Class 21 of Navy Indigenous Development Program HMAS Cairns graduates
One of the newest graduates of the Navy Indigenous Development Program says he was ‘making poor life choices’ before his brother inspired him to make a change. Now the navy is looking for the next intake of recruits.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of the newest graduates of the Navy Indigenous Development Program says he was ‘making poor life choices’ before his brother inspired him to make a change. Now the navy is looking for the next intake of recruits.
Confidence, resilience, education and fitness were just some of the qualities and skills developed by the seven newest graduates of the Navy Indigenous Development Program who have celebrated their graduation at HMAS Cairns.
Recruit Tyrelle Singleton from Cairns was named the “recruit of the intake”.
During his speech he explained how he was inspired by his brother who is currently serving in the Royal Australian Navy.
“Before joining the program, I was making poor choices and had little discipline,” Mr Singleton said.
“But this opportunity has taught me that I can push myself so that even when days were tough, I was able to look at the challenges as a chance to improve myself.
“I have really enjoyed the unique training activities and the work we did with the Clontarf Foundation, an organisation that is close to my heart, and I am looking forward to my future as a marine technician in the Royal Australian Navy.”
As a soon-to-be marine technician, another highlight for Mr Singleton was a tour on USS Emory S. Land during its visit to Cairns – a fully capable and mission-ready submarine tender, which provides expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services and logistics support to deployed submarines.
The ceremony was attended by family and friends and guests from visiting foreign navy ships.
Recruit Paige Hull from Newcastle was the recipient of the Defence Values Award for the intake and said working as a team and creating lifelong bonds with her fellow recruits made the program an experience she would highly recommend.
Established in 2013, the NIDP is a 21-week developmental program for Indigenous Australians aged 17 to 35 from across the country.
It offers pathways to build confidence, resilience and fitness, representing part of the navy’s Closing The Gap initiatives.
The program provides learning opportunities in everything from literacy and numeracy to physical fitness, leadership and maritime mastery.
It also includes a cultural component, with students engaging in art and dance with local Indigenous communities.
The navy is now looking for the next intake of recruits into the program.
More Coverage
Originally published as Class 21 of Navy Indigenous Development Program HMAS Cairns graduates
ICED OUT: Why cocaine is new king of meth-scarred cities
Meth’s decade-long reign of Queensland’s drug scene is over as experts warn white powder power is rising in its place. MAPPED HOTSPOTS, DRUG CRIMS NAMED
‘Been an honour’: Gallery director steps down after 14 years
From celebrating national artists to bringing international icons to the Far North, Cairns Art Gallery’s director has stepped down from the prestigious role after 14 years at the helm.