Defence personnel sweat it out in support of First Nations non-for-profit

Callan Morse Published June 25, 2026 at 3.30am (AWST)

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Physical Training Instructor, Corporal Nathan Dakin counts burpees during the KARI Foundation charity workout held at Headquarters Air Command, RAAF Base Glenbrook, NSW. (Image: LACW Mikaela Fernlund)

Defence personnel at RAAF Base Glenbrook recently took part in a charity workout in support of the KARI Foundation.

Established in 2016, the KARI Foundation empowers First Nations children, young people and families through programs celebrating culture, leadership and community achievement.

The event brought personnel together for a series of physical challenges which tested endurance, teamwork and resilience, all to raise funds and awareness for the First Nations not-for-profit organisation.

The event's facilitator and Senior Indigenous Liaison Officer (SILO), Squadron Leader Henry Coen, said participants surpassed their fundraising target, raising $1025.

"To stand here as the SILO knowing everyone gave the workout a red-hot crack speaks to the calibre of personnel we have in Air Force," Squadron Leader Coen said.

"Their actions showed we are 'all in' when it comes to practical reconciliation outcomes, promoting esprit de corps and a warfighter mindset, while raising vital funds for the KARI Foundation [that] will help many people."

*The event raised more than $1000 for the KARI Foundation. (Image: LACW Mikaela Fernlund)*

The workout included sequences of ski erg and bike erg intervals superset with body-weight exercises.

Defence said beyond the physical test, the day also offered a valuable opportunity for members across the base to connect outside their usual work environments, strengthening the professional relationships that underpin daily service.

Participant, Flying Officer Jean Mar, said she was proud of how everyone came together to share the load for a cause bigger than themselves.

"No matter the rank, we all felt the pain," Flying Officer Mar said. "Everyone's always busy, but it was awesome to see such a strong turnout and a bit of healthy competition.

"Stuff like this is great for charity and really lifts morale too. It just shows the kind of positive example our leaders set."

Squad Leader Coen said the Foundation was chosen due to its worthy cause.

"The KARI Foundation was selected for its extensive, impactful work within First Nations communities," Squadron Leader Coen said.

"This event provided a meaningful opportunity for the Air Force to engage in tangible, practical reconciliation."