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Defence Connect is set to launch a landmark new event in 2026 that puts action – not rhetoric – at the centre of Australia’s diversity conversation within defence.
Debuting on Thursday, 26 March 2026, at Doltone House Darling Island, Pyrmont, The Progress Report Luncheon will bring together senior leaders from Defence, industry and government for a powerful and pragmatic look at how Australia is advancing opportunities for women across the sector.
Unlike traditional forums, The Progress Report Luncheon is designed to go deeper – spotlighting real progress, real barriers and real solutions.
Built around candid conversations and lived experience, this inaugural event promises an unfiltered examination of what’s working, what’s changing and what still needs to shift to build a stronger, more inclusive Defence workforce.
Attendees will hear directly from influential leaders who are embedding diversity as a strategic capability and reshaping organisational culture from the inside out.
Our speaker line-up so far includes Rear Admiral Letitia van Stralen AM CSC RAN, Professor Tanya Monro AC, Francesca Rush, Anntonette Dailey, Leisa Craig, Dr Oleksandra Molloy and Sari Mustonen-Kirk.
With collaboration between Defence and industry accelerating, the luncheon will also explore how aligned efforts are creating clearer pathways and greater visibility for women pursuing long-term careers in Defence.
Defence and Aerospace lead at Momentum Markets, Steve Kuper, said, “This is such an exciting event to be launching. If Australia’s defence and national security ecosystem is to deliver the capabilities fundamental to our national security and having the best and brightest women is front and centre of that.”
View the agenda and current speakers here.
The event offers a unique opportunity to:
- Connect with senior Defence and industry leaders driving inclusion, capability uplift and workforce transformation.
- Gain practical insights into how leading organisations are embedding diversity as a competitive advantage.
- Explore emerging trends shaping workforce development and the evolving opportunities for women across Defence.
- Leave with actionable strategies for building inclusive teams that deliver both cultural and commercial impact.
Host of the Defence Connect - Progress Report podcast and account manager at Defence Connect, Natasha Taylor, said, “Since launching the Progress Report podcast, I have been blown away by the diversity of skills, experience and knowledge championed by the impressive women in our sector, boosting their participation and representation is now mission critical.”
Open to professionals across Defence, industry, and government, The Progress Report Luncheon invites both women and men who want to be part of meaningful progress – not just the conversation around it.
Kuper added, “I would encourage anyone, regardless of gender, who is interested in and committed to supporting and enhancing the capabilities delivered to the Australian warfighter to get involved with this exciting event.”
With the future of Australia’s Defence capability tied to attracting, retaining and empowering its talent, this event sets a new benchmark for dialogue that drives outcomes.
“Defence Connect is committed to supporting the creation of the most capable and inclusive defence and national security workforce Australia can have, only by working together can we do that,” Taylor said.
The Defence sector is moving – and The Progress Report Luncheon is where you’ll see how far.
Click here to learn more about the luncheon.
To secure your ticket, visit our registration portal here.
