Event date: Thursday, 26 March 2026 Venue: Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont Registration starts: 11:00am AEDT Official start: 11:30am Civilian: Business casual Military: Dress of the day

Principal partner

Platinum partner

All partners

ABOUT THE FORUM

The Progress Report Luncheon is a new initiative from Defence Connect that spotlights the tangible progress being made to advance women in Australia’s defence sector.

This event goes beyond dialogue. It’s about fostering stronger, empowered teams and shaping the future of Australia’s Defence sector.

Built around candid conversations and lived experiences, the event brings together senior leaders from Australian Defence, industry, and government to explore how collaboration is shaping a stronger, more inclusive sector.

Read more Read less

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

The Progress Report Luncheon 2026

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to revitalise your career and become a trailblazer in the industry. The Progress Report Luncheon awaits you with transformative experiences that will shape your future for the better. Secure your spot now and get ready for an event like no other!

why enter icon

Connect with a powerful network of senior Defence and industry leaders committed to inclusion and capability growth.

why enter icon

Gain practical insights into how leader organisations are embedding diversity as a strategic advantage.

why enter icon

Understand the current trends shaping workforce development and opportunities for women in Defence.

why enter icon

Walk away with real-world strategies for fostering inclusive workplaces that deliver cultural and commercial outcomes.

Who Should Attend?

This event is for leaders, advocates, and professionals across Defence, industry, and government — both women and men who are committed to building a more inclusive and capable future workforce.

LOCATION AND SCHEDULE

Event date:Thursday, 26 March 2026
Venue:Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont
Registration starts:11:00am AEDT
Official start:11:30am
Civilian:Business casual
Military:Dress of the day

LOCK IN YOUR REGISTRATION!

Meet our 2026 speakers

Major General Michelle Campbell AM
Major General Michelle Campbell AM
Head of Reserve and Cadet Support Division, Department of Defence
Rear Admiral Letitia van Stralen AM, CSC, RAN
Rear Admiral Letitia van Stralen AM, CSC, RAN
Head of Military Personnel, Australian Defence Force
Francesca Rush
Francesca Rush
Chief Counsel, Department of Defence
Anntonette Dailey
Anntonette Dailey
Chief Executive, Aviation Aerospace Australia
Leisa Craig
Leisa Craig
First Assistant Secretary, Workforce and People Strategy, Department of Defence
Dr Oleksandra Molloy
Dr Oleksandra Molloy
Senior Lecturer, University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy
Sari Mustonen-Kirk
Sari Mustonen-Kirk
Director, Culture & Brand, Worksec
Rachel Falzon
Rachel Falzon
Founder, Women in Defence Association
Stephen Kuper
Stephen Kuper
Lead - Defence & Aerospace, Government Relations Manager, Senior Analyst - Defence & Security, Momentum Markets
Gabby Costigan
Gabby Costigan
Group Managing Director, Business Development, BAE Systems

We are thrilled to bring you a line-up of industry leaders, visionaries, and change makers who will share their invaluable insights at the Progress Report Luncheon 2026.

Event produced by

Captivate