Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2022 finalists last week, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the 10 categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in Operations.
In this category, the judges were looking for entries that demonstrated outstanding operational skills, well above and beyond the roles defined by their position descriptions, in logistical, service and support roles with Defence and Defence industry during 2021. The finalists in this category all overcame significant personal and/or professional obstacles to shine in their chosen fields. They also contributed to the wider community through their volunteer and mentoring roles.
Trish Denison of BAE Systems Australia
As Remote Site Operations Project Manager, Trish leads a team of 90 technical and logistics staff supporting the Jindalee Operational Radar Network (JORN). Tish is responsible for the day-to-day operations across multiple sites. The judges were impressed by Trish’s ability to manage a FIFO workforce across multiple locations and time zones and frequently rapidly changing travel restrictions during 2021. In her own time, she is a volunteer participant and organiser of the BAE Systems Lean-in circles – supporting diversity and inclusion in the organisation, with her efforts commended by both management and participants.
Wing Commander Marija Jovanovich of the Royal Australian Air Force
Marija is the Commanding Officer of Number 10 Squadron RAAF, where she is responsible for the operations, 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 Operations 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 both 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 judging 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.
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.
