AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE HIGH TEA
“T
he Australian Defence Force (ADF) High Tea helped to illustrate the many pathways there are for women within the Defence Force. It was attended by a range of female students from across the state.
pathways. My group leader was Tammy, a member of the Navy. She had joined after leaving school and demonstrated how the ADF enables a good work/ life balance while also providing employees with valuable opportunities. Each group was The High Tea provided the involved in activities that worked opportunity to analyse the to build our group chemistry as qualities of effective female well as our understanding of the leaders, such as Jacinta Arden and importance of effective leadership. Michelle Obama, and the benefits It highlighted how anyone is of being a strong leader who uses capable of becoming a leader if compassion and the ability to they are taught the appropriate emphatically understand the needs skills. At the end of the High tea we of others who may be influenced by were given a tour, as well as a Q&A your decisions and actions. session. We were divided into groups and each had an ADF leader from either the Navy, Army or Airforce. They talked to us about our specific needs but also gave their personal experiences and
The High Tea was an interesting experience that demonstrated the benefits of joining the ADF. Subsequently the attendees from Eynesbury were emailed about an all-expenses paid trip to Canberra
in order to attend the ADFA open day, further showing their commitment to us as they valued our interest in pursuing a tertiary education option with them. The High Tea was an interesting experience that demonstrated the valuable qualities of leaders, the benefits of joining the ADF and rewarding experiences that it can enable. I also appreciated learning more about the range of career options for women, demonstrating the ADF’s supportive nature for their female employees. I will continue to consider this option for the studies I pursue after I complete Year 12.
”
Cayleigh Stock, Year 12
In today's modern ADF, women receive exactly the same salaries, training, vocational development and promotion opportunities as their male colleagues. Equality is central to their beliefs that career advancement and rewards should be based on potential, effort and achievement. EYNESBURY TIMES 2019
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