It was with great pleasure that the Australia Day Council of South Australia launched the next iteration of our Inspiring Women Series, Inspiring Women Impacting the World and Beyond – Women In Defence – held on Thursday 4 September at U City. This extraordinary opportunity amplified women whose careers represented the culmination of years, often decades, of dedication, determination, advocacy, and innovation. Each featured leader has faced not only the challenges inherent in their industries but also the unprecedented shifts shaping our world today

The evening commenced with a special message from Colonel (Ret’d) Pamela Melroy (US Fighter Pilot, Astronaut, NASA leader), followed by an opening address by Minister for the Office of Women, Katrine Hildyard MP, highlighting the importance of gender equality in the workforce.

We thank our panellists, Dr Catherine Grace, MBBS, Jessica Pisani, Dr Sarah Cannard, Dr. Susan Neuhaus AM CSC, and Sumen Rai, visionary leaders advancing space policy, sovereign capability, inclusive engagement, defence health, and aerospace innovation through bold, cross-sector collaboration. While Libby Day and Justine Greig PSM were unable to attend due to work commitments, we acknowledge their enduring leadership.

These women have stepped into complex roles, shaping policy with clarity and purpose, leading teams, building sovereign capability, and opening doors for others. Their journeys remind us that leadership is about courage, innovation, and making a lasting impact.

Sincere thanks to MC Deb Tribe, Julie Cooper FAICD, for her skilled facilitation and to our valued partners, the Government of South Australia Office for Women, ASC Pty Ltd, Deloitte and Haigh’s Chocolates

We also acknowledge the invaluable support from our funding partners the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council and support from the Government of South Australia and strategic partner City of Adelaide.