Women in RAEME (WIR4)
Join the RAEME Association Queensland for Women in RAEME 2026, an evening celebrating the achievements and contributions of women across RAEME, Defence and industry.
Everyone is welcome, including the entire veteran and business community, serving ADF members, Defence and industry representatives, families, friends and supporters.
Our guest speakers are:
Lieutenant Colonel Alison Lee, CSM (Retd).
An aeronautical engineer and former senior Army officer, Alison’s distinguished career included operational service in East Timor and Iraq, appointments within 5th Aviation Regiment, two operational deployments to Afghanistan, and oversight of the introduction of the MRH-90 aircraft into the Regiment.
Alison was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2010 before retiring from the Army in 2013.
She subsequently established a successful career in the defence industry, holding senior logistics and integration roles with Northrop Grumman and Penten. Alison is now Head of Logistics – Australia for PentenAmio.
She holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical), a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Strategy and Management.
Julie Fedorniak
Julie Fedorniak served in the Australian Army for 21 years, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two and building a career in vehicle maintenance, technical leadership and training.
Julie completed recruit training at Kapooka in January 1986 and initially served in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport at Oakey. In 1988, she transferred to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), completing the Vehicle Mechanic Adult Trade Course at the RAEME Training Centre as a member of the 1/88 course.
She spent the following six years serving in several Townsville units. Subsequent postings included the Leopard tank rebuild line at Bandiana and service as Workshop Sergeant with Darwin Logistics Company.
Returning to Townsville, Julie served with the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion before joining the 5th Aviation Regiment, where she became the regiment’s first female “black trades” Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM).
In 2007, Julie served as the North Queensland Technical Training Management Officer (TTMO) in Townsville. After 21 years of Army service, she moved into the civilian sector as Fleet Manager at James Cook University, bringing extensive technical and leadership experience to the role.
Event details
Date: Friday, 27 November 2026
Time: 6.00 pm–8.00 pm
Venue: The Ship Inn, South Brisbane
Cost: $25 per person
The evening includes inspirational speakers, canapés and a lucky door prize.
RSVP is essential, as places are limited.
Sponsors
Speakers
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Julie Fedorniak
Julie Fedorniak served in the Australian Army for 21 years, attaining the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two and building a career in vehicle maintenance, technical leadership and training.
Julie completed recruit training at Kapooka in January 1986 and initially served in the Royal Australian Corps of Transport at Oakey. In 1988, she transferred to the Royal Australian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RAEME), completing the Vehicle Mechanic Adult Trade Course at the RAEME Training Centre as a member of the 1/88 course.
She spent the following six years serving in several Townsville units. Subsequent postings included the Leopard tank rebuild line at Bandiana and service as Workshop Sergeant with Darwin Logistics Company.
Returning to Townsville, Julie served with the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion before joining the 5th Aviation Regiment, where she became the regiment’s first female “black trades” Artificer Sergeant Major (ASM).
In 2007, Julie served as the North Queensland Technical Training Management Officer (TTMO) in Townsville. After 21 years of Army service, she moved into the civilian sector as Fleet Manager at James Cook University, bringing extensive technical and leadership experience to the role.
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Born in Wangaratta, Alison attended Winton Primary School and Benalla High School, before joining the Army and undertaking tertiary studies at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra completing her Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) in 1997.
Alison undertook a number of junior Army Officer positions including service in East Timor in 1999 as the senior maintenance officer for 162 Reconnaissance Squadron.
In September 2001 Alison was posted to the United States for 2 years. During this posting Alison was deployed to Iraq for six months with the 101st Airborne Division.
Alison undertook a number of postings within 5th Aviation Regiment, including Officer Commanding Technical Support Squadron, where she was responsible for the planning and coordination of all aviation maintenance requirements within the Regiment including two operational deployments to Afghanistan and overseeing the introduction of the MRH-90 aircraft to 5th Aviation Regiment. During this period Alison was awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal.
Alison successfully completed Staff College in 2009, and was posted as the Staff Officer to Director General Personnel – Army. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2010, Alison retired from the Army in 2013.
Upon retirement from the Army, Alison accepted a position as the Integrated Logistics Support Manager for Northrop Grumman. She was then promoted to the Director Integration and Support within the same organisation. In 2017 Alison moved to Penten as the Director Logistics, and is now the Head of Logistics-AU for PentenAmio.
In addition to her Engineering degree, Alison holds a Masters of Business Administration and a Masters of Arts in Strategy and Management.
Going
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Elizabeth Fitzgibbon -
Lucinda Sams -
Carmen Traise -
Alison Lee -
Julie Fedorniak -
Terry & Charmaine Johnson -
Michelle Lafferty -
Karen Cairns -
Vic Friar -
Brett Worsley -
Paul Gibbs -
David Buckland -
Sarah Earey -
Shirley Robinson -
Peter Matthews -
Michael Patman -
Suzanne Shipp
