Indigenous students get a taste for Air Force life

Nine female Indigenous students taking part in this week’s RAAF Indigenous Youth Program (RAAFIYP) were today welcomed to RAAF Base Richmond by Air Commander Australia, Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld.

“It is a great privilege for me to meet young Indigenous people so passionate about aviation and this program provides them with the opportunity to experience Air Force life in general,” Air Vice-Marshal Hupfeld said.

“Students will also participate in a number of planned activities and will be given the chance to explore the different trades available should they wish to pursue an Air Force career once they complete their schooling.”

The RAAFIYP is a collaborative effort between Air Force and Boorowa Aviation (BA), an Indigenous employment program operating through the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation.

RAAFIYP participants are selected by BA through their extensive connections with Aboriginal communities in eastern Australia.

In 2012, Uncle Harry Allie was appointed as the first Air Force Indigenous Elder, having served in the Royal Australian Air Force from 1966 to 1989.

“We are honoured to have Uncle Harry represent Air Force on official occasions and appreciate his advice on ways to increase participation of Indigenous people in Air Force,” Air Vice-Marshal Hupfeld said.

This is the third RAAFIYP to be held and aims to encourage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards career opportunities associated with aviation and Air Force.

Images from the RAAFIYP Camp are available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133381

Media contacts:

RAAF Base Richmond: Eamon Hamilton 0429 868 794

Defence Communication and Media – NSW: Ben Wickham 0405 310 176