Committee members from the newly formed Junior Aviator’s Group (JAG) booked guest speakers ranging from an Australian Olympian to a former chief police inspector for Mental Health Awareness Month in October.
The program of speakers aligned with this year’s Mental Health Month theme ‘Let’s Talk About It’, and was part of a month of sessions put on by Headquarters Air Command (HQAC) to support RAAF Glenbrook base personnel.
Aimed at encouraging individuals to take responsibility for personal wellness while influencing peers to do the same, the series included activities such as a nearby Nepean River Walk, mindfulness, yoga and group fitness sessions – as well as the inspirational talks.
JAG organising committee members Leading Aircraftwoman Alicia Maybury and Leading Aircraftwoman Charlie-Elle McCarthy said speakers were selected to cover different aspects of mental health.
“Dr Chris Benton focused on the psychological affects that can be faced by Defence members,” Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury said.
“As someone who understands the unique nature of service life, former NSW Chief Police Inspector Robert Fitzgerald provided relatable real-life experiences, discussing coping mechanisms and the importance of speaking up when we are struggling.
“And to provide a sporting point of view, Australian gold medal Olympian Noemie Fox spoke on the links between physical and mental health, overcoming injuries and the importance to still train, even on the hard days.
“It was an honour to have an Australian Olympian make time to come onto base and interact with our people on such a personal level.”
‘It was amazing to see how far as a society we have come in relation to supporting mental health.’
Leading Aircraftwoman McCarthy agreed that the visit by Ms Fox was exciting and appreciated.
“It’s not often that Air Force engages with professional athletes, so for those who love their sport and fitness, it was very rewarding for everyone involved,” she said.
Wing Commander Catherine Plenty said an added benefit for the JAGs was enhancing professional experience.
“Organising the initiative has provided the junior aviators with the chance to explore leadership early in their career and they have done so selflessly,” Wing Commander Plenty said.
“Their efforts have encouraged people back into the office, increasing engagement across the ranks and reinvigorating the RAAF Glenbrook community.”
Organising the October events resulted in a number of highlights for Leading Aircraftwoman McCarthy and Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury.
“Working with junior aviators from various musterings and connecting with base personnel to hear what they would like to get involved with in the future was a valuable networking experience,” Leading Aircraftwoman McCarthy said.
Leading Aircraftwoman Maybury added that the support and guidance they received from Wing Commander Plenty was “incredible”.
“She created both the opportunity and environment for the JAGs to take the lead, inspiring us to aim high with our activities,” she said.
“The responses from public figures and sporting teams when searching for potential guest speakers was heart-warming. It was amazing to see how far as a society we have come in relation to supporting mental health.
“Given the base-wide interest and feedback from the Mental Health Awareness Month sessions, we are aiming to hold more events throughout the year incorporating some of the suggestions.”
