Indigenous students get taste of Air Force life

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published March 31, 2025 at 8.00am (AWST)

Indigenous students were given a first-hand look at life in the Air Force during the recent Australian International Airshow.

The opportunity, offered through the Indigenous Youth Program, gave 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youths from across Victoria an introduction to potential careers in Defence.

The Indigenous Youth Program was included at the event for the first time, providing 19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from across Victoria with exposure to careers in Defence.

"If you can see them, you can be them," Indigenous Liaison Officer Flight Lieutenant Norman Grogan said.

"This exposure piece is more than just a recruitment tool, it's about revealing the behind the scenes operations that the public rarely see."

Trooper Gilbert Williamson speaks with participants of the Defence Work Experience Program about inert tank rounds at the Australian International Airshow 2025. (Image: Leading Aircraftman Campbell Latch)

Royal Australian Air Force Indigenous Liaison Officer, Leading Aircraftman Christopher Timoti, played a key role in delivering the program at the airshow for the first time.

"This immersive experience included access to flight simulators, our different aircraft, military working dogs, and the Australian Defence Force Drone Racing team," he said.

"The kids interacted with pilots, armament technicians, avionic technicians and security forces, gaining insights into various career paths within the ADF.

"It offered the 19 students from across Victoria a comprehensive look at the diverse roles within Defence, while gaining insights into various career paths."

The Indigenous Youth Program is designed to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the opportunity to experience Defence culture and explore the range of roles undertaken by Air Force aviators.

Students took part by exploring simulators, aircraft, and drone racing capabilities during the airshow.

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National Indigenous Times

Disclaimer: This function is AI-generated and therefore may mispronounce.