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.

Melanie Annand

A Royal Australian Navy veteran, mental health support worker and advocate, Melanie brings more than 16 years’ experience supporting veterans and their families across Australia.

As President of Women Veterans Network Australia, she provides national leadership focused on recognition, connection and better outcomes for women who have served. Her work spans veteran wellbeing, welfare advocacy, crisis support and research into military sexual trauma, with a strong commitment to trauma-informed, person-centred support.

Melanie’s contribution to the veteran community has been recognised through several honours, including Life Membership with RSL Australia for more than 15 years of dedicated service to veterans and their families.

Chontelle Anderson

Chontelle Anderson joined the Australian Army in 2014 as a Vehicle Mechanic and was named ASEME Trainee of the Year in 2016. In 2020, she became the first female Craftsman to undertake an industry secondment with Erebus Motorsport, travelling Australia with the Supercars team.

Her career has included service in Darwin and Adelaide, and three years at the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit – Port Wakefield, where she received a Commander’s Commendation. Now serving with the 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, she has helped establish its workshop and prepare it for Initial Operational Capability.

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.