Employees from the Defence Assistance Program (DAP) at RAAF Base Amberley were surprised with a tour of the E/A-18G Growler aircraft on the 6 Squadron flight line.
For many of the group it was their first time getting so close to a fast jet and proved to be an exciting experience.
Defence personnel organised the tour as a way of thanking the DAP team for their enduring support and hard work throughout the year.
DAP is a national initiative delivered by Security & Estate Group. The program provides more than 100 participants living with disability across ten Defence sites the opportunity to engage in rewarding and meaningful work, while contributing to Defence’s overall capability.
Defence introduced the national program in 2014 and services later commenced at Amberley in 2016.
Warrant Officer Ursula Coalter works as a Defence member support coordinator in the office beside DAP employees and sees the benefit of their work first-hand. She facilitated the fast jet tour as a way to give back to the DAP team.
“DAP employees support with a smile and have become integral friendly faces at Amberley,” Warrant Officer Coalter said.
“This tour was our way of saying thanks and letting them know they are a valued part of our base community.”
The employees provide support to the base in tasks such as photocopying, scanning, shredding, preparing training material and mail duties.
The program is about inclusion and focuses on growing each individual to support their goals.
This year the program has expanded on site and now includes supporting Squadron orderly rooms, as well as support to base post offices and cafes.
Madisen Ward is one of the program’s stars and has been working with DAP at Amberley for six years.
Her role has evolved into working five days a week and she is an important part of the Headquarters Combat Support Group combined registry office.
“I really enjoy being part of the registry team and feel like I’ve achieved a lot,” she said.
“I do work such as ordering supplies, scanning and answering enquiries and most of all I enjoy the responsibility of the work. It’s great working alongside the Defence uniforms and I love the people I work with.
“Today’s tour of the Growler and walking around the jet was really cool, it’s one of the perks of working on an Air Force base.”
The DAP is a rewarding partnership for the individuals, Endeavour Foundation and Defence.
