Page 56 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep-Oct 2022

56 WOMEN IN DEFENCE AWARDS
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
WING COMMANDER MARIJA JOVANOVICH OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE
Marija is the Commanding Officer of No. 10 Squadron RAAF, where she is responsible for the opera- tions, 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 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.
ABLE SEAMAN WAINISE MOREL OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
Wainise is a Combat Systems Operator – Underwater, part of the Tower Watchkeeping and Wharf Opera- tions teams in Darwin. Her role supports over 1000 ship moves and close to 2000 services each year in Darwin. The judges were impressed by the maturity and competence displayed during 2021, well above what would be expected of her current rank. The obvious respect and high regard in which she is held by her superiors, peers and subordinates was also notable. She was a member of the RAN Women’s Rugby Union Squad and had the distinction of being chosen as Vice-Captain.
LIEUTENANT COMMANDER MAKAILA LASALO OF THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY
In 2021 Makaila was employed as the Maritime Surveillance Advisor to Tonga. In this role she was instrumental in helping to integrate women into operational seagoing roles in the Tongan Royal Navy. Her resilience and commitment to service following the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption, subsequent communications blackout and the challenges of a COVID outbreak truly impressed the judg- ing panel. She helped to coordinate the international relief effort while liaising with all parties including the Government of Tonga. She has overcome a number of personal challenges to become a well respected ambassador for the RAN and ADF in the Pacific region.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
GEORGIA DAVEY OF AURECON
Georgia is Project Delivery Services’ Northern Territory Portfolio Lead, North with $230 million of works in her portfolio. Georgia’s approachable nature and ‘open door’ policy led five new Indigenous Businesses Enterprises to work with Defence in 2021 on Estate works in the Northern Territory. In addition to this success, Georgia stood out to the judges for her mentoring and leadership, all whilst being a single parent and completing a Master’s degree in 2021.
KRISTEN RABY OF NOVA SYSTEMS
Kristen became Nova Systems’ Land Domain IWP Portfolio Manager in October 2021, and leads the larg- est of Team Nova’s Major Service Provider contracts. Since taking over the role, Kristen’s delivery team has grown by over 50 per cent, and she has also delivered Nova’s inaugural Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, led initiatives to update parental leave, codify flexible working policies, and provide training and mentoring programs. Kristen stood out to the judges for her career achievements, her success in 2021, and her efforts to mentor and inspire those around her.
KIRI ROBERTS OF ACCENTURE
Kiri is Accenture’s Delivery Lead and ‘Scrum Master’ for a Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) Airborne Early Warning and Control project. Kiri’s efforts to boost team morale in 2021 led to a 60 per cent in- crease in output within the first four months of starting on the project, and she was also integral to the development of Accenture’s first Defence specific ICT & Cyber services offering. Kiri’s exceptional lead- ership and dedication to her team’s well-being was a highlight for the judges, as well as her volunteering work with Donate Life.