Local Woman of the Year recipient and Cootamundra Cadet supervisor Jacqui Vincent has spoken out in favour of female military involvement ahead of next week’s Anzac Day proceedings.
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Responding to an official statement from Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan concerning the recognition of female veterans and current servicewomen, Mrs Vincent stated that negative stigma surrounding female ADF employees was perpetuated only by older generations and the future for female military personnel was brighter than ever.
“There’s not so much stigma these days and women are getting more and more opportunities,” Mrs Vincent said.
“We’ve taken significant steps forwards and some of the top positions in the military are held by women.
“Obviously there’s scope for improvement but the ADF is becoming more diversified and conditions for women have certainly improved.”
Mrs Vincent believes the military is a perfect environment for personal development and achieving a sense of fulfilment.
“I personally enjoyed my time in the Defence Force but becoming involved is an individual choice,” she said.
“It’s a place in which you can develop a wide range of life skills such as discipline, progressive and logistical thinking, initiative and time management.”
“There is an enormous sense of personal satisfaction that comes from the knowledge of your service to country.”
Mrs Vincent has an ongoing relationship with the Cootamundra Cadet unit, who will again feature heavily in next week’s Anzac Day ceremonies, and stated the passing on of prior military experiences to younger generations was invaluable to developing mature and well-rounded young adults.
“We have 13 registered cadets this year and they will all be involved in the Anzac Day service,” she said. The Cootamundra Dawn Service begins at 6am at Albert Park.