Joining the Royal Australian Navy is one of the best decisions Petty Officer Frances Visini ever made, and when she did, she experienced a profound sense of belonging and pride.

Petty Officer Visini, or Aunty Fran, as her current recruits and staff know her, joined the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) in 1970.

From her very first day at HMAS Cerberus, she experienced equality. 

“We were all treated as one team, like family,” Aunty Fran said. 

Aunty Fran was born on Thursday Island. She has both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, with connections to Mer, Mua and Mabuyag in the Torres Strait, and to the Yupungathi Clan from Western Cape York Peninsula in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Her service in the WRANS was relatively short, however, the friendships, values and confidence Aunty Fran gained stayed with her for life.

“Those foundations later supported me to raise four children, complete university studies, and spend nearly 25 years as an educator in both child care and state schools,” she said.

Aunty Fran’s involvement in the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) came about unexpectedly. 

Although hesitant at first, she realised that it was a unique opportunity to reconnect with the Navy after more than 50 years. She now serves as an NIDP Elder alongside Warrant Officer Jeremiah (Jerry) Savage.

'This is where our young men and women walk in two worlds: honouring their culture and heritage, and contributing to the defence of and service to our nation.'

Aunty Fran’s work allows her to support and mentor young Indigenous people as they pursue careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

“This realisation inspired me deeply and I became genuinely motivated to make a positive impact,” she said.

“I have now had the honour of supporting and mentoring our young people, as they walk their own paths into the ADF, for four years. NIDP 25 marks my eighth intake into the NIDP.”

Aunty Fran sees the NIDP as more than a pathway into Defence. She believes that the educational opportunity provided opens up many pathways for young Indigenous people.

“It is a bridge connecting our communities to opportunity, education and new skills,” she said.

“It is also a partnership built on respect and understanding.

“This is where our young men and women walk in two worlds: honouring their culture and heritage, and contributing to the defence of and service to our nation.”

Being an NIDP Elder has been an uplifting experience for Aunty Fran. She enjoys how different every intake is, the unique challenges they come with, and she looks forward to working with each new intake.

“Throughout my time in this role, I have had the privilege of witnessing recruits discover their own strengths, embrace new opportunities, form strong friendships and pursue the pathway of their choice,” Aunty Fran said.

“Having come back after nearly 50 years, I now feel complete.”