23 June 2025
The Maritime Personnel School at HMAS Cerberus graduated 16 of Navy’s newly qualified maritime human resources officers (MHRO) in May.
The students, some of whom were direct entry into the ADF and others who transferred from previous careers in Navy, undertook 15 weeks of training to be awarded their primary qualifications as MHROs on course 0010.
The graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of achievements, but time to reflect on the significance of the job they had undertaken, highlighted by Chief of Personnel, Lieutenant General Natasha Fox.
Lieutenant General Fox remarked that as MHROs they now stepped into one of the most critical and influential leadership roles in the ADF and were becoming stewards of our people system.
“You are not just maritime human resource officers; you are leaders, advocates, advisers, supporters and champions of our most important capability, our people,” Lieutenant General Fox said.
This was something Sub-Lieutenant Dishant Shah found valuable, serving not only the members’ needs, but also balancing what was required of Navy.
“This was one of the reasons I commissioned and transferred from my previous role as a maritime logistics sailor, I wanted to make a larger impact for our people,” Sub-Lieutenant Dishant said.
“As an MHRO I will have a greater ability to not only serve Command, but help to influence and impact the lives of other members.”
'You are leaders, advocates, advisers, supporters and champions of our most important capability, our people.'
MHROs are key to strategic planning and personnel management support, ensuring skilled and qualified members are mission ready.
The techniques taught on course are woven with an ability to not only think critically and find solutions but do so with professionalism and member care.
This stood out for Sub-Lieutenant Hannah Lunnon, who was awarded the Student of Merit in recognition of her excellence in academic achievement and ability to demonstrate a superior ability to learn, contextualise and offer best-fit solutions to challenges.
Sub-Lieutenant Lunnon said being awarded the recognition made her feel proud, and had given her a desire to continue to pursue her new career with the same level of effort that she was recognised for, as that is what members deserved.
The MHROs have now posted to positions around the country to consolidate their learning and develop as human resources specialists in a practical environment.
For further information about maritime human resources officers visit ADF Careers.
