The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, has congratulated 22 young men and women graduating from the 2012 Defence Indigenous Development Program in Katherine.

“This is the second DIDP graduation that I have attended in the Northern Territory. The young men and women finishing the program today have learned new skills and are now better prepared for their careers.” 

The DIDP is a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training.

“I am pleased to say that a number of these graduates are considering enlisting in the Australian Defence Force,” Mr Snowdon said.

Today concludes a seven month residential program that aims to provide young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with the life skills and confidence to secure opportunities and sustain continuous employment of their choice. 

“This will set these people up to become role models within their communities and they typify the positive outcomes the program promotes amongst young Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory."

Students from the program are preparing to follow a variety of career options following their graduation. A number of graduates will continue to serve as reserve members of NORFORCE, one of Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Units, while they pursue full-time employment within the civilian sector.

Mr Snowdon said planning for the 2013 program is well underway and Defence will be calling for nominations in February 2013. 

Media contacts:
Lidija Ivanovski (Minister Snowdon) 02 6277 7820 / 0407 108 935
Defence Media Operations: 02 6127 1999