Following our announcement of the Women in Defence Awards 2025 finalist, 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 2024. 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 15 October 2025. Book your tickets here – we hope to see you there!
| Pauline Fitzgerald Project Director Defence Base Services Ventia Pauline led the full-scale mobilisation of the Northern Territory Defence Accommodation Precinct, transforming a dormant facility into a fully operational, hotel-style precinct for over 3,500 personnel during multinational training exercise Pitch Black. Pauline engaged directly with international Defence representatives to create an authentic global experience. Pauline has since championed the rollout of elevated service standards to 33 other regional bases she oversees, lifting the national benchmark for domestic support and catering services. Pauline is driving a cultural shift that reflects the needs of a modern defence industry. |
 |
| Michelle Hoy Operations Manager – Estate Maintenance and Living Service ACT Downer Defence Michelle’s customer-focus approach and strategic foresight drove a 22% reduction in reactive maintenance across Estate Maintenance and Living Services in the ACT. She also championed innovation and sustainability – delivering EV charging infrastructure at no cost to Defence. She actively mentors women across the business, supporting career transitions, encouraging participation in leadership programs and creating pathways into roles for Defence spouses. |
 |
| Tania Mitchell Global Mobility (GM) Operations Lead ASC Tania is accountable for operational delivery of ASC’s global mobility activity in support of the AUKUS program, which involves mobilising ASC employees to international locations on a variety of assignments. This is a first of its kind program. Over a period of eight months, Tania helped mobilise 133 long-term secondees, their partners and families to Hawaii. Most spouses accompanying secondees are women, and the only visa pathway does not provide spouse work rights, and it prohibits spouses from opening bank accounts. Tania developed strategies, support programs, found resources and adapted policies to make the transition less problematic. |
 |
| Shafiqah Shariff Ali Strike Officer and Principal Warfare Officer – Surface Warfare Royal Australian Navy As the Royal Australian Navy’s first ‘Strike Officer,' Shafiqah was an integral in the planning for and introduction into Australian service of the Tomahawk cruise missile on the Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers. She overcame technical and organisational challenges while deployed to the far side of the Pacific. Her efforts culminated in the successful firing of a Tomahawk cruise missile from HMAS Brisbane in December 2024. The level of secrecy and information-control that Shafiqah had to maintain as the RAN’s inaugural Strike Officer denied her the luxury of seeking external guidance on any matters relating to her primary role, and meant she largely had to be self-sufficient in defining a role new to the RAN and providing solutions to issues as they arose. |
 |
