The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, yesterday signed a Partnership Memorandum with the Secretary of the NSW Department of Education and Communities, Dr Michele Bruniges, AM, setting the stage for greater cooperation between the two organisations.
The Memorandum outlines the strategic partnership between the Australian Army and NSW Opportunity Hubs, a key initiative under OCHRE: the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Affairs Plan.
Speaking in Campbelltown, Lieutenant General Morrison said the Partnership Memorandum recognised a common interest in developing employment pathways and opportunities for young Indigenous Australians.
“It is a privilege to sign this Memorandum on behalf of the Australian Army and to be the first national employer to partner state wide with the NSW Opportunity Hubs,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“This Memorandum demonstrates that Army is committed to providing rewarding and fulfilling career opportunities for Indigenous school leavers.”
“Today marks an important step towards our shared commitment and opens the door to further collaboration with the Opportunity Hubs in the future.”
NSW Opportunity Hubs build partnerships between schools, employers, education and training providers and the local community to provide education and employment opportunities for individual students.
Under the Partnership Memorandum, Army will provide guidance and support to identified students aspiring to an Army career, as well as pre-recruitment training and experiential learning opportunities.
Lieutenant General Morrison said that the Memorandum would benefit students, who would receive greater access to information on a career in Army as well as recruitment requirements.
“One of the key components of our Memorandum is recognising the importance of engaging with students early on,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.
“Army already has specialist Indigenous Recruiting Officers located around the country who regularly provide students with information on opportunities to serve with the Australian Army.”
“By collaborating with organisations such as the NSW Opportunity Hubs, Army will be able to provide greater advice and support to students so they can make an informed decision about a career in the Australian Army.”
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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
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Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
