Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2024 finalists, ADM will be introducing each of our amazing finalists across the categories in more detail. Today we are focusing on the finalists in our Operations category.
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 2023. 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.
The winners and Hall of Fame inductee will be announced at a gala dinner at The National Arboretum, Canberra, on 17 October 2024. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
Belinda Cole
S1 Flight 806 Aircrewman
Royal Australian Navy
Belinda was instrumental in the safe and efficient evacuation of Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) personnel from the path of Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper in late 2023. She was required to make crucial decisions under pressure to ensure the safety of not only BOM personnel, but also the aircraft crew.
Liz Daly WINNER
United Nations Military Observer
Australian Army
On October 7, 2023, Hamas led surprise attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air. As a UNMO, Liz and two other UNMOs found themselves unarmed and locked into an Observation Post (OP) on the border of Israel-occupied Golan and Syria for the first 23 days of the conflict. She and another UNMO saved the compound from burning down when the fuel dump was threatened by fire. Liz is also completing a PhD part-time focused on female Veteran Health.
In 2023 Liz found herself in an unexpected, highly dangerous situation, she did an exemplary job in not only saving the UN Observation Post and occupants from fire but managing the compound for the first 23 days of an ongoing conflict. She initiated Induction Training to educate the new UNMOs on unconscious bias, equality, and inclusivity. Liz co-created and runs a Peer Support program for junior health officers in Army.
Julie Magnone
Managing Director
Depth Logistics
In 2023 the Australian Government donated equipment to Ukraine. Julie personally escorted and oversaw the delivery of all 146 items from Brisbane to the port of Gdansk in Poland and onto the Ukraine border handover facility. Besides the complexity of this operation, Julie had to ensure safe passage and route selection due to the Houthi Rebels activity in the Red Sea region which started around the time of the vessel’s transit through the Suez Canal. Julie also led and managed the delivery of 15 Bush masters from Brisbane to Jakarta Indonesia for United Nations, and the company’s movement of 1000’s of air and sea shipments for the US Army, Air Force and Marines for their involvement in Talisman Sabre.
Tam Malkki
Operations Manager and Senior Cyber Security Consultant
Ravinn Pty Ltd
In 2023 Tam successfully balanced three roles: Operations Manager for a boutique, veteran led cyber security company; Cyber Security Consultant and Army Reservist, involved in projects to develop Cyberspace Operations capability. Tam managed the different security requirements both of the projects themselves and the personnel involved with a professional, enthusiastic and open approach. She is an active member of the Veterans in Cyber and Australian Women in Security Network.
