Darren Chester MP

After 12 years’ service in Royal Australian Air Force, former Flight Lieutenant Paolo Neri transitioned to civilian life and self-employment.

Paolo, who was born in Italy and immigrated to Australia as a child, grew up on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and attended Frankston High School.

“As a teenager I was passionate about aviation, particularly military aviation,” explains Paolo.

So while studying Aeronautical Engineering at RMIT University he went through the Defence recruitment process and was offered an appointment as an Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

Paolo started his career in 2009 at RAAF Base East Sale and, after years of study and training, graduated as a Weapon Systems Officer on the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Fast forward a few years and postings, in June 2020 Paolo attended an ADF Member and Family Transition Seminar in Brisbane and was connected with an ADF Transition coach. He said the planning session with his coach was very useful and explained what services and support were available.

“I decided to transition from permanent service to pursue my interest in the family business and to provide more stability for my young family,” said Paolo.

Paolo, his wife Juanita and children Valentino and Francesca have settled in Brisbane where they now run a furniture and leather repair business.

“We are enjoying the flexibility that comes from working for ourselves, as well as the satisfaction of building and growing the family business,” Paolo said.

Paolo’s advice for members thinking about transitioning is to talk to those who have gone before you.

“Often the only thing holding you back is the fear of the unknown, especially if Defence is the only industry you have worked in since leaving school,” said Paolo.

“Be proud of your Defence career as you transition and use the experiences and skills you have gained to your advantage in your new endeavours.”

Thank you for your service Paolo. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

Can’t imagine a better day to get out and explore Gippsland.

I love the Gippsland Lakes and the ferry from Paynesville to Raymond Island is free for pedestrians.
You can go on the self-guided koala trail and I guarantee you will spot some of the locals.

There are some exciting plans to upgrade the trail, improve the education and information about koalas, and restore more of the vegetation for the long-term sustainability of the population.

I’m working with local community groups to help secure the additional funding for the environmental and tourism benefit of locals and visitors.

#lovegippsland

This is Nancye White (nee Parker) and today she turns 100 years old. She was born at home in Lorn, West Maitland, NSW.

Nancye joined the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force in June 1942 and was stationed in Parkes, NSW, and Toowoomba, QLD. Her duties were to update pilots on weather conditions and she was also in charge of organising equipment to be sent to New Guinea. At discharge in July 1946, she was a corporal serving with 7 Stores Depot, Toowoomba.

According to Nancye, the best thing about serving was knowing she was helping the war effort. She worked very hard with little comforts and had some very long days. Nancye remembers her father, who served in the Boer War and the First World War, as being ‘so proud of me, you’d think I was the head of the Air Force’. Nancye made some wonderful friends while serving and advises younger serving members to work hard and make sure they enjoy time off with friends.

During her service, Nancye met her future husband Colin who was a warrant officer serving with 15 Aircraft Repair Depot in New Guinea. They married in March 1946. Colin was posted to a number of different countries and together they lived overseas for many years.

Nancye credits her long life to keeping busy, having lots of laughs and helping others not so fortunate.

Happy birthday Nancye and thank you for your service.

#TYFYS #OurVeterans