From resilience to reconciliation

RAAF Base Richmond personnel have marked NAIDOC Week by taking part in a charity workout that celebrated this year’s national observance, while reinforcing Defence’s commitment to First Nations communities.

The event on July 14 recognised 50 years of NAIDOC and brought together ADF members from RAAF Base Richmond in a challenging physical activity designed to promote teamwork, resilience and camaraderie.

Participants completed a series of functional fitness activities that encouraged them to work together, support one another and push beyond their comfort zones.

While physically demanding, the workout also provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of NAIDOC Week and the enduring contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to Australia.

SILO's SQNLDR Coen Henry said that events like this bring aviators together through camaraderie and unit pride to sharpen their teamwork, communication, and warfighter mindset.

“Beyond reinforcing esprit de corps, the event fosters genuine community goodwill by raising vital funds for a local First Nations non-profit organisation,” SQNLDR Henry said.

Funds raised from the event went to the Clontarf Foundation, helping to empower young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through education, leadership and employment pathways. 

SQNLDR Henry said the initiative aligns with Defence’s ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with First Nations communities and supporting programs that create meaningful and lasting outcomes.

“This year’s [NAIDOC] theme, ‘50 Years of Deadly’, honours the history, leadership and resilience of First Nations peoples. By partnering with the Clontarf Foundation, an organisation driving meaningful outcomes for Indigenous youth across Australia, we demonstrate practical reconciliation, promote diversity and inclusion, and reinforce Defence’s commitment to First Nations representation as an employer of choice,” he said.

The charity workout also provided an opportunity for personnel to learn more about the importance of NAIDOC Week and to reflect on the shared responsibility of recognising and celebrating the histories, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Every dollar raised directly provides vital resources to help these young leaders overcome disadvantage. Having seen Clontarf’s profound impact firsthand across Australia during my tenure as an Indigenous liaison officer, I am deeply grateful to the RAAF Richmond community and participating squadrons for their generosity in making this workout an enduring annual event,” SQNLDR Henry said.

As Defence continues to strengthen its engagement with First Nations communities, initiatives such as the RAAF Base Richmond charity workout demonstrate how collective action can make a tangible difference and how physical training can extend beyond operational readiness to deliver positive community outcomes.

Through participation, fundraising and shared experiences, personnel reinforced the importance of resilience, inclusion and service while contributing to a cause that will have a lasting impact beyond the base.