HMAS Cairns’ first Indigenous elders Phillip Bowie and Fran Visini to help navy recruits

Two pioneering former sailors are back on board to help young Indigenous navy personnel. Here’s what they can bring to the roles.

TWO former sailors have made a return on board as the navy's first Indigenous Elders to support recruits.

Fran Visini and Phillip Bowie will support the navy Indigenous Development Program based at HMAS Cairns.

Ms Visini worked for two years at HMAS Harman and Albatross as a steward, breaking into the roles at 17 in 1970.

Her new position will allow her to provide support and mentor recruits.

Uncle Phillip Bowie and Aunty Fran Visini have joined the navy Indigenous Development Program as the first navy Indigenous Elders, providing cultural support for the recruits and staff at HMAS Cairns. Picture: Supplied.

“I’m passionate about improving the lives of young people and I look forward to inspiring, leading and supporting our next generation of Indigenous Australians and service personnel,” she said.

“I just want a chance to influence the young recruits and convey the message that they should follow their dreams and have the courage to try.”

Mr Bowie joined in 1956 and trained at HMAS Leeuwin as a marine technician. He served for nearly nine years.

“I am excited about sharing my experiences, and I can spin a good yarn about my time that may help the young recruits,” he said.

“I would like them to think of me as someone they can talk to if they find themselves in a difficult position or just need advice.”

Recruits Marlou Brown, Velma Tsang and Gregory Footscray from the navy Indigenous Development Program on the Cairns Esplanade, Queensland.

The program offers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders an opportunity to improve their reading, writing and fitness while ADF members help them begin their career in the navy.

Lieutenant commander Christopher Thornton said the fact the mentors had experienced the navy was a great help.

“They can speak from personal experience to our recruits who are considering going on into the navy from our program,” he said.

“My staff and I feel extremely fortunate to have Aunty Fran and Uncle Phillip want to be part of our program.

“They have already helped put our recruits’ minds at ease knowing they will be provided with elder cultural support during their training.”

Originally published as HMAS Cairns’ first Indigenous elders Phillip Bowie and Fran Visini to help navy recruits