18 June 2025
Lily Hemmings, a year 9 student from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High School, travelled to RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW, in May to participate in Air Force’s Women in Aviation Program.
The program provides young women, ranging in age from 15 to 24, with an insight into the exciting aviation and technical careers the Air Force offers.
It is a four-day program where participants experience the day-to-day routine of an Air Force Base, and have the opportunity to see military aviation roles firsthand.
Lily and her fellow participants had the opportunity to experience the Air Force up-close and personal, spending her days on the base, wearing the uniform.
“It has been a great thing to use technical equipment so that I was able to really see what these jobs were about, and wearing the Air Force uniform enhanced that,” Lily said.
During their time on base, participants experienced the talents of the military working dogs and their handlers, and were taken through physical training at the base gym.
They got a close look at the E-7A Wedgetail and a Pilatus PC-21 aircraft. They learnt about Air Battle Managers and observed Hawk 127 Fighters taking off and landing from the Air Traffic Control tower, and much more.
'It opened me up to new possibilities in careers I could do, and made me realise how supportive everyone is.'
“My favourite aspect of the program was getting to experience so many jobs. Everyone at the base is so friendly and supportive and I especially loved getting to talk to the pilots,” Lily said.
“The aircraft were some of the most amazing things to see. We got to see the F-35 A Lightning II take off, and learnt about them.
“I highly recommend this program for any young women regardless of whether they want to join the Air Force or not.”
Participants learnt about careers in the Air Force from Air Force members, having the opportunity to hear their stories first hand.
“It opened me up to new possibilities in careers I could do, and made me realise how supportive everyone is,” Lily said, “almost like one big family.”
When asked if she would recommend the program to other young women, Lily gave a definite affirmative.
“Absolutely!” Lily said.
“Everyone in the program is so supportive including my fellow participants. It made me feel empowered and more confident.”
