Breaking barriers in the skies has never been a solo journey; it’s a legacy built by generations.

On March 8, members of Air Force, the local community and Australian Air Force Cadets honoured 85 years of women in Defence at an event hosted by Fighter World in Williamtown, NSW.

Members of Air Force’s History and Heritage Branch – led by Wing Commander Linda New – brought that legacy to life, uniting female aviators past, present and future in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event honoured the women who have shaped Air Force history, their passion for service, and their professional and personal strength.

“Showcasing our history is important. These women and their journeys paved the way for us as females in Defence,” Wing Commander New said.

The significance of International Women’s Day deepened this year as Air Force commemorated 85 years of women serving in their service, tracing a proud lineage that began on the eve of war and continues to evolve.

The story of women in Air Force began in April, 1939, with the Women’s Air Training Corps – a voluntary auxiliary service for women interested in supporting the RAAF. It wasn’t until February 25, 1941, when the War Cabinet approved the creation of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) – Australia’s first military organisation to enlist women beyond the medical professions – that women were recognised as aviators.

The 85 years since the establishment of the WAAAF have seen significant changes for female aviators, all made possible by the passionate trailblazers of the past.

“No one knows exactly how many WAAAF members are left, but without them, we would not be here today,” Wing Commander New said.

'Showcasing our history is important. These women and their journeys paved the way for us as females in Defence.'

This year’s event attendees had the honour of hearing the story of veteran Mona Stringer, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday in Adelaide. 

They learnt of Mona’s time at basic training in Victor Harbour during the cold South Australian winter, sleeping in a small tent on a basic stretcher, and of her service as a clerk at 4 School of Technical Training in Adelaide before discharging in 1945.

The journey of women in Defence did not stop there, with the need for serving women arising again at the outbreak of the Korean War. In 1950, the Women’s Royal Australian Air Force (WRAAF) was formed, eventually integrating into the Royal Australian Air Force in 1977.

The event’s keynote speaker, Mary Anne Whiting, a retired wing commander, who was the last member of the WRAAF to leave full-time RAAF service, retiring on Dec 31, 2023. Dr Whiting shared her journey, challenges and milestones with the audience, highlighting how opportunities for females within defence have evolved. 

Her former Air Force navigator father’s advice when he drove her to the recruiting centre in 1970 was: “Make the most of every opportunity the Air Force offers you, even if it seems difficult at first.”

As the event drew to a close, the shared stories of courage, persistence and opportunity reminded all in attendance that today’s achievements stand on the shoulders of those who served before. From the pioneering women of the WAAAF and the WRAAF, to the leaders shaping the modern Air Force, their collective journey continues to inspire new generations of aviators.