16 June 2025
Young women from around Australia were immersed in Air Force life in May, undertaking the Women in Aviation Program at RAAF Base Williamtown.
The program is a Chief of Air Force initiative that gives girls over 15 and women up to 24 the opportunity to explore the exciting aviation and technical trade careers available in the Air Force.
Two programs, lasting four days each, took place over two weeks. The participants experienced the day-to-day routine of an Air Force base, and saw military aviation roles firsthand. They engaged with Air Force members as well as ADF Careers recruiting specialists to learn about careers in the military.
Flight Lieutenant Kirsty Lewis, a nursing officer in the Diversity and Inclusion team at the Directorate of Organisational Behaviour and Culture in Air Force, was the Officer in Charge of the program.
“We had a total of 24 participants over the two weeks, their ages ranging from 15 to 24. They came from as far as Victoria and the Sunshine Coast to participate in the program,” Flight Lieutenant Lewis said.
'There is so much growth, learning and understanding developed in our next generation of women.'
“Our participants loved the program. From day one we heard all about how the girls couldn’t stop telling their families about all the amazing things they had seen.”
The program brings together a diverse representation of women serving in the Air Force to speak with the participants. They demonstrate the initiatives and support systems that exist – and continue to grow – as more women join the organisation.
“We had a few participants who firmed up their Air Force career aspirations and others who are now considering careers they didn’t know existed before,” Flight Lieutenant Lewis said.
“There is so much growth, learning and understanding developed in our next generation of women.”
The Women in Aviation Program reflects Air Force’s commitment to building capability through diversity, and the organisation’s aim to be an employer of choice for young people.
“This program is integral to giving young women the opportunity to experience Air Force life and make informed decisions about subjects at school and fitness to prepare them for a career in the Air Force,” Flight Lieutenant Lewis said.
The aviation programs have been running since 2013 and many participants have gone on to pursue a career in the ADF. The program forms part of Air Force’s comprehensive workforce plan to meet the current and future needs of the ADF.
Jessica Sellers, a 16-year-old student from Berwick, Victoria, raved about the program.
“I felt empowered using and observing the Air Force equipment, and I felt a sense of comfort wearing the uniform and learning something new every day,” Jessica said.
“Everyone seems to have this image in their head of what the Air Force looks like. I believe the real thing is so much better than the movies.”
