High school students from across Sydney had a hands-on try at Navy life - including their first sea voyage and a tour of HMAS Canberra - at a tailored exhibition on the sidelines of the Indo Pacific 2025 conference.
The Navy Life Expo gave students from 32 schools the chance to explore careers and learn about life in the Royal Australian Navy.
Students tested their skills in aviation and submarine simulators, got competitive in physical training games, enjoyed dance performances by the Navy's talented Bungaree dancers, and took the opportunity to talk to Navy members about career options.
"It was really fun learning about the Navy and I liked learning how helicopters and engines work," said Vaishnavi Periketi, a Year 10 student from The Ponds High School who joined in and learnt a dance with the Bungaree performers.
She said she was intrigued by how fitness helped pilots maintain balance, and enjoyed getting hands-on flying skills in the helicopter simulator.
'We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our minds are blown.'
Miss Periketi said she appreciated that Navy provided on-the-job training.
"You don't need university; you get training and can build up your skills," she said, highlighting that Navy pathways provided a practical and rewarding alternative to tertiary study.
The expo was crewed by sailors and officers from myriad naval roles. Combat systems operator Able Seaman Grace Ingersoll told the students about life as a mine warfare sailor.
"A lot of people have come in and been interested in the autonomous side," she said.
"They like how we work with boats and people, but also robots."
Students then had the opportunity to visit Canberra, commuting via landing craft to experience Sydney Harbour from the best possible angle: oceanside.
For many students, it was their first experience on a Navy vessel, and they were treated to a chef-prepared lunch and learnt firefighting techniques used at sea, rounding out a day full of discovery and inspiration.
"We had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our minds are blown," Miss Periketi said.
