Media releases

Wednesday 16th December

Pilot Defence Indigenous Program a success

THE HON GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science

WARREN SNOWDON MP
Member for Lingiari, Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health, & Regional Service Delivery

Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet was joined by the Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon in congratulating the 10 graduates of the Inaugural Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP).

“The program is designed to provide young indigenous adults with life skills to secure and sustain continuous employment of their choice as well as being role models within their communities.” said Mr Combet.

Over the 7 month duration of the course the students undertook basic military recruit training and specialised NORFORCE patrolman training. All graduates are now qualified in a Certificate Level 2 Qualification for both Rural Operations and General Education.

Participants studied primarily at Charles Darwin University – Katherine Rural Campus.

Member for Lingiari, Warren Snowdon said it was a fine achievement.

“The program has given the inaugural 10 graduates a solid foundation for their future civilian employment as well as careers serving in the Army Reserve as part of NORFORCE.”

“These students have demonstrated a high level of skill, commitment and enthusiasm to complete the DIDP course. I encourage other Indigenous adults to apply for future DIDP courses.” said Mr Combet.

“This program is part of the government’s plan to close the gap between Indigenous and mainstream Australian employment participation rates. The DIDP assists with increasing the opportunities for Indigenous Australians in remote communities, whether that is making a contribution back in their community through paid employment or within the ADF more widely.”

The DIDP a joint initiative between the Department of Defence, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and the Northern Territory Department of Education and Training.

Media contacts:

Rod Hilton (Greg Combet): 02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619

Alice Plate (Warren Snowdon) 02 6277 7380 or 0400 045 999

Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 18 December 2009.