New campaign to attract Indigenous recruits
Defence Recruiting has launch a new marketing campaign to attract more Indigenous people into the ADF.
The campaign features Able Seaman (AB) Jorde Lenoy, Lance Corporal (LCPL) Natalie Whyte, Lance Bombadier (LBDR) John Murphy and Sergeant (SGT) Bodine Luscott who share their ADF experience and how they ‘see themselves’.
Defence Minister Marise Payne said the young men and women featured in the campaign continued a strong tradition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service in the ADF.
“For over 100 years Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have served with distinction and made significant contributions as part of the Australian Defence Force, from the Boer War through to recent operations in Afghanistan,’” Minister Payne said.
“They have served in roles across the ADF and achieved the highest levels of recognition for their contributions, including a Medal of the Order of Australia and Military Medals.”
Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said the advertising campaign would support Defence reaching its goal of increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in the ADF to 2.7 per cent by 2018 to better reflect Australian society.
“Indigenous people make up about 3 per cent of the Australian population, but only 1.6 per cent of the permanent ADF and 1.8 per cent of the Active Reserve,” he said.
“Our armed forces have an important role to play if we are to close the gap in Indigenous employment.
“Defence has shown real leadership through this initiative and the four young men and women in this campaign have set a great example for young First Australians to follow.”
Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack said the young men and women in the new campaign were respected members of the team who have set goals for themselves, challenged themselves and achieved.
“I commend them for their contribution to our country and for sharing their stories in order to encourage the next generation of Indigenous Australians to aspire to follow in their footsteps,” Minister McCormack said.
View some truly inspirational stories here…
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