Amber’s service continues beyond the Army

GEELONG-born Indigenous woman Amber Alexander has finished her full-time Army career and has used those skills to keep serving the community today.

Ms Alexander joined the Army at the age of 19, where she served as a medical technician, and transitioned out of full-time Army service in February this year.

She is now a project support officer and an Indigenous development program mentor, and works for JY Australia, an Indigenous and veteran-owned professional service provider.

Ms Alexander said she enjoyed her Army career and it also helped her prepare for her new job.

“Although I had no project management experience or a certification, the skills the Army taught me were very beneficial in helping me be a great fit for the role.

“Skills such as organisation, punctuality, leadership and the ability to be flexible and get the job done were all things my colleagues said made them confident that I would succeed in the role.”

Ms Alexander is still an active Reservist, and works for Defence Force Recruiting.

“For me, it’s about putting on the uniform and being part of the service. The Reserves are there to supplement your lifestyle so you can live the life you live and still give back to community and country,” she said.

“I really wanted to keep that connection. I enjoy everything the Army has to offer so being a Reservist helps me balance all of the commitments that I couldn’t do full-time.

“To still represent the service is really important to me. JY Australia, being veteran- and Indigenous-owned and run, are nothing but supportive [of me completing] my Reserve time and I am grateful for their support and pride in releasing me for my defence service.

The Australian Defence Force highlighted Ms Alexander’s story as part of this year’s National Reconciliation Week (May 27-June 3).

This year’s theme, “Be a Voice for Generations”, encouraging all Australians to be a voice for Reconciliation in tangible ways in everyday life – where we live, work and socialise.

For Ms Alexander, the week is “a time that everyone acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first people of this land. It is a time that is important in the public and I hope that it fosters discussions and education.”

“It should be done all year round, but I think it’s important more than ever during this week to be inquisitive and have a want to learn, and people should use this time to ask, listen, be educated and learn,” she said.

She encouraged others to join the Army, either full-time in the Reserves.

“Whether you are First Nations or not, just do it. There is a lot of support and giving back to country and community. You can’t compare anything to that.”