The importance of accepting and supporting cultural differences within the Australian Defence Force and the wider community was highlighted during a poignant Harmony Day event at RAAF Base Williamtown on Friday.
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A handful of attendees to the morning tea event spoke about their experiences with cultural clashes, unconscious bias, bridging the gender and cultural divide in the workforce and the need to work together to create a more harmonious community.
Senior Australian Defence Force Officer Group Captain Peter Cluff began the talks by acknowledging the timing of Harmony Day - one week to the day after the shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand which left 50 dead.
"The events last week in Christchurch show us that acceptance of religious differences is not accepted everywhere and by everyone," he said.
The Group Captain went on to speak about the ADF's mission to attract more female and Indigenous members to the services - Army, Navy and Air Force - so they better reflected the cultural and gender populations within the community.
"For those people who identify as Indigenous, 10 years ago this month their representation in the military was 1 per cent. We're now up to 1.8 but within the Australian community, 3.4 per cent of people identify as Indigenous," he said.
"For females, 10 years ago we had 16.9 per cent females in our Air Force. We're now up to 23 per cent.
"So we still have a fair way to go to get to that 50-50 balance. We've seen some change. It seems like it has taken a long time. But we now have a range of policies and practices that support difference religions and different groups."
Flight Lieutenant Matt Roberts, an Indigenous Liaison Officer at RAAF Base Williamtown and one of eight across Australia, spoke to the group of about 30 military and non-military personnel that turned out the morning tea.
"Harmony Day celebrates multiculturalism, freedom from racial discrimination and acceptance," he said.
"I believe these three things are crucial within the work environment to not only instil a culture that invites and celebrates all of of unique differences but also one which promotes diversity. Diversity of language, diversity of religion and most importantly diversity of all.
"In the past years we've witnessed the Air Force change dramatically to increase both its female and Indigenous members. In doing so the Air Force has created an inclusive work space that allows the opportunity for acceptance to take place and make change."
Wing Commander Simon Wildermuth and Chaplain Raphael Abboud also took the opportunity to speak on Friday morning.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
