From the Top End to the Blue Pacific, RAAF Movements Coordinator Leading Aircraftwoman Julia McDonald is taking her career all over the world.
Inspired by her Auntie's service in the Australian Army, Leading Aircraftwoman McDonald decided to swap her administration role for something more hands on.
"After seeing the career my aunty had and the lifestyle she lived, I knew a career in Defence would suit me perfectly," she said.
"I knew by being a movements coordinator, I would get to accompany the aircraft all over the world and that every day would be different."
Having travelled internationally many times as a child, Leading Aircraftwoman McDonald always loved being around aircraft, which made her decision to join the Air Force easy.
Enlisting in 2022, the Newcastle local commenced her Initial Employment Training at RAAF Bases Wagga and Richmond in NSW.
"The first component focused on our licensing and gaining dangerous goods certification," she said.
"We were taught how to drive a tow motor, forklift and other vehicles too.
"After that, we learnt how to use side nets, chains, how to load an aircraft and tie things down."
After graduation, Leading Aircraftwoman McDonald received her first posting to RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory.
With only two years of service under her belt, Leading Aircraftwoman McDonald has embraced every opportunity to learn, travel and deploy on operations and is currently in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in support of the Defence Pacific Air Program (DPAP) 25-3.
"I've enjoyed exercise seasons in Darwin, but this has by far been my career highlight," she said.
"I have really enjoyed being in PNG to the point where I'm now extending as an augumentee.
"Being on DPAP 25-2 and DPAP 25-3 has been a really great opportunity to utilise my training in unfamiliar environments, which has led me to grow, get resilience up, and really just thrive."
Reflecting on her career thus far, Leading Aircraftwoman McDonald hopes to see more interest in the Air Force movements role.
"The doors have opened tremendously for me since joining Defence," she said.
"To anyone that asks me whether they should apply, I tell them they should 100 per cent give it a red-hot crack.
"If you are looking for a physical job, working with a great team and no day being the same, be a Mover because the opportunities are endless."
