Aviation/Aerospace Australia

Throwback to last Thursday. ✨ Thank you all for attending the WA/AA Melbourne Summit, we appreciate your support not only to the event, but also the continuous improvement on diversity of our industry. ✈️🛰️🚀💪 💗 A heartfelt thank you to our speakers: / Fireside chat with Sarah McSwiney & Stephanie Tully / Guest speakers: Dr Ruwangi Fernando & Jacob Sibbald / Speed Round: Mark Redmond, Abby Jones (she/her), Leif M., Julie Cooper FAICD & CPL Charlotte Mears / Breaking Glass Documentary introduction from Kristen Raby - FIEAust EngExec GAICD / Youth Panel: Raj Burli, Thomas Fisher, Hania Poonawala, Parmis Hassani &  Manatsawee (San) Limprapuwiwattana / Understanding Nuance Panel: Cathy Riach (Diener), Toni-Anne Munn, Kate McInnis & Vivienne King 👏 And a special shout out to the incredible MC Vicki Emmerson 🎤 Save the date as we have locked in the first WA/AA Summit 2025 in Brisbane on Thursday 5th June! More detail to come. 🗓️ #aviationaerospaceaustralia #aviation #aerospace #space #STEM #womeninaviationaerospaceaustralia #waaa #waaasummit #brisbanesummit #melbournesummit

Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Women Summit another big success. Familiar faces and new connections! What a brilliantly attended event at the RACV Club, with a noticeably diverse list of attendees covering many industry segments. This is what we need to see in increased volume from the Australian Aviation community. We need to advocate more collaboratively to ensure aviation is front and centre across all aspects of Australian policy reform, at all levels of government. I’ve been fortunate to work in numerous areas, including Airline Engineering, Front Line Customer Service, Education & Training, Business Jets, General Aviation through the Regional Aviation Association of Australia and projects for the Australian Defence Force. I know each segment of industry has different challenges & focus areas. Underpinning this however are many common themes that bind us together. We need better coordination to ensure industry as a whole establishes itself as a long-term global front runner, and aviation is a national priority in the decades ahead. The Aviation White paper provided us a refreshed alignment of priorities. Execution now needs to be laser focused if we are to make the most of the efforts in putting this document together. In recent times I've seen organisations with talented teams cease trading, which risks a continuation of the recent loss of talent we've seen to other industries. This event is a fantastic example of the benefits in bringing diverse groups together for the collective good of Australian aviation. Of note was the future aviation leaders getting a glimpse into career pathways direct from the leaders themselves, what a priceless opportunity that was taken with both hands! Congratulations to everyone involved at this years' summit. Bombardier is proud to support diversity initiatives with A/AA. Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Aviation Australia, Industry Skills Australia, Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. #FAME

✨ Grateful to have attended the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit 2024 yesterday! ✨ Before I say anything else, thank you so much to Katherine Grigoriou (my forever favorite woman in aerospace💗) and Daniel Edgington-Mitchell for this incredible opportunity! Having turned 21 this year and just completed my 4-year degree, the opportunity to hear from highly experienced women in this field about what's it's really like be a woman in this field, and thus what exactly awaits me, was truly invaluable! Reflecting on the event, the following are a few of my favorite takeaways: - Hearing that even remarkable leaders like Sarah McSwiney Sarah McSwinny, Engineering Strategy and Operations Manager at Boeing Defence Australia, and Stephanie Tully, CEO at Jetstar Airways, experience imposter syndrome was a powerful reminder that even the most successful leaders face it, and it made me feel right at home! - Dr Ruwangi Fernando beautifully explained the concept of "Equity and Equality" with an unforgettable analogy: "Equity is everyone getting a shirt that fits, while equality is everyone getting the same shirt." - Jacob Sibbald was amazing! Love the "you belong - we include" in Virgin Flair's policy! From Sarah McSwinny to Stephanie Tully, Kate McInnis, Toni-Anne Munn, Julie Cooper FAICD, Vivienne King, CPL Charlotte Mears, and many others, each speaker’s openness on imposter syndrome, parental leave, menopause, work-life balance, and breaking the 'glass ceiling' left a lasting impression! Their insights highlighted that we should focus on fixing the environment, not the individual, and that finding the right balance is key to thriving in the industry. I’m also eagerly waiting for the release of the Breaking Glass film! And also thank you Vicki Emmerson, now that's a perfect Event MC! To all the women in aviation and aerospace: “May we know them, may we be them, and may we inspire those who follow.” 🫶 #womeninaerospace #womeninaviation #waaa #summit

I attended the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit yesterday and was blown away by the incredible careers and achievements of the guest speakers. Notably, Stephanie Tully, Chief Executive Officer at Jetstar Airways on her impressive career path to her current role and Dr Ruwangi Fernando who gave extraordinary insights into barriers that still exist for people seeking to enter aviation or stem industries and how we must do more to overcome these. A highlight of the day was personally networking with four inspiring female engineers at BAE Systems Australia, Kara B., Danielle Harris, Sophie Mastoris, Jacqueline Vella, who passed on very valuable advice and are definitely four watch in the coming years in the industry for what they will achieve. Networking with Toni-Anne Munn, Program Director JP9102 Lockheed Martin Australia and Julia Dickinson Chief Engineer Military Satellite Communications at Lockheed Martin Australia, was a huge highlight of the day. They are two huge role models to myself and continue to pave the way for women in the field, who passed on valuable advice and motivation I will most defintiley take into my academic and professional career. I feel incredibly inspired and will never let “imposter syndrome” hold me back, a great topic covered by these successful women in the field. Thank you to Cathy Riach (Diener) and QinetiQ for my seat at your “Future Leaders” table at the summit alongside my Monash University peers, we had a fantastic time! #womeninaviation #womeninstem #aerospacewomen

"Diversity is a given, inclusion is the choice." Learning from such a wide range of women in aviation was rewarding, but seeing women in aeronautical engineering thrive in all areas at Jetstar was truly the best. Getting a well rounded team means carefully selecting each person for what they can bring. If you find your business is excluding, or failing to retain, talent then you have a new objective: correct the inequity. Thanks to CEO Steph Tully for your keynote at the women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit. #womeninstem #womeninengineering

Yesterday was an unforgettable experience, speaking on the Youth Panel about “Boundary Setting with the Next Generation” at the WA/AA Melbourne Summit! I’m grateful to have shared my perspective on this topic as we redefine workplace culture with fresh ideas. The theme this year, Beyond Binary Diversity, took on a powerful meaning as we explored taboos like imposter syndrome, glass ceilings, and of course, the importance of boundary setting—especially as Gen Z enters the field with a new perspective. It was both humbling and energizing to speak in front of so many key players in aviation and STEM. Meeting inspiring female engineers and leaders from BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin and Boeing including Sarah McSwiney, Toni-Anne Munn as well as Dr Morley Muse and Dr Ruwangi Fernando was a true honor. The insights they bring to the industry are groundbreaking, and their support for new voices in the field is deeply motivating. I’d also like to recognize my fellow panelists Raj Burli from CSIRO, Thomas Fisher from Swinburne University of Technology, Hania Poonawala from Boeing Aerostructures Australia and our lovely moderator Manatsawee (San) Limprapuwiwattana. Each brought unique insights and perspectives on the evolving nature of workplace boundaries, and I’m grateful to have shared this experience with them. A heartfelt thank you to Mia Chan and Nikki Keating for their vision and flawless organization. This event was more than just a discussion; it was a commitment to listening to new voices and fostering change in the industry. Here’s to continuing these critical conversations and pushing the industry forward!

Yesterday was an unforgettable experience, speaking on the Youth Panel about “Boundary Setting with the Next Generation” at the WA/AA Melbourne Summit! I’m grateful to have shared my perspective on this topic as we redefine workplace culture with fresh ideas. The theme this year, Beyond Binary Diversity, took on a powerful meaning as we explored taboos like imposter syndrome, glass ceilings, and of course, the importance of boundary setting—especially as Gen Z enters the field with a new perspective. It was both humbling and energizing to speak in front of so many key players in aviation and STEM. Meeting inspiring female engineers and leaders from BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin and Boeing including Sarah McSwiney, Toni-Anne Munn as well as Dr Morley Muse and Dr Ruwangi Fernando was a true honor. The insights they bring to the industry are groundbreaking, and their support for new voices in the field is deeply motivating. I’d also like to recognize my fellow panelists Raj Burli from CSIRO, Thomas Fisher from Swinburne University of Technology, Hania Poonawala from Boeing Aerostructures Australia and our lovely moderator Manatsawee (San) Limprapuwiwattana. Each brought unique insights and perspectives on the evolving nature of workplace boundaries, and I’m grateful to have shared this experience with them. A heartfelt thank you to Mia Chan and Nikki Keating for their vision and flawless organization. This event was more than just a discussion; it was a commitment to listening to new voices and fostering change in the industry. Here’s to continuing these critical conversations and pushing the industry forward!

I attended the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit yesterday and was blown away by the incredible careers and achievements of the guest speakers. Notably, Stephanie Tully, Chief Executive Officer at Jetstar Airways on her impressive career path to her current role and Dr Ruwangi Fernando who gave extraordinary insights into barriers that still exist for people seeking to enter aviation or stem industries and how we must do more to overcome these. A highlight of the day was personally networking with four inspiring female engineers at BAE Systems Australia, Kara B., Danielle Harris, Sophie Mastoris, Jacqueline Vella, who passed on very valuable advice and are definitely four watch in the coming years in the industry for what they will achieve. Networking with Toni-Anne Munn, Program Director JP9102 Lockheed Martin Australia and Julia Dickinson Chief Engineer Military Satellite Communications at Lockheed Martin Australia, was a huge highlight of the day. They are two huge role models to myself and continue to pave the way for women in the field, who passed on valuable advice and motivation I will most defintiley take into my academic and professional career. I feel incredibly inspired and will never let “imposter syndrome” hold me back, a great topic covered by these successful women in the field. Thank you to Cathy Riach (Diener) and QinetiQ for my seat at your “Future Leaders” table at the summit alongside my Monash University peers, we had a fantastic time! #womeninaviation #womeninstem #aerospacewomen

"Diversity is a given, inclusion is the choice." Learning from such a wide range of women in aviation was rewarding, but seeing women in aeronautical engineering thrive in all areas at Jetstar was truly the best. Getting a well rounded team means carefully selecting each person for what they can bring. If you find your business is excluding, or failing to retain, talent then you have a new objective: correct the inequity. Thanks to CEO Steph Tully for your keynote at the women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit. #womeninstem #womeninengineering

Today in sunny Melbourne (it truly was a beautiful day!), I attended the 2024 Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Summit. I was inspired by many incredible women in the industry, including Stephanie Tully, who shared her journey from starting as a graduate at Ansett to her vibrant career at Qantas and her current role as CEO of Jetstar, and Dr Ruwangi Fernando who shared insights on breaking down barriers to achieve equity enabling all people to thrive. A personal highlight was meeting Melinda King, a Qantas leader I hadn't encountered before. Mel, a Cabin Crew Manager and mother of twin teenage boys, recounted her experience applying for her first leadership position when returning from maternity leave. Despite being the best candidate, her boss initially rejected her application due to her inability to commit to full-time work. Undeterred, Mel proposed a job share arrangement—an unprecedented idea at her workplace at the time. After some persistence, she succeeded! This led her into her first leadership role, which she shared with another new leader on a rotating basis. Today, over a decade later, Mel proudly notes that the job share model she championed continues to benefit many women and men in their careers. Thank you to the brave and bold women, like Mel, Steph and Dr Ruwangi who have paved the way for me and other women to take on leadership roles in the aviation industry. While we’ve made progress, there’s still work ahead. #womeninaviationaerospace #ytg