Page 32 - Australian Defence Magazine November 2022

32 WOMEN IN DEFENCE AWARDS
NOVEMBER 2022 | WW
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: 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.
PEOPLE AND 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.
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