ADM is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Women in Defence Awards (WIDA) following an exciting ceremony held 15th October at the National Arboretum in Canberra.

More than 400 people gathered to celebrate a one-of-a-kind line up of women in the defence community: from uniformed personnel and Australian Public Service members to women in a range of roles in defence industry in both primes and SMEs.

Our winners this year represent a spectacular cross-section of women whose achievements, leadership and innovation in 2025 deserve to be recognised. We’d also like to extend a huge congratulations to all our finalists.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

WINNER Sarah Vesey

Public Affairs Officer, Australian Army

Sarah is a Primary School Teacher by day and an Army Public Affairs Officer by night. Sarah has been fundamental in the development and provision of strategic communications plans to ADF Drone Racing team. Sarah also leads the coaching, training and preparation of young Defence drone racing pilots to be confident in talking to media. In 2024, she extended her role as PAO, leading the team to victory at the recent Military International Drone Racing Tournament as the Team Manager. The judges were impressed with Sarah’s ability to raise the profile of ADF Drone Racing whilst seamlessly juggling three quite different and demanding roles. She proactively seeks ways to support and uplift those around her, not only in Australia but also internationally.

FINALISTS

Cassandra Bowers

Digital Communications Manager, Air and Space Power Centre

Cassandra is the creator of the Hangar 46 podcast, the first podcast for Air and Space Power Centre that discusses Air Power through educational and societal lenses. After a rapid learning curve, she took the podcast on the road and in 2024 recorded, edited and released 23 episodes. She also created the Clear to Launch program, an initiative aimed at junior aviators. Part of this program includes a Pitch Fest, where juniors get to present their ideas to senior leaders allowing their voices and ideas to be heard.

Jennifer Parker

Associate National Security College, Adjunct Fellow UNSW Canberra

Jennifer used exceptional communication and storytelling skills to make Australia’s security challenges understandable and urgent for a broad audience while directly shaping policy deliberations. She is a regular contributor to The Australian, Australian Financial Review, the Sydney Morning Herald and The Conversation. She has used her profile to cultivate pathways for other women into defence and strategic policy. Her deliberate practice of elevating female expertise ensures women’s perspectives are heard in parliamentary submissions, media debates and industry forums.

ENGINEERING

WINNER Caroline Skinner

Marine Engineering Officer, HMAS Supply, Royal Australian Navy

In 2024, Caroline was integral in managing the complex engineering changes needed to improve Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment enterprise, followed by a transition to a new role as the Marine Engineering Officer (MEO) onboard HMAS Supply. Caroline performed well beyond the level expected of a new MEO by taking on the additional responsibility of overseeing the WE department, as well as several roles normally executed by the Executive Officer. She regularly participates on formal Oral Examination boards to qualify Navy Senior Sailors and Officers. The love Caroline has for her role and how she finds ways to share that joy and passion of engineering with those in and outside her immediate sphere of command had a significant impact on the judging panel.

FINALISTS

Jacinta Kearns

Senior Technical Officer/Apprentice Supervisor, Surface Mount Assembly Supervisor, CEA Technologies

Jacinta successfully manages a dual-command role: leading the Surface Mount Assembly work centre while supervising CEA’s apprentice cohort. She has built and sustained a thriving apprenticeship program while simultaneously delivering operational excellence. Her efforts resulted in measurable improvements in apprentice engagement, cross-functional collaboration, and workforce retention. Under her leadership, the Surface Mount Assembly line has achieved outstanding, repeatable quality control (QC). She spearheaded advancements in product traceability across the manufacturing process, recognising traceability as a force multiplier for compliance and accountability. 

Xiaoyan (Yanny) Li

Principal Consultant and Senior Systems Engineer, Downer Professional services

Yanny led two critical components of the Land 4140 program: Beyond Line-of-Sight Communications and the High-Capacity Data Network as well as supporting Land 400 Phase 3 resolving a major performance issue with the vehicles’ situational awareness system in low-light conditions. She volunteers with Robogals and the ANU Momentum Program, advocates for cross-disciplinary collaboration, and models’ inclusive leadership in every space she occupies. Her leadership has created space for under-represented voices in technical environments.

Seema Odhavji

Senior Engineer within Maritime Explosive Ordnance System Program Office, QinetiQ Australia

Seema conducted explosive ordnance engineering assessments for each variant of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), to be used on the Hobart Class Destroyers and ANZAC Class Frigates, ensuring the new acquisitions were safe and suitable for the Royal Australian Navy. She contributed to the successful firing of the NSM during Exercise RIMPAC 2024, a major milestone to achieving the objectives of the National Defence Strategy. She holds weekly sessions for young engineers within the Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance Group to help them. 

Georgia Prout

Electronics Engineer, PentenAmio

Georgia was responsible for designing and assembling multiple hardware elements of the TrapRadio product which won the Australian and UK divisions of the inaugural trilateral AUKUS Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge. As a result of the win, a contract was signed with Defence’s Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator to evolve TrapRadio for defined missions. Georgia holds the attendance record for meetings of PentenAmio’s women’s network where female colleagues get together to share information, air their concerns and support one another.

Words from Minister Conroy

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

WINNER Kristen Watts

Director Workforce Design and Integration in Military Workforce Design Division, Royal Australian Navy

As the inaugural Director of Workforce Design and Integration in the newly established Military Workforce Design Division, Captain Kristen Watts led transformative change at a time of significant organisational upheaval. Within just six months, with a 50 per cent staff capacity, Kristen delivered a suite of solutions, including: a Workforce Design Handbook, standardised templates for workforce planning, guidance documents, a dedicated webpage and governance processes. She is an active Australian Defence Force Academy and Maritime Personnel Community mentor. The judges were inspired by Kristen’s passion for lifting other women through a  range of initiatives. She is an impressive person, both professionally and personally who has shown incredible resilience and consistently goes above and beyond expectations across all areas. 

FINALISTS

Toni Bushby 

Director General Health Business and Plans, Joint Health Command, Head of Corps, Royal Australian Army Nursing Corps, Director General Army Health Services (from 2025), Australian Army

Toni is the first nursing officer to be promoted to a Star Rank in the Australian Regular Army. She was the steward of the Australian Defence Force's health contract with Bupa, at a value exceeding $600 million per annum, which she managed with inclusive team-building and meticulous attention to detail. Her responsibilities include the management, on behalf of the Commander Joint Health, of work, health and safety, budgeting, strategy, culture and executive services. She is Vice President of the Australian Tactical Medicine Association.

Felicia Mellors

Technical Director and a Defence Sector Lead, AECOM

Felicia has broken out of a generational, low socio- economic cycle to become the Technical Director and a Defence Sector Lead for AECOM’s Environment business in Australia and New Zealand. In 2024, she led baseline environmental assessments at Osborne, laying essential groundwork for future nuclear submarine production. She brought in AECOM’s global nuclear team specialists to support Defence. She is actively involved with Women in Nuclear and CSIRO STEM outreach and has mentored Indigenous students through the CareerTrackers Internship Program.

Emily Pyke

Co-Founder and CEO, UndaTech

Emily recognised the need for specialised protective gear designed specifically for women. She by combined her 13 years of lived experience with the Royal Australian Navy with global research to develop fire-safe, period-proof undergarments and performance base layers specifically for women. She successfully secured trials with the ADF and international partners and facilitated the donation of products to Ukrainian female special forces. Emily is Governing Board Industry Representative for Defence Trailblazer and active mentor through the Blackbird Giants Program.

Bridie Scott

EMOS Manager, Downer Defence

In 2024, Bridie managed complex stakeholder relationships across Security and Estate Group, the ADF, and industry, aligning outcomes with the Defence Strategic Review and national readiness goals. She implemented a new emergency management protocol, which was tested during Cyclones Jasper and Kirrily and the 2024 Townsville floods. Her governance and innovation frameworks enabled faster, more coordinated responses, ensuring operational continuity. Bridie designed an Indigenous recruitment pathway through NRL Cowboys House, which led to three young women now working in the Defence Industry.

Miranda Van Hooff

Research Lead, Military Families, Gallipoli Medical Research

In 2024, Miranda led multiple pioneering projects exploring the long-term mental health impacts of service and transition. She co-authored ground-breaking research, including on the gendered disempowerment of Australian women veterans, and published several high-impact papers advancing understanding of military trauma, family moral distress, and support needs during transition. She actively mentors emerging female researchers and convened the Services Families Research Consortium, ensuring women’s voices and lived experience are at the forefront of academic and policy conversations. 

ICT & CYBER

WINNER Brionee Harvey

Petty Officer Communications Information Systems, Royal Australian Navy

Brionee had the challenge of establishing the Communication Centre on the new Evolved Cape Class Patrol Boat (ECCPB), Australian Defence Vessel Cape Naturaliste. There were many issues never encountered before and not detailed in the ECCPB Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). She worked closely with external agencies and other CIS to develop solutions, which were later approved for the ECCPB fleet.  She assisted in defect investigation and rectification on board the other ECCPB. Brionee mentored her peers through this process. The judges highlighted Brionee’s independent work with no guidance that had a lasting, measurable long-term impact. She took a real time ICT problem and provided a portable, real-world solution. She is consistently outperforming what is expected of her rank and role.

FINALISTS

Fusun Ozhan

Head of Digital, Data & Cyber – Digital Portfolio Delivery, BAE Systems Australia

Fuson supervised over 50 digital projects, enhancing both the digital employee experience & operational efficiencies. Her leadership led to the digitisation of travel & expense processes and a new digital health & safety system. Through the adoption of Microsoft 365, she transformed BAE Systems into one of the first Defence Primes to transition to the cloud. Fusun’s projects consistently met deadlines and budget constraints, addressing common misconceptions about IT project issues. She is a sought-after mentor, helping others achieve their professional goals.

Ristana Risteska 

Cyber Security Lead, BAE Systems Australia

In 2024, Ristana led targeted phishing education campaigns to reduce susceptibility, embedding best-practice follow-up training for staff who clicked simulated emails. Her approach fostered a culture of learning, and her work ensures that cyber risk a fundamental part of how Defence business is delivered. She worked closely with Indigenous and Veteran community groups to build more inclusive entry pathways into the defence workforce. Through mentoring, outreach, and advocacy, she supported long-term participation in ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and cyber roles.

Karunya Sankar Kumar

Senior Manager and Data Analyst, Downer Professional Services

Karunya designed and delivered a sophisticated Finance Dashboard which transformed the division’s financial visibility, saving over 40 hours of manual effort monthly, minimizing errors, and enabling evidence-based decision-making across more than 10 programs. Karunya independently led every stage of the project, from gathering requirements to implementation and training delivery, addressing inefficiencies that were hindering transparency and agility. Karunya volunteered to train and mentor staff, fostering a culture of data literacy and digital confidence. Karunya has fostered a cultural shift, showing that women can lead in Defence ICT with both empathy and excellence.

"Downer was honoured to once again headline sponsor the Women in Defence Awards – an outstanding celebration of the women who continue to push boundaries, elevate capability, and inspire the next generation of leaders across Defence. As Australia’s leading sovereign prime, we know that diverse teams deliver stronger outcomes, and we’re proud to stand beside those shaping Australia’s sovereign capability. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!"

INDIGENOUS

WINNER Tracey Hoffmann

Nursing Officer, Joint Health Command

Tracey is a descendant of the Gubi Gubi and Kulali people and is an Army nursing officer. Tracey promotes readiness for 51 Far North Queensland Regiment soldiers across Cape York and the Torres Strait. In 2024, Tracy organised for a Defence Dental Team to provide dental care to all community members, not just soldiers. During her tenure, there has been a dramatic rise in vaccination rates to soldiers, better quality medical reporting, and increased medical support for communities across the region. She impressed the judges through her transformation of the Cape York and Torres Strait communities.

FINALISTS

Crystal Dutubure

Design Manager, ACOR Consultants

Crystal (Woody Minnipinni) is Design Manager for ACOR Consultants, coordinating and managing overall Design deliverables from all disciplines whilst undertaking crucial Defence Stakeholder engagement on and off site. Crystal has had to quickly step and work outside her comfort zone, including crucial design support for the new gym and OR Mess at Larrakeyah Barracks, and actively conducts STEM outreach and Indigenous engagement across Darwin.

Joanne Schadenberg

Front Office Manager and MEC Clerk, Joint Health Unit, Central New South Wales

Jo is a Kamilaroi woman, and is the Front Office Manager and MEC Clerk at JHU-CNSW Albatross Health Centre. As an Indigenous Liaison Officer, Jo not only offers her support to the Health Centre but the population of HMAS Albatross and local community. Jo is a Defence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network leader for both HMAS Albatross and Creswell, encouraging Indigenous Defence/APS/contractors to embrace their culture/mob for support, and assists both with her connections between Defence and local elders.

OPERATIONS

WINNER Tania Mitchell

Global Mobility (GM) Operations Lead, ASC

Tania is accountable for operational delivery of ASC’s global mobility activity for the AUKUS program, which involves mobilising ASC employees to international locations on various assignments. This is a first of its kind program. Over a period of eight months, Tania helped mobilise 133 long-term secondees, their partners and families to Hawaii. The only spouse visa pathway does not provide work rights, and it prohibits them from opening bank accounts. Tania developed strategies, support programs, found resources and adapted policies for the transition. Tania led an operation that was the first of its kind for Australia, in a new sector. She showed outstanding organisation and planning, extraordinary empathy, and a deep commitment. The judges were impressed with the depth of feeling shown in her references.

FINALISTS

Pauline Fitzgerald

Project Director Defence Base Services, Ventia

Pauline led the full-scale mobilisation of the Northern Territory Defence Accommodation Precinct, transforming a dormant facility into a fully operational, hotel-style precinct for over 3,500 personnel during multinational training exercise Pitch Black. Pauline engaged directly with international Defence representatives to create an authentic global experience. Pauline has since championed the rollout of elevated service standards to 33 other regional bases she oversees, lifting the national benchmark for domestic support and catering services. Pauline is driving a cultural shift that reflects the needs of a modern defence industry. 

Michelle Hoy

Operations Manager – Estate Maintenance and Living Service ACT, Downer Defence

Michelle’s customer-focus approach and strategic foresight drove a 22 per cent reduction in reactive maintenance across Estate Maintenance and Living Services in the ACT. She also championed innovation and sustainability – delivering EV charging infrastructure at no cost to Defence. She actively mentors women across the business, supporting career transitions, encouraging participation in leadership programs and creating pathways into roles for Defence spouses.

Shafiqah Shariff Ali

Strike Officer and Principal Warfare Officer – Surface Warfare, Royal Australian Navy

As the Royal Australian Navy’s first ‘Strike Officer,' Shafiqah was integral in the planning for and introduction into Australian service of the Tomahawk cruise missile on the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers. She overcame technical and organisational challenges while deployed to the far side of the Pacific. Her efforts culminated in the successful firing of a Tomahawk cruise missile from HMAS Brisbane in December 2024. The level of secrecy that Shafiqah had to maintain meant she was self-sufficient.

PEOPLE & CULTURE 

WINNER Tracey Hoffmann

Nursing Officer, Joint Health Command

Tracey supports 51 Far North Queensland Regiment (FNQR) soldiers. Her tenure working in Far North Queensland has seen a dramatic rise in vaccination rates in FNQR soldiers and she has created a better-quality medical reporting system between community health providers and Defence. She provides mentoring to female soldiers and officers with health issues or if they require support on how to best manage the soldier welfare. Tracey adds a personal touch to her duties ensuring soldiers receive the upmost medical support. The judges chose Tracey due to her profound impact on 51 FNQR soldiers and the wider community across Cape York and the Torres Strait. Tracey is the first ever double winner of ADM Women in Defence Awards. 

FINALISTS

Olivia Agate

Founder and President, Women's Defence Connection

Olivia is a full-time Human Resources Business Partner at Navantia Australia and runs For the WIN, a women focused group within Navantia Australia. In 2024, Olivia organised four official WDC events, established a partnership with The Future Through Collaboration to deliver a female specific networking workshop and also hosted a breakfast at Land Forces with the Victorian Government. The WDC initiative, along with Olivia’s additional collaborations has meant that there has been a visual change in the attendance of women to networking events.

Jen Dainer

Founder, Industrial Image

In 2024, after applying to join the Army Reserve, Jen publicly challenged an Australian Defence Force (ADF) recruitment practice of asking the date of a woman’s last menstrual period. As a result, Defence committed to a formal review of its medical questionnaire. Jen’s actions inspired other women across the defence community and beyond to question outdated norms and expect better. Jen also serves on the board of Green Fox Studios, a creative education initiative teaching digital skills to marginalised groups. 

Dani Eveleigh

Founder and Principal Consultant, Articulate Business Solutions

Dani is the Northern Territory Coordinator of Walking Off the War Within. In 2024, Dani led a series of culture projects supporting veterans, Aboriginal-led organisations, and service providers operating in defence-adjacent fields. Through her consultancy, she delivered tailored HR frameworks, trauma-informed workforce support systems, and governance mentoring to community organisations supporting the veteran community and First Nations youth. She also served on the boards of Top End Women’s Legal Service, Amber NT, and Autism NT, contributing strategic HR and governance expertise. 

Lorraine Kennedy

Director People and Culture, Northrop Grumman Australia

Lorraine has implemented a Gender Equality Strategy at NGA, embedding it throughout the employee lifecycle. Thanks to Lorraine’s work, NGA is a Veteran accredited employer by Department of Veteran’s Affairs. She is a key decision-maker and driver of NGA’s Corporate Social Responsibility activities, including funding Legacy, STEM programs targeted at girls and access for all employees to the Diversity Council of Australia resources site. Lorraine has supported Australian HR Institute (AHRI) in their mentoring program, and privately mentors women in the industry.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT 

WINNER Tiffany Noy

Business Manager – Biosecurity Pest, Biodiversity Australia

Tiffany implemented a GIS Project Interactive Mapping Dashboard across all Defence biosecurity projects, leveraging ArcGIS technology to revolutionise project management. She led the rapid and effective response to a Red Imported Fire Ant outbreak across multiple active Defence aviation bases, achieving a 65 per cent eradication rate. In 2024, she prompted a Middle Management Mentor Program to support women from operational and administrative backgrounds to progress based on demonstrated skill rather than academic qualifications. As a result, several women have stepped into leadership positions. The judges were impressed with Tiffany’s non-typical career growth into Project management and her passion for giving other women, with similar backgrounds the same opportunity. In 2024, she had a significant impact on the Defence Estate through her project management skills.

FINALISTS

Rukhsaar Ibrahim

Senior Structural Engineer and SEA4000 DDG PH6 Structural Team Lead, Navantia Australia

In 2024, Rukhsaar identified persistent issues with design inconsistencies, frequent changes and limited visibility of overall upgrades in the Sea 4000 DDG Ph6 Upgrade Program. She implemented a centralised tracking system, monitoring the placement of 1000+ pieces of equipment being integrated into the vessels. She coached a struggling junior, and developed a new drafting system which reduced drafting time by 40-50 per cent and design change implementation time by approximately 60 per cent. Rukhsaar is an active member of The Future Through Collaboration and Women’s Defence Connection.

Lisa Platt

Executive Project Director, RPS Group

In 2024, Lisa led the strategic delivery of the $1.77 billion Preliminary Detailed Business Case, securing Government approval within a compressed timeframe for the SRF-W Priority Works AUKUS program. Her leadership spanned 16 site precincts, including the first licensed nuclear facilities in Australia and areas with complex environmental and community sensitivities. She mentored six emerging female project managers, offering strategic career advice, advocacy in senior forums, and real opportunities for visibility on major defence projects. Several mentees have since progressed into leadership roles, crediting Lisa’s guidance as transformative.

Caitlin Stephenson

Director of Programs, Simulation & Training Solutions, Thomas Global Systems

Caitlin rapidly restructured and scaled Thomas Global Systems’ project management organisation to accommodate a shift from delivering a single flagship program to managing multiple large and concurrent defence projects. She implemented rigorous, scalable governance mechanisms and resource planning methodologies that have significantly improved operational efficiency and staff utilisation. Her leadership ensured on-time, on-budget delivery of complex simulation projects for the Australian Army. Caitlin is a Non-Executive Board Member of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme. 

Emma Watson 

Program Manager - Juno H135, Boeing Defence Australia

Emma led a highly efficient acquisition program that resulted in the rapid procurement, modification, and delivery of five Airbus H135T3 helicopters to the Australian Army in 2024. The program possessed highly complex constraints, including that the operations of the existing Boeing HATS H135T2+ fleet were not impacted. Emma exceeded customer expectations and was able to achieve one of the fastest major procurements in Australian history since the Vietnam war. Emma has been a champion for women, providing great empathy, respect, and care.

Caitlin Worrall

Project Manager, PentenAmio

Caitlin provided exceptional management and leadership of a highly classified project widely acknowledged to be groundbreaking within the Five Eyes alliance. While concurrently overseeing development of several other projects, she was required to tackle complex subject matters and a scope typically outside that of even the most experienced project managers. Caitlin oversaw testing verification and validation of cryptographic functions including quantum resilience - a subject new to her but one which she quickly grasped would require multiple work-streams to progress simultaneously, a workflow at odds with the traditional linear sequence of project management.

RISING STAR

WINNER Emily Margerison

Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) Engineer, Airbus

In 2024, Emily maintained her senior RAM Engineer role and assumed the responsibility of the RAM Lead SME. One of Emily's key achievements involved orchestrating a collaborative brainstorming session with stakeholders to address long-standing issues affecting aircraft reliability—issues many deemed 'beyond resolution.' Leveraging cross-functional expertise, the sessions yielded concrete ways forward that, once implemented, improved the aircraft's reliability and maintainability for Defence. Emily was selected by the judges due to her tenacity in her role, maintaining her position of senior RAM Engineer whilst simultaneously assuming the responsibility of the RAM Lead SME, and her ability to rise above challenges. 

FINALISTS

Alisha Collenette

Associate Systems Engineer, Saab Australia

Alisha is currently an Associate Systems Engineer at Saab Australia. During 2024, Alisha played a pivotal role in the delivery of Saab’s TactiCall Communications System for the MQ-28 Ghost Bat program. Alisha taught herself computer networking, travelled to Denmark to learn Saab’s TactiCall system, and quickly delivered Block 1.4 of the Ground Support Voice Communications System. Her growing expertise significantly reduced troubleshooting times and led to a 100 per cent Factory Acceptance Test success on two deliveries in 2024.

Stacey Fitzpatrick

Field Service Representative, Saab Australia 

Stacey plays a critical role in ensuring the Royal Australian Navy’s Anzac Class frigates remain operational. In 2024, when a frigate was preparing for deployment, a problem was identified. With limited time before departure, Stacey was called on standby late Friday, spent Saturday troubleshooting remotely, and by Sunday had flown interstate to be in-location and helping to restore system functionality. The pressure was immense, however Stacey ensured the defect was rectified without impacting operational schedule.

Amelia Grace

Senior Design Manager, AECOM 

In 2024, Amelia demonstrated exceptional leadership on two complex Defence projects. Amelia was Construction Phase Site Lead for the Land 8116 project and Design Manager (DM) for the ESTJ 8218 project. This placed Amelia in a small cohort of women appointed to such leadership positions early in their careers, and one of only seven female Defence DMs at AECOM. Amelia was ultimately responsible for project delivery and successfully delivered the design of the $75 million project on time and in line with changing strategic objectives.

Xiaoyan (Yanny) Li

Principal Consultant and Senior Systems Engineer, Downer Professional Services

Yanny is a Principal Consultant and Senior Systems Engineer at Downer Professional Services. Embedded in the Land 4140 program, Yanny led two critical capability elements—Beyond Line-of-Sight Communications and the High-Capacity Data Network—shaping early-stage design and procurement decisions. For Land 400 Phase 3, Yanny resolved a major performance issue with the vehicles’ situational awareness system in low-light conditions. Yanny also volunteers as a mentor in the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) Momentum Program.

Charlotte Marshall

Radio Frequency Engineer, CEA Technologies

Charlotte is a Radio Frequency Engineer at CEA Technologies. In 2024, Charlotte undertook complex tasks including reworking legacy system designs, supporting new hardware development, and ensuring component reliability across CEA’s radar platforms. Her efforts directly contributed to capability readiness for the Royal Australian Navy, exemplifying technical excellence and reliability under pressure. 

“We could be in that room and that we should be.”

Amanda Holt, Hall of Fame recipient, on the first WIDA HOF recipient encouraging women in defence and defence industry.

TECHNICAL TRADE

WINNER Sophia Mintram

Able Seaman Aviation Technician Aircraft - Helicopter Support Facility (HSF) Assistant, Royal Australian Navy

Sophia exceeded all expectations of rank and position, and has been directly responsible for the uplift of standards, enhancing the quality of business rules and safeguarding the future of Helicopter Support Facility (HSF) aviation operations. Employed in a wholly unfamiliar role to what she has trained for, Sophia made it her mission to understand her role in supporting facility/aerodrome function and to promote better management of available resources. She independently investigated, researched and produced a bespoke Quality Management System for HSF and aerodrome management. Her initiative has driven progressive change and continuous improvement. Sophia’s skill and adaptability in taking skills from her speciality and applying them to a completely new and unfamiliar area struck a chord with the judging panel. She participates in outreach activities that promote a career path for other young women.

FINALISTS

Deanna Lymn

2nd year apprentice Boilermaker, BAE Systems Maritime

Deanna quickly moved through the fabrication training program into the welding qualifications required for ship construction. She applied the same can-do attitude and completed her qualifications quickly. From her early days in the apprentice training bays, she instinctively stepped in to assist fellow apprentices and in particular other young women, when they struggled with tasks, she found manageable. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and willingness to share her story make her a powerful advocate for women in trades and a role model for aspiring apprentices.

Imogen Marsland

Gunner, 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse, Australian Army

In 2024 Imogen achieved both the Canister Launcher and High Mobility Launcher Qualifications. This training was to convert the Air and Missile Defence community from legacy Very Short Range Air Defence systems to the newly acquired Short Range Air Defence Systems to achieve Defence Strategic Review outcomes. Her leadership by example, mentorship and support provided to the new members of 111 Battery has resulted in the new members’ retention beyond their gap year commitment.

Sienna Newport

3rd Year Fitout Apprentice,Austal Limited

Sienna demonstrated technical excellence, initiative, and leadership well beyond her experience level, on major shipbuilding projects including Evolved Cape-class and Guardian-class Patrol Boats. She was entrusted with full responsibility to build the wheelhouse for an Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boat, which is one of the most complex tasks in fitout, and a role typically reserved for the most experienced tradespeople. Her process-driven mindset has led to tangible improvements in workflow efficiency and waste reduction which has enhanced sustainability outcomes and boosted team productivity. She has set a new benchmark for apprentices.

Melanie Stocker

1st year boil maker apprentice, BAE Systems Maritime

Melanie began 2024 as a trade assistant, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, which led to her being offered an adult apprenticeship in boiler-making. This achievement reflects both her technical capability and her commitment to growth. She is a visible and influential figure, showing that women can thrive in defence trades. She actively supported new female apprentices, fostering inclusive environments and encouraging them to overcome gender-based barriers. She champions equal training opportunities; challenges outdated perceptions and encourages organisations to embrace diverse talent. She is the embodiment of “You can’t be what you can’t see”.

HALL OF FAME

Amanda Holt

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Sypaq Systems

Amanda has been involved in military systems for decades. At Adacel, ADI and Thales, she developed interoperable combat, communications and simulation systems for the Royal Australian Navy. In 2007, she joined SYPAQ. Following four years as General Manager, Defence and Aerospace and Chief Engineer, in 2015 Amanda was appointed Chief Executive Officer and in 2025, Managing Director.

Amanda is a Fellow and Engineering Executive of Engineers Australia, a member of the RMIT Aerospace Engineering Advisory Board and a member of the Defence Council Victoria. She is also the Co-Chair of the Defence Maritime Domain Industry Forum, and Co-Chair of the Army’s Land Environment Working Group. In 2023, she joined PWR Holdings as a Non-Executive Director and in 2024, she was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of CEA Technologies by the Australian Government.

Amanda’s commitment to the industry is not limited to the present. From a young age she knew she wanted to be an aerospace engineer, spending her Christmas lunches tackling maths problems with her extended family. A passion she seeks to pass on, using her position to advocate for STEM pathways for the next generation. 

Amanda is a strong voice for the Defence industry, trusted counsel to Government and dependable leader for SYPAQ, absolutely dedicated to the SYPAQ motto of “Creating a world that works”.

She is the mother for two amazing young women who she has raised with the loving support of her husband Martin.

Australian Defence Magazine would like to thank the sponsors, judges, nominators and entrants for supporting the Women in Defence Awards 2025. Make sure to sign up to ADM's e-newsletter and subscribe to ADM for information on the 2026 program.

www.australiandefence.com.au/membership

Our Sponsors

TopBuilt with Shorthand