Diverse aviators work for a brighter future

Aviators from across Air Force came together in Canberra for a business speaking program and workshop in October.

CAPTION: Corporal Carlos Linares Fernandez, left, Flying Officer Marco Kall, Leading Aircraftwoman Sonia Gomez Lopez and Sergeant Yuhang Ding participate in a workshop held at Brindabella Park, Canberra. Story by Squadron Leader Jessica Aldred. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Adam Abela.

The workshop – focused on culturally and linguistically diverse personnel – provided attendees the opportunity to share their experiences and shape inclusion strategies for the future.

Acting Director Organisational Behaviour & Culture – Air Force Wing Commander Wendy Walker said it was important to bring diverse aviators together to enhance Air Force’s inclusion initiatives.

“The business speaking program provided an opportunity for aviators across all ranks to learn and develop their skills, which in turn will help them to be better leaders for Air Force,” Wing Commander Walker said.

“The workshop’s aim was to learn from the experiences of our culturally and linguistically diverse personnel and determine how we can enhance and evolve inclusion in the workplace.

“Both these activities were essential to understanding current challenges and finding a way forward together.”

Diversity in the workforce provides a broader range of skills, knowledge and experience which are critical to developing innovative solutions in the delivery of air and space power.

Wing Commander Walker said Air Force must recruit and retain people who can best represent the service in Australia and overseas.

“Through workforce inclusion, we encourage and promote diverse views – this in turn means we can develop different ideas to resolve challenges,” Wing Commander Walker said.

“Air Force has continued to support Defence aid to the civil community, exercises and operations here at home and overseas, including an increasing focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

“Tapping into our workforce’s different perspectives will only strengthen our response to any challenges, and enhance our relationships with the communities we engage with.”

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