11 July 2025
A third-generation Defence member and Wiradjuri/Ngunnawal man, Sergeant Ronald Schultz, reflects on his service, and his son’s recent graduation, for National NAIDOC Week.
Serving since 2001, Sergeant Schultz has worn many hats in the Air Force – chef, carpenter and now Indigenous Liaison Officer – a role that he is most passionate about as he mentors Indigenous Australians seeking to serve.
As his own son, fourth-generation Defence member Aircraftman Zaylan Schultz, now prepares to graduate Air Movements employment training, Sergeant Schultz couldn't be prouder.
“I was emotional on our first FaceTime during Zaylan’s training,” Sergeant Schultz recalled.
“He had a freshly shaved head and tired eyes – but he was already speaking about how much fun he was having. It just made me so proud.”
This year marks 50 years of National NAIDOC Week and the theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, celebrates achievements of the past and the bright future ahead.
Through his work at Defence Force Recruiting (DFR), Sergeant Schultz has supported Indigenous applicants through their initial stages, right through to overseeing their recruit graduation.
He has run local fitness sessions and watched young people grow from nervous applicants to standout aviators.
“Connecting and networking with communities, Elders and organisations across the nation through working at DFR allowed me to develop a huge network to assist in all areas, ‘Common Ground’ and ‘Our Place our skies’,” Sergeant Schultz said.
‘Seize every opportunity, do your best in everything you do, it won’t always be easy but our ancestors are watching, guiding and believing in you.’
One of his proudest moments was seeing four candidates from Darwin's Army Indigenous Development Program sweep the awards at graduation.
“Being in the office isn’t enough,” Sergeant Schultz said. “Mob are missing out on opportunities if we’re not in community, having a cuppa, having a yarn. That’s how we build solid foundations.”
But nothing compared to seeing his own son commence his own Defence Force journey.
"Excited doesn't begin to cover it,” Sergeant Schultz said.
“Watching him grow, graduating as a Gap Year mover and chasing his dream of becoming a full-time loadmaster – it means the world.
“I always say, ‘Seize every opportunity, do your best in everything you do, it won’t always be easy but our ancestors are watching, guiding and believing in you.’
“Remember Yindyamarra: respect always and ‘Stay Strong, Stay Deadly’.”
National NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
