The Australian Army’s Adelaide-based 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), is preparing for the next three weeks as young Indigenous men and women participate in adventure training.
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Following a successful pilot program at Port Lincoln in 2018, this year’s Exercise Thura Yura is being held from 4-23 November and will involve kayaking, abseiling and a ‘story walk’ themed navigation challenge.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said the activities aim to build enduring relationships.
"A key deliverable under the 2019-2022 Defence Reconciliation Action Plan is to establish strong collaborative partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander communities," Minister Reynolds said.
The activities will see participants learn from one another and are led by experienced Army instructors, as well as community elders who will teach Aboriginal customs and traditions.
The exercise is divided into three blocks with a different company of 7RAR soldiers partnering with a local Indigenous youth group each week.
"The Army has conducted essential training for decades and I am pleased this year’s exercise includes 30 youths from Ceduna and Whyalla," Minister Reynolds added.