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Defence Connect is proud to announce Kinetic IT as the principal partner of the major new event launching in 2026. This event is one that puts action, accountability and outcomes 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, proudly supported by Kinetic IT, will bring together senior leaders from Defence, industry and government for a powerful and pragmatic examination of how Australia is advancing opportunities for women across the sector.
Designed to go beyond rhetoric, The Progress Report Luncheon is a new kind of forum, one that dives deep into real progress, real barriers and real solutions shaping the future Defence workforce.
Built around candid conversations and lived experience, this inaugural event will deliver an unfiltered look at what’s working, what’s changing and what still needs to shift to build a stronger, more inclusive Defence and national security ecosystem.
Attendees will hear directly from influential leaders who are embedding diversity as a strategic capability, reshaping organisational culture and driving measurable outcomes from the inside out.
The speaker line-up confirmed to date 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 more speakers to be announced shortly.
As collaboration between Defence and industry accelerates, the luncheon, supported by Kinetic IT’s commitment to capability, people and performance, will explore how aligned efforts are creating clearer pathways, stronger pipelines and greater visibility for women pursuing long-term careers across Defence.
Adam MacCready, Acting Head of Department of Defence for Kinetic IT said, “We are proud to be the principal partner of The Progress Report Luncheon and to support an event that champions meaningful progress and collaboration across the Defence industry.
“Our commitment to driving positive change, strengthening capability, and delivering quality outcomes reflects our belief that the best results come from trusted partnerships and a shared dedication to advancing excellence across the sector, as we continue to support and protect Australia’s future,”MacCready added.
Defence and Aerospace lead at Momentum Markets, Steve Kuper, said the launch of the event marks a critical moment for the sector.
“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, having the best and brightest women front and centre is essential.”
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 Defence Connect’s The Progress Report podcast and account manager at Defence Connect, Natasha Taylor, said the partnership and event reflect a growing appetite for meaningful progress.
“Since launching The Progress Report podcast, I’ve been blown away by the depth of skills, experience and leadership championed by the impressive women across our sector. Boosting participation and representation is no longer optional – it’s mission-critical.”
Open to professionals across Defence, industry and government, The Progress Report Luncheon, supported by principal partner Kinetic IT, invites both women and men who want to be part of genuine progress, not just the conversation around it.
Kuper added, “I would encourage anyone, regardless of gender, who is committed to strengthening the capabilities delivered to the Australian warfighter to get involved with this exciting event.”
With Australia’s future Defence capability increasingly tied to its ability to attract, retain and empower talent, The Progress Report Luncheon 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 achieve that,” Taylor said.
The Defence sector is moving and The Progress Report Luncheon, with Kinetic IT as principal partner, is where you’ll see how far.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
