AHC supports army recruitment project

The Chief Executive Officer of the AHC, Michael Mundine, says: “It’s about time we get something out there which gives hope to the new generation. This generation went through a very vicious cycle, and the Defence Force can provide a good future for them.”

As part of the project, the company is planning a visit to Holsworthy Barracks following clearance from the ADF. The visit will include a full tour of the base and its operations, as well as lunch with the soldiers in their mess hall. The young people attending the tour will also be given information about the various jobs within the army.

The AHC’s Project Director, Peter Valilis, says: “The kids that we’ve talked to so far are very excited. This is one small idea that has really snowballed. I think it will take off.”

Richard Green, an Indigenous man and former artillery soldier, is a strong advocate for the AHC’s latest project. Mr Green says Aboriginal people do not fear gaol because “there is no support for them outside. Some of them have no direction, but the army can put you on track. This project is a step forward.”

Mr Valilis says many Aboriginal people, particularly young men, view gaol as an “initiation process”. He says the current mentality among young Aboriginal men is that surviving gaol signifies their transition into manhood. “The army is a great way to replace this initiation process. You have to undergo psychological, physical and mental testing… it’s challenging on so many different levels.”

According to Marija Ilovski, Careers Promotion Coordinator for the Defence Force in NSW, a career within the Defence Force is not limited to an armed soldier. “There are over 280 jobs available in the Australian Defence Force and over 420 different options within those jobs.”

Mr Valilis said many of the Aboriginal youths living on “The Block” do not want to become a soldier. “Almost everyone assumes that when you enlist in the army you become a soldier and go to war. That’s a misconception. You can be anything from truck driver to doctor, and the army pays you to learn these skills,” he said. “When we explained this to the kids, they were shocked and then excited. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get the skills, the discipline and the respect.”

Mr Valilis says army recruitment has become difficult due to low unemployment rates in today's Australian society. Aboriginal people have “bucked that trend” and are one of the few groups that are still experiencing high unemployment.

“They are one of the few groups that aren’t prospering from this economic growth," Mr Valilis said. “It is an obvious recruiting pool.”

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006, the unemployment rate for Indigenous people between 18-24 years was 21 per cent, in comparison to 9 per cent for non-Indigenous people within the same age group.

The AHC is an Aboriginal-governed organisation that formed in 1973. It is an independent, non-profit charity that was the first community housing provider of its type in Australia.

Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Peter Valilis