Major General Campbell graduated from Monash University Regiment in 1992 and was the Sword of Honour recipient; she has three decades of military experience across a range of leadership, operations, training, protocol and project management appointments in Australia and overseas.
Major General Campbell is a veteran of three bushfire assistance task forces in 2003, 2009 and 2019/2020, and service with NATO forces in Afghanistan in 2014, where she was awarded the NATO Meritorious Service Medal for distinguished service exhibiting outstanding leadership and exceptional contribution. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday Honours in 2025 for exceptional service to the Australian Army as the Deputy Commander of the 2nd (Australian) Division and as Commander of the 4th Brigade (Victoria and Tasmania).
Major General Campbell’s civilian career spans three decades of project management and capability development in Australia and Europe. She has applied her expertise to improvements across Victoria’s infrastructure major and mega projects portfolio during Covid to mitigate systemic project risks. She led the senior leader capability development program, the Australian Major Projects Leadership Academy, across Australian federal, state and territory jurisdictions, and most recently is an independent executive advisor to various government projects.
Major General Campbell holds a Bachelor of Arts (Social Sciences) from Monash University, and a Senior Executive Master of Business Administration from University of Melbourne. She is a graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors, graduate of the Australia New Zealand School of Government Executive Fellows Program, is a Certified Practicing Portfolio Executive through Australian Institute of Project Management, and is a Fellow of the International Project Management Association.
Major General Campbell has three adult children 28, 27 and 25. Being independent, she enjoys spectating Aussie rules footy at the G, playing competitive tennis, reading fiction, and travelling overseas. She follows Hawthorn Football Club and treasures her autograph book with the 1978 premiership team personal messages and autographs.
RADM Letitia (‘Tish’) van Stralen, AM, CSC, RAN completed a Bachelor of Laws at Queensland University of Technology in 1994 and joined the RAN in 1995. Despite having legal qualifications, RADM van Stralen joined as a Maritime Warfare Officer.
Her seagoing postings included HMA Ships Tobruk, Darwin, Newcastle and Brisbane and included roles as an Officer of the Watch and Assistant Principal Warfare Officer. She completed roles ashore as an Intelligence Watch Officer and Training Officer.
RADM van Stralen gained her Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice at the Australian National University in 2002, and transferred to the Navy Legal branch. She performed legal roles in ADF Warfare Centre, Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC), and as the Fleet Legal Officer and Director Legal, HQJOC; with a particular focus on an operational law specialisation.
RADM van Stralen subsequently undertook a number of non-legal roles, including the Executive Officer in HMAS Creswell, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Navy and Director of Navy Career Management.
Operationally, she deployed to the Middle East in 2006 as the Legal Officer and Public Affairs Officer, Commander Task Force 158.
She was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her role as the Fleet Legal Officer, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2022 for service in senior leadership positions related to enhancing culture and people systems.
RADM van Stralen holds a Masters in Military Law and completed the Defence Strategic Studies Course in 2021. She was promoted to Commodore in 2022 and performed the roles of Chief of Staff to Navy Headquarters, and Director General Navy People in the newly integrated Military Personnel Division.
In December 2024, she was promoted to Rear Admiral and appointed as Head of Military Personnel.
Professor Tanya Monro commenced as Chief Defence Scientist in March 2019. Prof Monro is head of Defence Science and Technology Group and Capability Manager for Innovation, Science and Technology in the Australian Department of Defence.
In June 2022, Prof Monro was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to scientific and technological development, to research and innovation, to tertiary education, particularly in the field of photonics, and to professional organisations.
Prof Monro also holds the Bragg Gold Medal for the best physics PhD thesis in Australia, Prime Minister's Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year, SA Australian of the Year, and the Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research.
Prof Monro obtained her Doctor of Philosophy in physics from The University of Sydney, and was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship at the University of Southampton. Previous roles include Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University of South Australia and inaugural director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Bio Photonics at the University of Adelaide.
For contributions to optics engineering and advancing Australian national security, Prof Monro is an International Member of the United States National Academy of Engineering. Prof Monro is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, the Optical Society of America and an Honorary Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics.
Anntonette Dailey is the Chief Executive of Aviation Aerospace Australia, an inclusive purpose-led organisation committed to the sustainability of the aviation, aerospace and space sectors in Australia. Anny is a chartered engineer and brings more than 18 years senior executive capability, well known in the national security, engineering, space and aviation sectors. She has a ministerial appointment to the Defence Council of Victoria, and the Australian Research Council.
Dr Oleksandra Molloy is a Senior Lecturer in Human Factors and Aviation Safety, Academic Board Member, and the Lead of the Human Factors Research Lab in the School of Science of the University of New South Wales (Canberra). Dr Molloy is a research trailblazer and award-winning leader who conducts multi-disciplinary research in human factors, transport safety (i.e., aviation and road safety research), uncrewed systems, education and training. In the area of uncrewed systems, Dr Molloy has led the first evidence-based research on the use of drones in the war in Ukraine (supported by the Australian Army Research Centre) and is currently collaborating with industry on developing AI-assisted approach to monitor and predict cognitive load for Mission Aircrew/UAS operators (Defence Trailblazer).
Dr Molloy has a PhD in Aviation (UNSW, Australia); a MSc in Human Factors (University of Nottingham, UK); a Master of Education (Central Ukrainian State Pedagogical University, Ukraine); a Graduate Research Certificate (Kirovograd Flight Academy of National Aviation University, Ukraine); and a Diploma in Aviation Safety (International Air Transport Association, Canada). Dr Molloy also serves as a Board Director and Vice President of Education at the Advanced Air Mobility Institute (USA), Chair of the Human Factors Ergonomics Society Training Technical Group (USA), and a Chair of the Australasian College of Road Safety Women in Road Safety Network (Australasia).
Dr Molloy has been the lead Chief Investigator and Co-investigator in a number of large research projects funded by the Department of Defence, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the Arts, the Australian Research Council, Transport Canberra and ACT Services, and the Department of Education. Dr Molloy also supervises and mentors PhD and Honours students, as well as Post-Doctoral Researchers.
In 2024, for her achievements, Dr Molloy has been named a winner - Best Researcher from the International Media and Education Studies; Best Training and Development Program by the Defence and National Security Workforce Awards; Woman of the Year by HFE WOMAN Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (USA); ADM Women in Defence Awards, Research & Development; Industry Leader in AAM by eVTOL Insights (UK); and a finalist Academic of the Year by the Australian Defence Industry Awards.
As a thought leader, Dr Oleksandra Molloy is regularly invited to offer expert opinion on the matters in aviation, road safety, and on the role of drones in modern warfare and in the conflict in Ukraine, as well as writing and contributing to the analytical pieces for the ABC News, ABC '7/30 Report', ABC Canberra Radio, Channel 9 News, Channel 9 'A Current Affair, SBS Australia, Al Jazeera, the Strategist, New Scientist, etc. Dr Molloy delivered national and international keynote speeches, presentations, and participated in numerous public debates and discussion panels in the area of her expertise.
Sari Mustonen-Kirk is a recognised thought leader in business transformation, growth, and trusted leadership, with more than thirty years’ experience building and leading Dream Teams across financial services, sales, technology, and personnel security. She brings a unique 360-degree approach that blends governance, risk and compliance with creativity, brand strategy, and cultural development. A twice-published author and best-selling podcast producer and host, Sari is highly respected and widely sought out for her ability to translate complex ideas into practical frameworks for people and businesses to thrive.
Responsible for refining the WorkSec brand identity, embedding a strong Employee Value Proposition, and building a Trusted Workforce culture with Trusted Leadership at its core, Sari is shaping and maturing WorkSec’s key service offerings, including the Security Officer as a Service (SOaaS) and Trusted Workforce Program for Individuals (TWPI), ensuring they deliver both compliance assurance and high-touch client value. Her focus also includes enhancing the Employment Suitability Check (ESC) framework and advancing WorkSec’s governance and reporting models to meet evolving DISP and AGSVA requirements.
Sari continues to research and anticipate shifts in Defence and Government legislation, DISP, and PSPF/DSPF frameworks, ensuring WorkSec remains a leader in personnel security governance. She is currently developing her third book, ‘Trusted – A Playbook for Leaders’, which will showcase her Trusted Leadership model and the lessons drawn from WorkSec’s own journey. Known for her vision, authenticity, and commitment to people, Sari is instrumental in strengthening WorkSec’s culture and ensuring the business continues to lead the market in personnel security services.
Rachel is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of cross-sector experience spanning manufacturing, rail and Defence markets. She brings deep expertise in strategic planning and business operations, having served in senior management and board positions across a diverse range of organisations — including federal government entities, industry associations, peak bodies, prime contractors, SMEs and start-ups. This breadth of exposure gives her a unique vantage point and a proven ability to broker strategic alliances and align stakeholders towards key business initiatives.
As Founder and Director of Novel Management Defence Consultancy, headquartered in Western Australia, Rachel leads efforts to help private industry successfully enter and expand within the defence sector. Novel provides advisory and consultancy services to government agencies and prime contractors, guiding clients to develop competitive offerings that meet the needs of the Australian Defence Force. Her mission is to support clients in navigating the defence landscape, maturing their proposals and strengthening industry engagement across all levels of government.
Beyond her consultancy work, Rachel is a driving force for representation and collaboration within the defence ecosystem. She established the Women in Defence Association and contributes widely across the sector as a board member of Henderson Alliance, a Board Advisory Member of Curtin EECMS, and a committee member of the Blue Economy Advisory Group. Her former board roles include membership with AIDN WA and VESPIIA. Rachel is also an active participant in round-table discussions with global think tanks — contributing her perspective to independent think-tank forums.
Rachel’s extensive defence industry acumen, coupled with her advocacy for inclusion and collaboration, position her as a respected voice bridging government, industry and community — ideally suited to provide insight, mentorship and strategic guidance as Australia’s defence sector continues to evolve.
Gabby Costigan is Group Managing Director, Business Development for BAE Systems.
Gabby previously led BAE Systems Australia, the largest defence and security company in Australia, in her role as Chief Executive Officer. In four years, Gabby built the workforce from 3,000 to over 5,000 and expanded the company order book
through winning key campaigns including upgrades to the Jindalee Over the Horizon Radar system, Hunter Class Frigate Program and F-35 maintenance contract.
Prior to BAE Systems, Gabby was CEO for Linfox International Group, where she focused on transforming the business with an emphasis on strong customer service and the highest standards in safety and integrity across the region.
Gabby graduated in Aeronautical Engineering and joined the Australian Army, eventually retiring as a Colonel after a distinguished career that included operational experience commanding logistic operations for both Australian and US
deployed military forces.
Gabby takes an active interest in veteran affairs and championing women in business and defence, as demonstrated in her previous roles as Chair of Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service, and advocate for the Soldier On charity. Gabby is a member of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Committee where she represents the Australian economy.
Gabby has been honoured for her military service by the Australian and US Governments and NATO and was awarded a Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to UK/Australia relations in 2019. In 2024, Gabby was appointed as a Non-Executive Director at Balfour Beatty, bringing her experience in managing large, complex international organisations and operating in regulated markets.
Natasha Taylor is a Senior Account Manager at Momentum Media, working across Defence Connect, where she partners closely with industry leaders to deliver strategic media and content-led campaigns across Australia’s defence and national security sector.
She is also the host of The Progress Report podcast, a female-focused series that spotlights the career journeys, leadership paths and lived experiences of women across the defence, national security and broader industry ecosystem. Through honest conversations, Natasha explores the challenges, opportunities and pivotal moments that shape successful careers, while showcasing the diverse pathways into leadership and impact.
With a background in media, communications and B2B strategy, Natasha brings a strong commercial lens and a passion for storytelling to every project she works on.
With more than three decades of leadership across the defence, national security and complex ICT environments, Leighton Freene brings deep operational insight into what it takes to sustain capability in high-stakes, mission-critical settings — and how inclusive leadership and diverse teams are essential to long-term success.
As Kinetic IT’s Managing Director, Federal Government, Defence and National Security, Leighton aligns organisational strategy and investment to customer objectives, partnering closely with senior government and Defence leaders to deliver secure, resilient and trusted technology services. He has led large-scale ICT operations integrated service provider teams in highly regulated environments, including senior leadership roles with the Department of Defence, Victoria Police, Melbourne Water and Carlton United Breweries, managing large, diverse teams and complex transition and transformation programs.
A committed DEI ally, Leighton is an executive sponsor of Kinetic IT’s Accelerate program, supporting the progression of women into senior leadership roles across the organisation. He is also an active participant in Kinetic IT’s owned and sponsored STEM and industry initiatives focused on diversity, equity and inclusion — reflecting his belief that broadening participation strengthens capability, innovation and Australia’s future technology and defence workforce.
Zoe served in the Australian military, including active overseas deployment, and brings a strong operational and mission-driven perspective to her work. She now applies that experience to the defence sector as the Strategic Client Partner for Defence and National Security at Kinetic IT. With a background spanning risk, governance, change, technology management, and strategy, she works closely with Defence stakeholders to support complex environments where trust, resilience, and outcomes matter. She is deeply committed to strengthening the defence ecosystem, empowering people, and driving sustainable excellence across the industry.
Bianca is a proven leader with deep experience in financial and professional services. At Smart™, the exclusive salary packaging provider for Department of Defence members, Bianca leads client success, digital, marketing and sales, providing support to more than 50,000 Defence personnel with tailored salary packaging benefits. Known for her customer-centric approach and ability to build strong client partnerships, Bianca is focused on enhancing service delivery for Defence members. She is also the executive lead for Smart’s Accessibility Employee Network Group, championing inclusive initiatives across the organisation.
