For Leading Seaman Kellie Curry and Leading Seaman Nathan Cain, taking on the role of an instructor for the Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program (IPRP) was all about giving back.
Born and raised in Cloncurry, north-west Queensland, Leading Seaman Curry came into Navy through the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) after working in the mining industry for years.
After a number of postings both at sea and ashore, she took on the role of an instructor, taking her career full-circle.
“The decision to become an instructor was an easy choice,” Leading Seaman Curry said.
“I wanted to give back to the program that kick-started my career. I wanted to be a mentor and influence our Indigenous men and women and give them the ability to believe in themselves.”
The IPRP is a six-week triservice program designed to support Indigenous trainees in meeting the physical fitness and general enlistment requirements for the ADF.
Over the course of the program, trainees undertake a variety of learning activities including classroom and outside instruction, physical training, cultural awareness and learning about Indigenous and ADF culture.
The program also includes team-building activities, outdoor adventure training and military site visits.
Leading Seaman Cain took on the role of an instructor for the program after 13 years of service.
“I always wanted to take on an instructor role and to find a way to give my experience back,” Leading Seaman Cain said.
“Teaching these recruits is the best thing I’ve ever done in Defence. Mentoring and teaching them to become more resilient and a leader within.”
For Leading Seaman Curry, seeing and supporting the growth of recruits through the program is the most rewarding aspect of the job.
“These recruits come to the program from all parts of Australia. Some are very shy, have no confidence or resilience, some have never left the comforts of home before and some have never talked about or explored their Indigenous heritage,” she said.
“The transformation they are able to achieve in such a small amount of time is quite remarkable and seeing them pass their recruit training, knowing that you played a pivotal role in getting them to this point, is very satisfying.
“Being an instructor can be challenging. The role does come with long working hours but it also comes with a high level of job satisfaction.
“If you are passionate about guiding and mentoring our next generation of sailors in the Royal Australian Navy, then I definitely recommend discussing the option with your career manager.”
