Australian Defence Force Academy 30 Years of equipping Australians for any challenge

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

• Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett
   

217 midshipmen and officer cadets have graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) today, joining the ranks of the thousands of officers who have graduated from ADFA over the past 30 years.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates, reflecting on their collective achievements.

Family and friends of the graduates were joined by the Alumni from the class of 1988, the first group to ever complete a full three years of training at ADFA.

“These men and women are making important contributions to Australia both within and outside the Australian Defence Force (ADF),” Senator Fawcett said.

“ADFA’s alumni include the first Australian female officer to deploy as a United Nations Military Observer to Lebanon and Israel, as well as engineers who have helped to strengthen major landmarks including the West Gate Bridge”.

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said ADFA produces inspirational leaders who are innovative, ready to face challenges and solve problems

Following the graduation ceremony, Defence will launch videos showcasing the opportunities that a Navy, Army or Air Force career can provide when starting at ADFA. The videos feature four 30‑year‑old alumni and four 2018 graduates encouraging the pursuit of Science and Engineering degrees.

“Rear Admiral Colin Lawrence is the Head Navy Engineering; Colonel Kath Stewart is Commandant of the Defence Command Support Training Centre; Group Captain Dennis Tan is Officer Commanding Air Training Wing and Mr Dechlan Ellis is Global Director Client Strategy Aurecon,” Mr Chester said.

“Midshipman Hannah Roberts and Officer Cadets David Adams, Declan Foley and Helena Sorial graduated today and are on their way to commencing their own successful careers.

“What the alumni and today’s graduates have in common is that they are all talented, results-oriented individuals who came to ADFA to develop skills and experience which will take them well beyond their ADF careers,” Mr Chester said.

To view Defence’s suite of new Australian Defence Force Academy videos visit:

Air Force: https://youtu.be/naFa6v2yLN8

Army: https://youtu.be/ov1tGr6m4cI

Navy: https://youtu.be/Hr8NYLj398Q

Industry: https://youtu.be/3dEAtxedLzE

BACKGROUND

Air Force Officer Cadet Alex Cross was recipient of the Commander in Chief Medal awarded to the most outstanding graduate in fields of military and academic achievement, leadership, personal example and performance of duty. He was among several young officers recognised for outstanding leadership or achievement in their fields.