Diversity reaps rewards for Defence Force

This Harmony Day, Defence is celebrating the rich cultural diversity that makes up its workforce and is looking for talented candidates to join its team of highly skilled professionals. 
 
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is actively recruiting a diverse workforce which represents the changing face of modern Australia.
 
In July 2017, Defence launched ‘The ADF Surprised Us’ campaign, featuring culturally diverse ADF members and a family influencer sharing their stories to encourage more Australians to consider a career in the ADF.
 
Since the campaigns launch in July 2017, the ADF has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of culturally diverse people joining the workforce.
 
There has also been a 7.5 percent increase in the number of applications from females of culturally diverse backgrounds.
 
Director General Defence Force Recruiting, Air Commodore (AIRCDRE) Sue McGready said the solid rise in numbers reaffirms that people see the ADF as an inclusive workforce which offers diverse Australians a promising future.
 
“This campaign is about widening the ADFs recruitment pool through accessing the talent that exists within Australia to provide us with the best skills possible,” AIRCDRE McGready said.
 
“Defence’s greatest asset is its people. To create the strongest Defence organisation possible we must attract and retain the best talent Australia has to offer.
 
“A diverse workforce provides a greater range of ideas and insights to challenge accepted norms and will help strengthen our capability and our operational effectiveness,” AIRCDRE McGready said.
 
Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Annie Ningjia Wilkerson, was born in China and immigrated to Australia with her family when she was nine years old. FLTLT Wilkerson, a Personal Capability Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force, feels very lucky to have grown up in Australia and to be serving in the ADF.
 
“The ADF is a very close-knit community that places great emphasis on teamwork, integrity and pride. I am proud to put on my uniform every day and serve alongside motivated, positive and professional people.” FLTLT Wilkerson said.
 
“Ultimately, people join the military for different reasons, but there are core values that echo across and bind any military across geography and time,” FLTLT Wilkerson said.
 
The campaign is available at https://app.defencejobs.gov.au/supporters-hub/parents/testimonial-stories/  
 
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/20140301raaf8540638_0318.jpg