The 2023 Indo Pacific Sea Power Conference and Exhibition was held at the International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour during 7-9 November. The three-day event recorded a little over 27,000 attendances across the three days, up from 25,000 in 2022.
This year’s conference theme ‘Fleet 2035: Sea Power & the Future of Maritime Warfare,’ aims to encourage critical thinking on the important role that sea power plays in supporting Australia’s national security and economic prosperity.
The crew from HMAS Adelaide III and the team running the Navy Life Expo had an awesome day showing some NSW School kids around, giving them a taste of what life is like on a ship and all the unique and exciting career opportunities, through serving in the Royal Australian Navy (Image from RAN)
As an exciting addition to the event, the Royal Australian Navy introduced its very first Navy Life Expo. This remarkable expo allowed school students to explore a dedicated area that highlighted the incredible career opportunities, rich culture and inspiring leadership within the Navy. Through interactive exhibits and captivating demonstrations, students were immersed in the world of the Navy, discovering its exceptional training programs, lifestyle benefits, and the incredible individuals who make it all possible.
During the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference in Sydney, artist and esteemed Madarrpa clan Elder, Djambawa Marawili, presented his breathtaking artwork, titled "Spirit of Sea Rights," to Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond. The moment was captured in a mesmerizing photograph taken by Leading Seaman Susan Mossop, showcasing the profound connection between art and the Navy. (Image from RAN)
Furthermore, the close connection Navy has with the Saltwater people of Blue Mud Bay was honoured during the conference when artist and Madarrpa clan Elder Djambawa Marawili presented his bark painting, Spirit of Sea Rights, as an articulation of Navy’s connection to the sea and to Indigenous Australia.
The bark painting symbolises the ancestral baru (crocodile) reaching out from the saltwater to strengthen Navy with the sacred fire that preserves and protects Australia. Mr Marawili said if we can learn, we can understand and find a common ground for a shared future.
“This bark is a remarkable gift from our First Nations people. It includes Navy in our nation’s story so that we can identify with the history of the continent prior to the birth of the Australian nation,” Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Hammond said.
Over three days, leaders shared ideas to meet the complex challenges of an accelerating Indo-Pacific region, providing a valuable opportunity to connect leaders from Australian and international defence, industry, government, academic and technological organisations.
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