Australian Defence Magazine

Last night CASG’s Head Land Systems Division, MAJGEN Jason Blain, DSC, AM, CSC, joined MAJ Dee-Ann Jackson and the Armoured Fighting Vehicles team at the Women in Defence Awards. “It was a significant event focused on recognising the wealth of talent in Defence and Defence Industry which was very evident on the night, with a particularly high calibre of women shortlisted for awards across a range of categories,” MAJGEN Blain said. “MAJ Jackson was shortlisted from an extremely competitive field in the Project Management category for her outstanding achievements as the Lead Test & Evaluation Manager in Armoured Fighting Vehicles, having acted frequently at least one level above her current rank (sometimes two!). “MAJ Jackson was the only CASG member shortlisted for these awards, demonstrating the competitiveness and talent we have within our Division. “Please join me in congratulating MAJ Jackson and please see a photo from the evening below. It was terrific to have MAJ Jackson’s Mum, Debbie, also attend this special occasion.”

The 2024 Women in Defence Awards Hall of Fame inductee is Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, who entered the Australian Defence Force Academy in 1988 and graduated from the Royal Military College in 1991. Her early foundation appointments were in logistics specialising in combat supplies and logistics planning, and in training positions culminating with her being the Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor at the Australian Defence Force Academy for which she received a Conspicuous Service Cross. Lieutenant General Fox has been employed across the Australian Defence Force in Forces Command, Joint Logistics Command, Special Operations Command, Training Command - Army, Defence People Group and Army Headquarters. She has deployed to Lebanon, Syria, and Israel and was the Chief of Staff for Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East where she was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service. In 2023, Lieutenant General Fox was appointed an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for her service as Head People Capability and Deputy Chief of Army. Lieutenant General Fox is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College, and the Defence and Strategic Studies Course. She has completed numerous degrees including Masters of Business Administration, Master of Politics and Policy, and Masters of Management in Defence Studies. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy (Singapore), The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), and The Said Business School (Oxford University). Lieutenant General Fox was appointed Chief of Personnel on 5 June 2023.  Lieutenant General Fox is married to Commodore Andrew Willis, MVO, RAN and has two teenage boys that keep her busy! With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Research and Development category is Dr Oleksandra Molloy. Oleksandra is a Senior Lecturer in Aviation, and Aviation Program Coordinator, at the UNSW . Oleksandra led the first evidence-based interview research across Australia and Ukraine with Defence, industry, government, and academia representatives to contribute to the growing interest and success around uncrewed systems in the air, sea, and land; may inform future Defence strategy and investments. She led the research in RAS-AI in Defence and partner with CAE to develop AI driven evaluation system for mission aviators. She is Chair of WOMEN@UNSW Canberra Champions Program, Director of Education of Women in Aviation Australian Chapter, Chair of the Women Network in Road Safety of the Australasian College of Road Safety. The judges were impressed by the demonstrated practical outcomes of Oleksandra’s research into the use of Drones in Ukraine and the ethical implications of AI-enable decision support systems are of immediate and practical importance to the ADF. Oleksandra’s outreach, mentoring and promotion of cadets within ADFA and young women in general via Women in Aviation International (AU Chapter) and fund-raising work in aide of displaced children in Ukraine inspired the judging panel. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Legal and Contracting category is Jen Willmer. Jen is a Senior Legal Counsel at BAE Systems Australia. During 2023 Jen restructured the Legal function while doubling its personnel to enable the successful delivery of programs. This included leading negotiations between BAE, Lockheed Martin Australia, Saab Australia, and Department of Defence on the Combat Systems Integration Collaboration Agreement; supporting the negotiation team on Hunter Batch 1; proactively leading engagement with the Department of Home Affairs and Defence over the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, and successfully driving legislative changes to better suit the practical realities of the shipyard; leading negotiations and placement of complex, high-value subcontracts with Australian and foreign companies whilst mitigating risk and leading The judges were impressed by Jen’s work in managing multiple complex contracts and relationships. Jen championed agile ways of flexible working to suit team members particularly part-time working mothers, those going on/returning from maternity leave and those dealing with personal challenges. Having endured years of childhood physical abuse, sexual assault, and toxic top-tier private practice law firm culture, Jen role-models leadership with integrity and authenticity through open and honest discussions on psychosocial safety, and mental health. Following the death of her sexual assault perpetrator in 2023, Jen actively converted the re-enlivening of a traumatic experience into a positive message and debunked the stigma about the use of Employee Assistance Program services. This allowed women to feel comfortable about speaking up about their experiences, creating an inclusive environment. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Communications category is Katherine Ziesing. Katherine is a Strategic Communications Manager with Hanwha Defence Australia. In 2023, Katherine was key in communicating the announcement of Hanwha’s selection as preferred tenderer for Land 400 Phase 3. Media monitoring confirmed that in the first 24 hours, over 1 billion people saw that announcement globally. Then, HDA had its total contracted vehicle numbers cut by 72 percent after the Defence Strategic Review; in response, Katherine developed the ‘HDA is Here to Stay’ campaign confirming the company’s long-term commitment to Australia. Katherine also volunteers and mentors for women’s participation through a range of forums – and is, of course, also the founder of the ADM Women in Defence Awards themselves. The Judges were impressed with Katherine’s achievements over the past 12 months, but also with the huge amount of volunteer, advocacy and mentoring work she does outside her role. The judges said: “She embodies the true spirit of WIDA and has clearly left a lasting impact on many women in the industry.” With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Engineering category is Nadya Haq. Nadya is a Systems Engineer with Downer Professional Services. Nadya Is the lead engineer for the SEA2273 project for Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships. Her notable achievements include the design and authorship of a critical Uninterrupted Power Supply advice document that benefits multiple Royal Australian Navy ships. She also single-handedly conducted an Electromagnetic Compliance analysis to ensure adherence to stringent military standards. Nadya runs the Technical and Engineering Community of Practice, organising sessions on defence-oriented engineering topics including AUKUS pillars, integration of artificial intelligence, nuclear engineering, and other relevant defence subjects. Nadya is pursuing a Master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering while already holding a PhD. The judges were greatly impressed by the depth and breadth of Nadya’s achievements in 2023, her commitment to extending and furthering her education, support of others in the Defence environment and her true passion for engineering. The references supplied by her supervisors, peers and those she mentors and supervises highlighted her achievements as a remarkable engineer. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Indigenous category is Rikki Cooper. Rikki is the National Indigenous Engagement Manager at BGIS. In 2023, Rikki Cooper travelled around Australia to deliver in-depth cultural awareness training to every individual BGIS employee, helping to promote a positive culture of inclusion and acceptance within the company. Rikki’s approach goes beyond just delivering training and packing up. She engages, listens and helps empower diverse employees within BGIS. In her role, Rikki has driven significant cultural change within BGIS, which has led to better outcomes across the board for the company, its clients and its employees.  The judging panel was impressed by the scale of Rikki’s achievements in 2023 as well as the impact on others that they have had. During the year, Rikki personally delivered cultural awareness training to every BGIS employee, contributing to positive cultural change within the organisation. Rikki’s work involved an inordinate amount of travel and personal sacrifice. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Project Management category is Michelle Baker. Michelle is the Program Manager, Boeing Autonomy Capability Hub for Australia and New Zealand, at Boeing Defence Australia. After more than 20 years of stewardship, Boeing handed the Defence High Frequency Communications Support Contract and Network and Operational Support Contract back to Defence and their incoming service provider. Michelle led the DHFCS team of 100, spanning six Australian locations. Throughout the transition, she ensured that the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing and morale of the team was of paramount importance, which was key to the continued outstanding delivery of this important program for Defence. Michelle managed the hand back of a contract, never an easy task, displaying exceptional leadership skills and emotional intelligence; demonstrating support, kindness, empathy, humility, respect, guidance, gratitude and clarity while her team worked through the stages of grief and loss. She maintained outstanding relationships with Defence and suppliers, despite the often difficult but necessary conversations. Michelle became the first Australian appointed to the Boeing Enterprise Board of the Boeing Women Inspiring: Leadership business resource group and was also a member of the BDA Gender Working Group, which drove the introduction of a Domestic and Family Violence Policy and the review of Parental Leave provisions. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the Technical Trade category is Lance Corporal Victoria Hohnke. Victoria is a Foreman Horizontal Construction, Construction Troop, 23 Support Squadron, 1st Combat Engineer Regiment in the Australian Army. During 2023 Victoria was responsible for coordinating the maintenance of 22 pieces of plant, 27 Trucks of multiple descriptions (including heavy combinations), and many items of associated equipment for earthwork operations. She volunteered to conduct Exercise Hari’i Hamutuk, which saw her working with the JGSDF and F-FDTL in Timor-Leste to conduct road repair. She is the only female soldier in Construction Troop. The judging panel was impressed by the many ways in which Victoria is a trailblazer for other women was highlighted by the judging panel. She is a shining example to not only women in Defence trades within Australia but also through her volunteer road construction work in East Timor. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs

The Winner of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards in the People and Culture category is Nikki Coleman. Nikki was the Senior Chaplain Ethicist to the Royal Australian Air Force. In August 2023, Nikki gave public evidence to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide about how the ADF handled her complaints regarding Unacceptable Behaviour (UB). Before Nikki’s public testimony, Defence had insisted that the results of UB investigations had to be kept confidential, even when UB was substantiated. As a result of Nikki’s 2023 public testimony and her quiet lobbying internally, the ADF fundamentally changed their approach to the privacy of those found guilty of UB - which will, over time, make the ADF a safer working environment for women. Nikki’s courage has led to a dramatic increase in notifications by women of recent and historic sexual assault, sexual harassment and bullying in the ADF. The judges view Nikki’s courage, testimony and advocacy as a historic moment. Nikki left Defence to stand up for herself, for her values and for other women, and she has successfully challenged the ADF to change its culture at an immense personal cost. The scale of her achievement - and the sacrifice it required - is unparalleled in the history of this awards program and will create a generational impact for years to come. With thanks to our sponsors: Headline Sponsor: Downer Gold Sponsors: Hanwha Defence Australia and Synergy Group Silver Sponsors: Babcock Australia & New Zealand, Beaten Zone Venture Partners Bronze Sponsors: Boeing, Leidos Australia and Precision Public Affairs