Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2022 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the 10 categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Technical Trade.
In this category, the judges were looking for entries that exhibited outstanding proficiency in a technical trade or field in 2021. The finalists in this category have all led by example, pioneering new paths for other women to follow. Many are the first women in Australia to achieve a rating, qualification, or proficiency, while also overcoming personal and work-related challenges. They also demonstrated the willingness to volunteer both within Defence and Defence industry and in the wider community.
Captain Alissa Tucker of the Australian Army
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.
Petty Officer Sara Jane Clarke of the Royal Australian Navy
Sara Jane is Petty Officer Electronic Technician Submariner – Senior Technical Officer HMAS Sheean. 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 as a role model both within the Submarine Force and in the Navy as a whole.
Leading Seaman Madeline Jackson of the Royal Australian Navy
During 2021, the Standard Operating Procedures developed by Madeline were put into practice when HMAS Diamantina experienced technical difficulties during a port visit to Port Vila. This enabled the repairs to be carried out successfully without the need for birthing in Port Vila or the need for towing. This enabled Diamantina to return to Australia under her own power and help preserve the reputation of the Australian Navy.
Tegan Tippett of Viden
Tegan is responsible for leading a range of key Integrated Logistics Support and Enterprise Resource programs for Viden. In 2021, she was instrumental in helping Defence prepare for the transition from MILIS to SAP. Tegan’s nomination was supported by “the whole Viden team”, an accolade that attested to the great esteem that Tegen is held in by all tiers within the company. Her work outside Viden in the greater defence community including her work within the SEQ Women’s veterans Group greatly impressed the judging panel.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum Canberra on 14 September 2022. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
Thank you to all our sponsors: SYPAQ, AeroPM, Airbus, BGIS, Boeing, CEA Technologies, Leidos, Precision Public Affairs and Ventia.
