The Chief Executive Officer of the AHC, Michael Mundine,
says: “It’s about time we get something out there which gives hope to the new
generation. This generation went through a very vicious cycle, and the Defence
Force can provide a good future for them.”
As part of the project, the company is planning a visit to
Holsworthy Barracks following clearance from the ADF. The visit will include a
full tour of the base and its operations, as well as lunch with the soldiers in
their mess hall. The young people attending the tour will also be given
information about the various jobs within the army.
The AHC’s Project Director, Peter Valilis, says: “The kids
that we’ve talked to so far are very excited. This is one small idea that has
really snowballed. I think it will take off.”
Richard Green, an Indigenous man and former artillery
soldier, is a strong advocate for the AHC’s latest project. Mr Green says
Aboriginal people do not fear gaol because “there is no support for them
outside. Some of them have no direction, but the army can put you on track.
This project is a step forward.”
Mr Valilis says many Aboriginal people, particularly young
men, view gaol as an “initiation process”. He says the current mentality among
young Aboriginal men is that surviving gaol signifies their transition into
manhood. “The army is a great way to replace this initiation process. You have
to undergo psychological, physical and mental testing… it’s challenging on so
many different levels.”
According to Marija Ilovski, Careers Promotion Coordinator
for the Defence Force in NSW, a career within the Defence Force is not limited
to an armed soldier. “There are over 280 jobs available in the Australian
Defence Force and over 420 different options within those jobs.”
Mr Valilis said many of the Aboriginal youths living on “The
Block” do not want to become a soldier. “Almost everyone assumes that when you
enlist in the army you become a soldier and go to war. That’s a misconception.
You can be anything from truck driver to doctor, and the army pays you to learn
these skills,” he said. “When we explained this to the kids, they were shocked
and then excited. This is a wonderful opportunity for them to get the skills,
the discipline and the respect.”
Mr Valilis says army recruitment has become difficult due to
low unemployment rates in today’s Australian society. Aboriginal people have
“bucked that trend” and are one of the few groups that are still experiencing
high unemployment.
“They are one of the few groups that aren’t prospering from
this economic growth,” Mr Valilis said. “It is an obvious recruiting
pool.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006,
the unemployment rate for Indigenous people between 18-24 years was 21 per
cent, in comparison to 9 per cent for non-Indigenous people within the same age
group.
The AHC is an Aboriginal-governed organisation that formed
in 1973. It is an independent, non-profit charity that was the first community
housing provider of its type in Australia.
Photo: Ali Blogg- Caption: Peter Valilis
Source:
South Sydney Herald July 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au