17 July 2025
Australian War College (AWC) alumni celebrated the history and impact of the college at a function last month.
The 150 attendees included Commander Australian Defence College Rear Admiral James Lybrand, former First Assistant Secretary Defence Performance Task Force Teresa Blair, Chief of Personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and Commandant Australian War College Brigadier Lara Troy.
In her opening address, Brigadier Troy recognised the contributions of alumni and current course members.
“This evening provides an opportunity to reconnect with peers, strengthen professional networks, and reflect on the shared experiences that continue to shape our leadership community,” Brigadier Troy said.
In her keynote address, Lieutenant General Fox said the alumni network was a community of professionals who continued to influence Defence and national security.
'The ability to think critically, lead decisively and operate effectively across services, government and national partners has never been more important.'
“In the current strategic environment, the ability to think critically, lead decisively and operate effectively across services, government and national partners has never been more important,” she said.
“That is what the Australian War College prepares us to do and that is what we carry forward.”
Students attending AWC courses include ADF personnel, Australian Public Servants and international military personnel.
Air Commodore Chris Hanna, who has served in the military for almost 35 years, said completing the Defence and Strategic Studies Course in 2009 honed his skills for asking more thoughtful questions about sensitive and complex military and geopolitical issues.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of top-level presenters and interactions with leaders from both inside and outside of Defence and Government,” Air Commodore Hanna said.
“A major benefit was the instant peer group and connections made, both with my Australian and overseas course mates and their families.”
