Born into a military family in Adelaide, Squadron Leader Kymberlie Cullen was exposed at an early age to the value of service. Her father’s advocacy for soldier welfare shaped her interest in human resources, legislation and ensuring members received fair treatment.

As a personnel capability officer (PCO), Squadron Leader Cullen has been contributing to equitable, transparent and people‑centred practices across Air Force. In her role, she supports members' wellbeing and their service, and also supports command and support staff in their responsibilities.

“The legislation and policy is always changing, and being able to understand this for members and commanders is important,” Squadron Leader Cullen said. 

“As a PCO, you are exposed to the best and worst of circumstances that can happen for members, both professionally and personally.

“I take pride in being able to provide support, transparency and humility when our members and commanders need it most.” 

'Women face challenges at multiple phases throughout their careers or lives, and it’s encouraging to see Defence responding to those needs.'

Squadron Leader Cullen’s recent posting to the Inspector‑General of the ADF (IGADF) deepened her impact. As the Air Force Desk Officer for Redress of Grievance (ROG) matters, she became a key point of support for members seeking clarity, justice or reassurance. 

“At times, complainants would say I was the first person to take the time to listen to their concerns and acknowledge the impact the matter had on them and their families,” she said.

“Listening to understand and acknowledge emotions can often be a powerful step in complaint handling and supporting a member to move forward – even if a decision was not going to be favourable to their submission.”

When Squadron Leader Cullen was at the IGADF, she helped reshape complaint‑handling practices – she introduced earlier engagement, trauma‑informed communication and better accommodation of individual circumstances including pregnancy, postpartum needs and cultural considerations. This work earned her a bronze commendation.

“When we discuss complaints, we consider factors that might shape and influence how we support the member, and if there are any additional policy or legislation matters that need to be considered – specific to that member,” she said. 

“It is primarily about considering a member’s gender, culture and identity, and determining how we can best support them through the complaint‑handling process with those factors in mind, rather than assuming what they need or how they want to be supported.” 

With International Woman’s Day on March 8, Squadron Leader Cullen said she has observed greater awareness of pressures that come later in life for women – like menopause or caring for ageing parents – and the need for flexibility and access to support services.

“Women face challenges at multiple phases throughout their careers or lives, and it’s encouraging to see Defence responding to those needs,” she said.

'There has never been a better time to be an empowered woman striving to balance family life with a meaningful career in Defence.'

While progress has been made, Squadron Leader Cullen believes there is still room for cultural improvement, particularly in addressing attitudes that create barriers for women seeking support.

“There can be a sense of ‘I didn’t have that flexibility, or that was not available to me’, and while unintentional, it can create a negative, unconscious bias in decision making,” she said. 

“This can widen generational gaps and make it harder for younger members and families to ask for the support they need and that is available to them.”

For woman considering a role within Defence, Squadron Leader Cullen believes there is no better time to join.

“The progress made in flexible work arrangements, maternity and postpartum support over recent years has been significant,” she said. 

“There has never been a better time to be an empowered woman striving to balance family life with a meaningful career in Defence.”