An international public affairs and photography course has brought together regional professionals from five nations to sharpen communication skills and strengthen relationships.
Delivered earlier this year by the Information Operations Training Wing at Joint Training Command, the course brought together public affairs and photography practitioners from Malaysia, Tonga, Vanuatu, Indonesia and Fiji, strengthening Indo‑Pacific defence and policing partnerships in line with the Defence Strategic Review.
The course was delivered by a combined Australian Defence Force (ADF) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) public affairs instructional team.
Squadron Leader Jessica Aldred, a senior instructor at Information Operations Training Wing, said the course equipped participants with practical skills required to operate effectively in modern military and policing communication roles.
“Participants learned to engage confidently with media, develop clear messaging for traditional and social platforms, manage information in high‑pressure situations, and build essential photography and content packages for military and policing public affairs,” Squadron Leader Aldred said.
Royal Australian Navy public affairs officer Lieutenant Emily Tinker said the course enabled participants to share insights into how public affairs was practised across their respective nations.
“We had some very interesting discussions about how each nation approaches and utilises public affairs to promote the purpose and people of their respective Defence and policing forces,” Lieutenant Tinker said.
The Information Operations Training Wing’s commitment to a combined ADF and NZDF instructional team has strengthened training outcomes across the Indo-Pacific region.
‘Our students not only had to comprehend the content, but also translate it in a culturally meaningful way for application back home.’
NZDF principal communications adviser Sue Eden said the course aimed to engage international partners by sharing public affairs knowledge and experience, helping participants deepen their understanding and build practical skills, such as taking impactful photos to support storytelling.
“We need people to understand who we are and what we do, how we keep our nations safe and secure, and how we achieve strategic and operational goals,” Ms Eden said.
Participants applied these skills by photographing ADF members marching at Simpson Barracks.
They also took part in a field trip to central Melbourne, where they put their photography skills into practice.
Royal New Zealand Air Force imagery specialist and instructor Sergeant Rachel Pugh, who is currently on a six-month instructor exchange with the ADF, said the most challenging aspect of the course was the language barrier.
“Our students not only had to comprehend the content, but also translate it in a culturally meaningful way for application back home,” Sergeant Pugh said.
Students also conducted simulated media interviews, rotating through the roles of spokesperson, interviewer and public affairs adviser.
Ms Eden said that beyond technical proficiency, the course fostered professional networks.
“I hope they take away new friendships, have made contacts so they can work together in the future, and have a greater understanding of each other’s militaries, policing services and countries,” Ms Eden said.
“Not to mention some unique experiences, memories and a few Kiwi and Aussie slang words they can share with their mates back home.”
The Information Operations Training Wing, Joint Training Command, continues to build upon these connections, strengthening military and policing public affairs across the Indo-Pacific.
