Navy officers visit Red Hill Public School to inspire ambitious children

A HMAS helicopter touched down at the Tolland playground in front of a crowd of children, who widely agreed it was an "awesome" experience.

One of them was school captain Jaylen Morphett, who said his career aspiration was becoming a zoologist when he grows up.

"I like animals, so I'd like to study animals," he said.

We've got a dog, a snake, a fish, and a cat at home."

Another was school councillor Moana Hau, who is determined to take the spotlight as a professional dancer one day.

The 11-year-old has already performed at competitions around Australia, as well as in several of her school productions.

"It's fun, you get to travel a lot, and that's what I like about it," she said.

Squadron 723 lieutenant Rhianna Nelson was one of the Navy officers who descended on Wagga on Thursday.

Lt Nelson said she had dreamt of joining the military since she was in Year 11, and had worked hard to get into her dream job.

"I was interested in that lifestyle, working with helicopters, and getting paid to do it," Lt Nelson said.

"Hopefully the kids are inspired by the helicopter to aim high and achieve what they want to achieve."

Red Hill Public schoolteacher Melissa Ristivojevic said she too had achieved her life's goal by becoming a teacher.

Ms Ristivojevic said many of her students were burning with ambition.

"They've got lots of fantastic dreams: we've got zookeepers, boxers, sports stars, nurses, doctors, all sorts of eclectic aspirations," Ms Ristivojevic said.

"This is about inspiring students to be their best self and know that anything's possible."

Tribal Warrior lead mentor Josh Togo visited the school to share his story of hardship, growing up as a young Aboriginal boy with a troubled background.

Mr Togo said he hoped his story of redemption would encourage other kids to improve their lot in life, no matter how hard their circumstances.

"I had a bad upbringing as a kid, and it led me to do some negative things as I got older. But I was able to make a lot of positive changes for myself as I became an adult, and it's helped me find myself again," Mr Togo said.

"Hopefully sharing my story can inspire these young kids. By being able to open up, talk, share my story, hopefully I can pass it on to the next generation."

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