)
Low-Res | Hi-Res
The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
announces the commencement of the Defence Indigenous Development Program outside NORFORCE Headquarters on Larrakeyah Barracks in the Northern Territory.
