WiDA QLD - International Women's Day

WiDA QLD proudly presents International Women's Day

Balance the Scales

Queensland’s Defence Future: Strategy, Talent and Sustainable Industry Growth

International Women’s Day 2026 | Women in Defence Association (WiDA) – Brisbane

Queensland’s defence sector is entering a decisive phase of growth.

From sovereign capability uplift and major platform programs to workforce shortages and supply chain resilience, the next decade will be shaped by how effectively we align strategy, talent and industry sustainability.

This International Women’s Day, join Women in Defence Association (WiDA) Brisbane for a high-calibre industry dialogue designed for professionals who want to be part of shaping that future, not just observing it.

Tickets

$120 + Eventbrite fees
(No GST applicable)

Included:

• Cocktail Canapés and drinks included
• Structured networking with senior industry professionals
• Professionally facilitated dialogue
• Premium venue environment aligned to the significance of the discussion

Panel Feature

Kelly Hopkins
National Director – Defence, Hays
WiDA QLD Ambassador

Kelly brings national oversight of defence workforce trends and will provide insights into the structural talent challenges and opportunities shaping Queensland’s defence ecosystem.

Penelope Twemlow

COO, Phinteq and Chairperson, Women in Power

Pen is a Maritime Warfare, Naval Police and Management Executive (Commander), an integral member of the ADF Reserves. Pen's expert roles include:

- Co-Chair of Management Executive Working Group (March 2025 - current)
- Expert Advisor to the Australian Submarine Agency (2024 - current)
- Gender Focal Point for Gender, Peace and Security (2023 - current)
- Family and Domestic Violence Expert Advisor (2022 - current)
- Deputy Director Assurance, Directorate Navy Sensitive Issues Management (2021 - current)
- Special Projects Officer for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2021 - 2024)
- Safety, Risk and Wellbeing Staff Officer - Navy Safety (Navy Safety Bureau) (2020 - 2024)
- Operation COVID ASSIST Maritime Liaison Officer (2020 - 2021)
- Deputy Director ADF Values and Behaviours (Directorate of Navy Culture) (2020)
- Directorate of Policing and Security Navy (2020 - 2021)

Fiona Salt

Operations Integration Senior Manager, Boeing

Fiona works closely with senior leadership to optimise systems, strengthen governance and drive efficiencies that meet both business and customer requirements. Her background spans quality assurance, risk, change and transformation across defence and financial services, with more than a decade of international experience.Fiona brings a disciplined operational lens to the discussion — from continuous improvement and workforce alignment to the realities of delivering capability at scale.

Why Attend?

Your ticket provides access to:

✔ A strategic panel discussion focused on Queensland’s defence trajectory
✔ Insight into workforce strategy, industry readiness and sustainable growth
✔ Direct access to senior leaders and decision-makers
✔ Targeted networking with defence primes, SMEs, consultants and public sector representatives
✔ A professional environment aligned to WiDA’s national mission to accelerate meaningful progress in the defence industry

This is not a symbolic IWD event - we aim to progress the dialogue surrounding IWD from events talking about the value of diversity to providing commercially relevant, policy-aware, future-focused industry forums.

Photography & Videography

WiDA events are professionally photographed and filmed for promotional purposes.
By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed.

If you prefer not to appear in photography or videography, please contact us prior to the event and we will make reasonable accommodations.

Corporate Sponsors

We thank our Corporate Partners for their continued leadership and commitment to sustainable industry growth:

Gold Partners

• WorkSec
• ASC
• Curtin NRAS

Silver Partner

• BAE Systems Australia

Bronze Partners

• Just Focus
• South Metropolitan TAFE

Important Information

By registering, you agree to receive event-related communications and be added to the WiDA mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.

For enquiries:
members@womenindefenceassociation.org