Bianca’s ADF journey: A gap year that changed everything

Bianca’s journey into the Australian Defence Force (ADF) community is one of courage, unexpected love, and a passion for supporting Defence families. Initially joining the ADF gap year program fresh out of high school, Bianca’s short-term plan evolved into a lifelong commitment. Today, she is an author and creator of Someone I Love is in Defence, shedding a light on the unique challenges of Defence life. Discover how Bianca transitioned from serving in the ADF to embracing life as a Defence spouse and mother of three.

For many school leavers, a gap year may mean taking time off to travel the world. However, straight out of high school, Bianca chose a different path: the ADF gap year program, offering 17–24-year-olds a taste of Defence life for 12 months.

Bianca was drawn to a career in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), deciding to continue her ADF journey following that initial year. She was posted to the West Coast to work on HMAS Sirius, participating in Operation Talisman Sabre. Towards the end of her service, Bianca became an Acoustic Warfare Analyst, serving on HMAS Collins before discharging.

“My time in the Navy was an incredible experience, filled with unique opportunities and challenges that have greatly influenced who I am today,” Bianca reflects.

Bianca’s time in the Navy not only offered her invaluable life experiences, but it also brought her to the love of her life. While serving, Bianca and her now-husband met for the first time in South Australia. Fate intervened when her husband was posted and became her neighbour on base. The couple then moved into a rental property so that their relationship would be formally recognised. However, six months later, the rental fell victim to a severe storm, making it unsafe for them and their dogs. In need of housing quickly, they turned to Defence Housing Australia (DHA).

“DHA housing provides stability and peace of mind, making moving easier and less stressful for Defence families,” Bianca says.

After reaching out to DHA, the couple was promptly housed in a home that met their needs, factoring in location, storage and layout. They lived in DHA housing for two and a half years before saving up to build their own home. In fact, Bianca and her husband were so impressed by the design of their DHA house that they replicated its layout in their new home. Now happily living in Rockingham, Western Australia, Bianca appreciates how DHA made the moving process seamless during a time of need.

In addition to the challenges of relocation, Bianca has lived through the tough realities of Defence life, both as serving member and as a spouse. She recalls the challenges of service demands, time spent away, and adjusting to unexpected postings. As a Defence spouse, she’s experienced firsthand the trials of supporting a serving partner, assisting children through change, managing a household, and balancing a career with limited guidance.

This experience led to the creation of Someone I Love is in Defence, an organisation offering storybooks and colouring sheets to educate children about Defence life, spark conversations about change, and help families navigate the ever-changing nature of a life in the ADF.

Bianca is making a difference in the lives of many Defence children. She continues this legacy as a Defence School Mentor, creating an inclusive environment for Defence children in schools. She takes joy in organising insightful activities and providing resources that foster empathy, a sense of belonging and the ability to adapt to change.

As Bianca continues her quest as a Defence mentor, author, and business owner, her personal experiences continue to drive her mission in supporting young people in our Defence community. It’s fair to say this is not the final chapter of Bianca’s ADF story.