ADM is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Women in Defence Awards (WIDA) following an exciting ceremony held last night at the National Arboretum in Canberra.
In a sold-out event, over 460 people gathered to celebrate a truly exceptional 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 an amazing cross-section of women whose achievements, leadership and innovation in 2021 deserve to be recognised. We’d also like to extend a huge congratulations to all our finalists.
The winners of WIDA 2022 are:
Communications
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the communications/marketing/stakeholder engagement field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Communications category are: Wing Commander Deanna Nott of Wings Public Relations, Siobhan MacCana of BAE Systems Australia, Clare Grandison of Defence Science and Technology Group and Cindy Slaven of Navantia Australia.
And the winner is: Clare Grandison of Defence Science and Technology Group.
In 2021, Clare executed various science communication activities for the research program she leads as Discipline Leader Environmental Signatures for Defence Science and Technology Group. Amongst these, she established a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary community of practice online to connect stakeholders in the environmental signatures interest area and educate the broader Defence community.
Clare was a stand-out to the judges for her substantial work representing Australian Defence science interests on a national and international scale. Highlighted by the judging panel was the fact that her dedication to enhancing Australia’s science and technology ecosystems also extends to her many pursuits outside of work, including active representation on professional committees, CSIRO STEM in Schools activities, female mentoring and science communication in professional fora.
Engineering
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the engineering field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Engineering category are: Sue Scott of Nova Systems, Julia Dickinson of Lockheed Martin Australia, Jessica Sharp of Lockheed Martin Australia, Lieutenant Cerys Joyce of the Royal Australian Navy and Sarah Pavillard of ADROITA.
After much deliberation over two equally exceptional candidates, the judges decided to recognise two deserving winners in this category.
And the winners are (in no particular order): Jessica Sharp of Lockheed Martin Australia and Lieutenant Cerys Joyce of the Royal Australian Navy.
Jessica’s work throughout 2021 within the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN) Engineering Services Contract Science and Technology (ESC S&T) Team was exceptional, including obtaining her CASA remote pilot’s licence. Her contributions helped to ensure that her team were able to meet milestones on time and within budget. Jessica represented Lockheed Martin in the media several times during the year, with great success. Her ability to bridge both the engineering and media fields greatly impressed the judges.
In addition to her outstanding contribution to her engineering work with Lockheed Martin Australia, Jessica was also instrumental in the creation of the Graduate Council and other activities to help create an inclusive and supportive culture within the organisation. She is also involved in the promotion of Women in STEM through work with University of Adelaide.
During 2021, Cerys used her outstanding engineering skills to implement numerous changes and improvements at 7255SQN to polices, practices, equipment and facilities which optimised aircraft technical maintenance planning to meet the constantly changing requirements of the flying program. The judging panel were impressed by the many ways she has demonstrated care, compassion and a genuine interest is those around her. He activities outside the RAN have led directly to increase in the number of applications to join the RAN.
Cerys’ quiet determination and undoubted success as an engineer made her an outstanding entrant in the 2022 Women in Defence Awards. Her ability to manage a diverse team, providing individual and tailored support for its members through a range of physical, mental and medical issues were highlighted by the judging panel.
Legal/Contracting
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within the legal/contracting field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Legal/Contracting category are: Nathalie Sarlin of Buzzworks, Katherine Stapels of Droneshield, Deanna Byers of ASC, Rachel Horne of Trusted Autonomous Systems and Jo-Anne Rushworth of Airbus Defence & Space.
And the winner is: Rachel Horne of Trusted Autonomous Systems.
Rachel is the Assurance of Autonomy Activity Lead at Trusted Autonomous Systems, where she leads two projects aimed at improving the assurance and accreditation journey for autonomous systems in three domains. Her accomplishments in 2021 particularly impressed the judges: Rachel brought multiple organisations into a project that resulted in a benchmark code of best practice for Australian autonomous vessels and operations. The judges also noted that Rachel achieved this whilst undertaking a PhD with the QUT Faculty of Law and volunteering with the ACT SES.
Rachel’s ability to bring multiple stakeholders together to develop the code of best practice will have a lasting impact on the autonomous systems sector in Australia and makes her a worthy winner of the Legal/Contacting category.
Operations
Awarded to the Defence Community’s most outstanding female individual to recognise efforts of women in deployed/remote areas with a focus on logistics, services and support roles.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Operations category are: Trish Denison of BAE Systems Australia, Wing Commander Marija Jovanovich of the Royal Australian Air Force, Able Seaman Wainise Morel of the Royal Australian Navy and Lieutenant Commander Makaila Lasalo of the Royal Australian Navy.
And the winner is: Wing Commander Marija Jovanovich of the Royal Australian Air Force.
Marija is the Commanding Officer of Number 10 Squadron RAAF, where she is responsible for the operations, maintenance, supply chain, administration, safety and mission support functions. As a current AP-3C (EW) aircraft captain she also routinely flies in an operational capacity. The judges were impressed by the number of and breadth of her achievements in 2021 that directly impacted the lives and careers of other women both directly under her command and through the delivery of presentations and keynote speeches outside her direct role in the RAAF.
While Marija’s ability to manage the many facets of her role with great skill and professionalism are worthy of commendation, it was her compassion towards the welfare of others, her willingness to go above and beyond the defined boundaries of her role and her true ambassadorship and outreach as a woman in defence that led the judges to choose her as the winner of this category.
People & Culture
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual who has developed and /or administered initiatives to support women in the defence community.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 People & Culture category are: Melanie Fuller (nee Farrier) of Department of Defence Science and Technology Group, Hayley Ann Boswell of Defence Kidz, Commander Penelope Twemlow of PwC/Royal Australian Navy/Women in Power and Rebecca Rayner of Military Life.
And the winner is: Commander Penelope Twemlow of PwC/Royal Australian Navy/Women in Power.
Penelope is a Naval Reserve Officer, Director with PwC in the Defence portfolio, and Co-Founder and Chairperson of Women in Power, a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to promote and empower women in trades. She sits on the board of the Department of Veterans Affairs Committee and is an ambassador for various Defence-related organisations.
Penelope has undoubtedly demonstrated amazing success in her professional and executive roles, however it is her phenomenal compassion and leadership in supporting the welfare of others that led the judges to choose her as the winner in the People & Culture category. For over a decade, Penelope has used her personal experiences to mentor countless Defence personnel and veterans and assist them in overcoming hardships in their life, from suicide prevention and mental health first aid, to empowering women in leadership. She inspires incredible amounts of people through her dedicated work, providing a voice to many who don’t have one.
Project Management
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within project management.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Project Management category are: Georgia Davey of Aurecon, Kristen Raby of Nova Systems, Kiri Roberts of Accenture, Jessica Swan of Rohde & Schwarz Australia and Eva Wong of Thales.
And the winner is: Jessica Swan of Rohde & Schwarz.
Jessica joined Rohde and Schwarz in January 2021 as the Project Manager for three Transportable Air Operations Towers, and is responsible for capability assurance and delivering complex capability upgrades. During 2021, Jessica’s team successfully delivered a range of upgrades whilst managing rolling Covid lockdowns and supply chain constraints. Meanwhile Jessica is also an active RAAF reserve flight lieutenant and a single mother to two children.
The judges see her ability to achieve success in her role, whilst balancing the demands of military service and single parenthood, as exemplary examples of commitment and tenacity – and well-deserving of winning a Women in Defence Award.
Technical Trade
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual working within operations, production or trade fields.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Technical Trade category are: Captain Alissa Tucker of the Australian Army, Petty Officer Sara Jane Clarke of the Royal Australian Navy, Leading Seaman Madeline Jackson of the Royal Australian Navy and Tegan Tippett of Viden.
After much deliberation over two equally exceptional candidates, the judges decided to recognise two deserving winners in this category.
And the winners are (in no particular order): Captain Alissa Tucker of the Australian Army and Petty Officer Sara Jane Clarke.
Alissa is the Land Electronic Warfare Officer, responsible for Land Advanced Training and Land Initial Employment Training branches at the Defence Force School of Signals – Electronic Warfare. In 2021 Alissa served her first year as Commissioned Officer following promotion from the ranks – a very uncommon feat. The judges were impressed with the impact her individual efforts have had on the National Intelligence and ADF Signals Intelligence communities.
Electronic Warfare is of growing importance to the Australian Defence Force. The judges were impressed by the great impact that has been made by Alissa as an individual in this area in 2021. Her role in pioneering a pathway for other women within the EW trade and her commissioning as an officer are outstanding achievements.
During 2021, Sara Jane assumed responsibilities well above her worn rank in the absence of her superiors. This ensured that HMAS Sheean was able to retain the ability to conduct all Explosive Ammunitioning. Sara Jane is one of only two female electronic technicians within the Submarine Force. During her next shore posting it is anticipated that she become the first female Electronic Technician Submariner to attain a Technical Charge Qualification, all of this while studying a Bachelor of Health degree. Sara Jane is seen a role model both within the Submarine Force and in the Navy as a whole.
There are very few women in the Submarine Force and even fewer female Electronic Technicians. Sara Jane impressed the judges with technical prowess and understanding of operational and command requirements during 2021. Her posting to a position well above her rank is testament to her ability and the high regard in which she is held. Her commitment to furthering her education, even while at sea showed great determination and will to succeed. Her actions and demeanour make her an outstanding ambassador for the Submarine Force and the Navy as a whole.
Research & Development
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding individual academic or researcher working on Defence related matters.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Research & Development category are: Professor Vice Chancellor (Research) Andrea Bishop of Griffith University and Lieutenant Commander Victoria Jnitova of Royal Australian Navy.
And the winner is: Lieutenant Commander Victoria Jnitova of Royal Australian Navy.
Victoria is the 2022 Chief of the Defence Force Scholar and is now studying for her doctorate in resilience of training systems. In 2021, she maintained her position as an officer commanding a large school at HMAS Cerberus, while conducting her studies examining how to measure resilience attributes within training systems. Showcasing outstanding leadership and perseverance, Victoria successfully developed, piloted, and refined a survey for use as an ongoing training management tool. Her analysis has informed major reforms in the RAN, and her survey is now being trialled in the UK Joint Services Command and Staff College and other Defence colleges.
Victoria is an exemplar to all officers to explore, expound, and excel continuously. For the judges, LCDR Jnitova’s enthusiasm and commitment to her work are an inspiring example and worthy of recognition as a winner.
Indigenous
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding indigenous individual female working in any field.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Indigenous category are: Rhiannon Busch of JLB-Yaran, Alice Beilby of Savanna Solutions, Rikki Cooper of BGIS, Haley Matthews of BAE Systems Australia and Jessie Risk of AKJ Services.
And the winner is: Rhiannon Busch of JLB-Yaran.
Post 15 years of full-time service with the Australian Army, Rhiannon is now a consultant to Defence with JLB-Yaran, currently supporting the RAAF through services as a Foreign Sales Management (FMS) Project Officer. The judges were impressed with Rhiannon’s strong commitment to supporting community at every opportunity, during her time in service as an Indigenous Recruitment Consultant within Army, and now as a mentor with JLB-Yaran's Indigenous Development and Employment Program (IDEP), inspiring and supporting other Indigenous professionals. She also continues to support her passion for ADF sport on the board of the ADF Australian Rules Committee.
Rhiannon’s professionalism and dedication to continuing her service post ADF is an example which all transitioning members should look to, and in the judges’ view, make Rhiannon a deserving winner.
Rising Star
Awarded to the defence community’s most outstanding female individual aged under 30 years.
The finalists in the WIDA 2022 Rising Star category are: Matilda Thomas-Smith of Aurecon, Arlene Mendoza of Coras, Emily Prunnell of Aurecon and Jessica Boland of Airbus.
And the winner is: Jessica Boland of Airbus.
Jessica is a Graduate Engineer with Airbus, completing rotations with the Software Systems Development and Aviation Product Safety teams during 2021. Amongst her various achievements in 2021, Jessica was quickly trusted to take on more design responsibility as part of a major ARH symbology build, producing complex solutions that will be implemented on the ARH platform.
While Jessica’s excellent contributions to Airbus during her rotations in 2021 were commended by the judging panel, it was her attitude towards supporting the next generation of young engineers that made her an absolute standout. She regularly participates in activities such as “The Little Engineer” and mentoring programs at both local and rural schools, often leading and driving the delivery of these programs. Most impressive to the judges was her trip to North Qld to deliver “The Little Engineer” program to around 100 school students, some of whom had never considered the opportunities of a career in STEM prior to the event.
Hall of Fame 2022
Born and raised in Victoria, Wendy Malcolm joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1987, graduating as a Midshipman from the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1989 having completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Physics.
She trained as a Supply Officer (Maritime Logistics Officer) at HMAS Cerberus in 1990 and saw service ashore and at sea. During the period 1995-1998 Wendy was involved with setting up the in-service support for the Anzac Class frigates through the Anzac Class Logistics Office within Naval Support Command. Lieutenant Commander Malcolm served as the supply officer in the guided missile frigate HMAS Newcastle during 1998-2000 including operational service in East Timor as part of Operation WARDEN.
She was posted to the Directorate of Naval Officers Postings from February 2000 to December 2001 and during this period completed a Masters in Commercial Law. A challenging and rewarding posting in the then-Defence Materiel Organisation followed as the Project Manager for the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile Project during the period of this weapons introduction into service.
Wendy was promoted Captain in 2010 and appointed as the Director Anzac Systems Program Office. In this capacity, she was responsible for maintenance, logistics support and in-service engineering for the RAN’s eight Anzac Class frigates and their shore support facilities in Fleet Base East (Sydney) and Fleet Base West (Rockingham). Wendy was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal (CSM) in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List "for meritorious devotion to duty as the Anzac System Program Office Director".
She left the Navy in 2015 to take up a position with Saab Australia as the transition manager for the new support enterprise for the Anzac Class ships, before returning to Navy in late 2017. Wendy was promoted Commodore on 23 October 2017 and appointed as Director General Specialist Ships with responsibility for sustainment of Armidale Class patrol boats, Pacific patrol boats, hydrographic vessels, mine-hunters and mine warfare and diving systems.
Promoted Rear Admiral on 7 December 2018 she assumed the role of head Maritime Systems within the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG).
Rear Admiral Malcolm was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2022 Queens Birthday Honours list 'For exceptional service in surface ship sustainment for the Australian Defence Force.'
Thank you to all our sponsors: SYPAQ, AeroPM, Airbus, BGIS, Boeing, CEA Technologies, Leidos, Precision Public Affairs and Ventia.
We look forward to seeing you again next year!