BATTLE OF BRITAIN ‘LACE’
More than 100 Western Australian students spent a day exploring life in uniform when Royal Australian Air Force Association WA hosted an inaugural ADF Careers Day on Tuesday 11 August.
Nine school groups, comprising 117 students from Midland Learning Academy, Belmont City College, Woodvale Secondary College, Byford Secondary College, Harrisdale Senior High School, Morley Senior High School, Wesley College, Southern River College and Como Senior High School, came together at Air Force Memorial Estate (AFME) in Bull Creek for a program built around a simple idea: let young people hear what a Defence career actually looks like from the people living it.
Commemorations Programs Manager Kellie Bennett opened the day and introduced the ADF Careers team from Perth, who delivered an hour of presentations outlining the pathways available to school leavers across the Navy, Army and Air Force. Warrant Officer Chris Wainwright represented the Army Reserve, while Sub-Lieutenant Jacob Gillard and his team attended on behalf of the Navy Community Engagement Program, taking questions between sessions at their displays.
The loudest response of the morning came when Kellie drew raffle tickets for the ADF virtual reality experience. Six students were selected to experience the immersive VR activity.
Education Programs Specialist Remie Paulik then hosted A Day in the Life of a Member of the Australian Defence Force, featuring four former ADF members, including RAAFA’s own Norm Waldie, Tim Stokes, David Spicer and Adam Samulski, alongside currently serving members Carol, Elen and Chris. After a series of introductory questions and personal reflections on service life, the microphone was handed to the students.
For many, this was one of the highlights of the day. Feedback from Wesley College noted that students particularly valued the opportunity to ask individual questions of personnel from different branches of the ADF and gain first-hand insights into military careers. The enthusiasm displayed by the veterans was described as “inspiring”, helping students develop a better understanding of Defence service and the opportunities it can offer.
Over lunch, students rotated through the display stands, with many continuing conversations with ADF personnel before walking across to the Aviation Heritage Museum for a guided tour led by eleven knowledgeable museum guides. Interactive activities throughout the day also proved popular, with one teacher describing the push-up challenge as both fun and engaging.
Teacher feedback praised the event’s organisation and value, with one school describing it as a “well-arranged event” that provided meaningful opportunities for students to explore Defence careers.
Thanks to the ADF Careers Organisation, the Army Reserve and the Navy Community Engagement Program, photographer Stephen Heath, and the RAAFA staff and museum tour guides for helping deliver a successful and engaging ADF Care
