SELLING NAVY: Navy Community Connections Initiative team members WO Geoff Hooper, CPO Rodney Siggs, CPO Bert Abel and CPO Steve Hoods pictured with the display that forms the centrepiece of Navy’s Community Engagement Strategy. Photo: LEUT Chris Woods

By Annie Casey

Teams of specially chosen and trained Navy Reservists (NR) personnel are setting up temporary shopfronts in selected shopping centres in Queensland as part of a 12-week trial.

The initiative is part of the new Navy Community Engagement Strategy (NCES) aimed at increasing Navy visibility in the community.
The program is expected to boost goodwill and knowledge about Navy plus positively
influence Australians’ awareness of Navy and its role.

Deputy Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Max Hancock launched the strategy at the Myer Centre in the Brisbane CBD during South Queensland’s Navy Week.
“We’re after a couple of key things…for people to better understand what it’s like to be in a Navy uniform and go to work every day in the Navy, and all the different jobs, categories and skill sets needed to make the Navy work,” RADM Hancock said.

“We also want to get the community to gain a better understanding of what the Navy as a whole – 13,000 people, ships, submarines, aircraft, diving teams and bases contribute to Australia’s overall security … and we do make a significant contribution.”
NR personnel taking up the community engagement duties will not only give out general Navy information but broaden the enquirer’s understanding of Navy’s role and culture.
Staff will provide a stand with a lap-top computer loaded with the virtual ship tour and latest Navy video, brochures and artwork.

GIVE AWAYS: Community Connections Initiative team member AB Vanessa Vardi rolls posters to use as promotional give-aways.

A secondary and important benefit expected to flow from this active engagement is stimulating Navy career enquiries by face-to-face contact.

This “personal presence model” has already been used effectively by non-profit organisations such as State Emergency Services and the St John’s Ambulance Brigade in increasing public awareness.

Other initiatives under the NCES include: the further development of strategic partnerships with technical training authorities, institutions and providers; better use of the Force Elements Group assets to assist in recruiting efforts and greater engagement with secondary schools, universities and other training authorities.

 

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