Inaugural 'Women in Defence expo' in the NT

WOMEN in the Northern Territory will have the opportunity this weekend to engage with Australian Defence Force (ADF) members about the career opportunities available to them at the inaugural ‘Women in Defence Expo’.

Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the role of women in the Australian military had evolved significantly over the last century and today there was no role in the ADF that women couldn’t take on.

“The expo will be held on Saturday, 12 June at the Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Darwin, and is a fantastic opportunity for the ADF to engage with the community,” Mr Chester said.

“As part of the expo, attendees will be able to hear from current Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, the ADF Cadets, the Australian Army Band and the Defence Community Organisations about the opportunities available to them.

“Some people in the community might not know and understand what a career in the Defence Force might mean for them, so being able to hear from current ADF personnel and ask them about their experience is an amazing opportunity.

“A career in the Defence Force is rewarding and sets people up with skills and experience that they will use for the rest of their lives and I encourage women in the Northern Territory to get along and find out more.”

Today almost 20 per cent of ADF personnel are women, with over 11,000 serving in the permanent forces. This includes more than 3,400 in the Navy, more than 4,400 in the Army, and more than 3,700 in the Air Force. A further 5,200 serve as part of the ADF Reserve.

“I would like to thank the staff at Defence Force Recruiting who offer candidates mentoring, career guidance, and a helping hand to navigate the recruiting process,” Mr Chester said.

For further information on women in the ADF visit www.defencejobs.gov.au/about-the-adf/women-in-the-adf.