Navy Indigenous is growing in size to meet demand for its specialist skill set.
Regional Indigenous Development Coordinators (RIDCs) and staff officers gathered in Sydney and the NSW south coast in February for Navy cultural immersion and mental health training.
Navy Indigenous Adviser Commander Michael Henry said the team would soon swell to assist with the growing workload.
Navy Indigenous often handles complex issues that can overlap community sensitivities, government policy and naval doctrine.
"The primary role of a RIDC is to be an enabler," Commander Henry said.
"The engagement may involve the requirement to have deep and meaningful conversations with Elders and First Nations people about activities or events that are mutually beneficial to the community and to Navy.
"During a community engagement activity, for example, a coordinator may be required to sit, over a period of time, and build a relationship with community Elders to understand what the issues are.
"And then they will look at where there are opportunities to work with community in a meaningful way.
"A prime example of that would be up in the Top End. In the Northern Territory, there is a requirement for Indigenous ranger groups to have more coxswains because training is not readily available. We are currently investigating how Navy can support the region in training coxswains, to navigate and steer small vessels.
"More highly trained coxswains not only helps the ranger groups but also assists in our mission to protect and defend the nation."
Navy Indigenous also contributes to Closing the Gap deliverables. The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is underpinned by an awareness that when First Nations people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved.
Navy Indigenous falls within the Directorate of Navy Culture (DNC). The Navy cultural immersion included meeting with members of the wider DNC team and understanding the culture framework that they work within.
This year's Navy cultural immersion also included media and public affairs training and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health first-aid course.
Commander Henry said roles in Navy Indigenous were generally for two years.
He welcomed inquiries from the more than 600 Navy people who identify as First Nations who might wish to consider a posting to the team.
