Being part of the Sailor of the Year program was a humbling experience for Leading Seaman Tom Hines, which reinforced to him the importance of his teaching role.
"When I found out I had been nominated, I was very surprised and very humbled," the Aviation Technician (Aircraft) said.
"The program has really given me an appreciation of the impact I have on trainees as a leading seaman, that the words I use, they really take on board and they really listen."
Growing up, Leading Seaman Hines always had a strong interest in aviation and he takes pride in his current role at the RAAF School of Technical Training, where he is responsible for trainees under initial employment training.
As well as delivering lessons on communication, teamwork, team building and leadership, the modest father-of-two looks after student welfare and monitors their academic progress.
'The program has really given me an appreciation of the impact I have on trainees ... that the words I use, they really take on board and they really listen.'
"I'm responsible for ensuring that trainees know what's required of them day to day and that they are ready when they graduate and post to their future squadrons," Leading Seaman Hines said.
"The leadership qualities I hope to impart to the trainees is teamwork and communication, that way when they do leave here, they'll be able to work in a tight-knit team, know what's required of them and be able to communicate openly and freely."
Part of the motivation for posting to Wagga was to be near his family and his partner's, as both grew up in the town.
"Being in a shore posting, work has been really flexible in allowing me to participate in ADF sport, whether that be AFL or golf," Leading Seaman Hines said.
"My way to unwind is to spend time with my family, and on weekends I try to have a hit of golf with mates and play a round of footy where I can."
Leading Seaman Hines relished the week of activities for the Sailor of the Year nominees, including darting around Sydney on the Amazing Race and climbing the Harbour Bridge.
"My advice to future nominees would be to really take on board what people say and use the opportunity to network with other categories," he said.
