Celebrating service and beyond

Showcasing the breadth and depth of the contributions of female soldiers was at the heart of a special International Women’s Day event in Perth.

CAPTION: Australian Army officer Captain Pamela Truscott speaks with a fellow guest at the Working Spirit/RSL Western Australia International Women’s Day lunch. Story by Major Dean Benson. Photo by Corporal Nakia Chapman.

Members from Western Australia’s 13th Brigade attended the event hosted jointly by the Returned Services League WA (RSLWA) and veteran employment organisation Working Spirit on Friday, March 1.

Among those in attendance was Captain Pam Truscott, Platoon Commander at the 1st Health Battalion, who said engaging with like-minded women and sharing stories of service and achievement was an inspiring experience.

“The best part about being in a room of other like-minded women who also support each other and empower each other to make a difference is that it helps to inspire the next generation,” Captain Truscott said.

“It was so good to have a mix of demographics and ages there; whether you’re older or younger, it doesn’t really matter because inspiration comes in all forms.

“Being in the Army, I have been in the most male-dominated environment but I really enjoy it because it pushes me to be better and work harder.”

Captain Truscott first joined in 2008 as a signaller before commissioning as a nursing officer in 2020 and described her years of service as an overwhelmingly positive experience.

“Being a female in the Army, I’ve never been thought of any less,” she said.

“Army has given me lots of amazing opportunities regardless of gender, and I’ve never been precluded from anything.

“I’ve always felt supported and it’s great to see more women taking up senior leadership positions.”

Ms Gabby Ryan, RSLWA Veterans Services Manager and Army veteran, said the networking event highlighted the crucial role veteran support organisations play in empowering female veterans and showcasing their contributions across a wide range of roles.

“For the 13th Brigade members, I feel it was important for them to have their service recognised,” she said.

“It was also really great to see female soldiers in arms corps and so the opportunities that are open to them now are so different from what it used to be.

“It was great to see a mix of full-time and reserve members, too.”

Chief Executive Officer and founder of Working Spirit, Karyn Hinder, said the Count Her In theme of this year’s International Women’s Day was an important message for inspiring women and girls to pursue their aspirations.

“The presence of Army personnel at the International Women’s Day event served as a powerful testament to the valour and achievements of women in the Australian Defence Force,” she said.

“Their participation reinforced, acknowledged and celebrated the crucial roles women play in various spheres, including the military.”

Working Spirit and RSLWA have teamed up to offer a range of employment and training services to veterans and their families, including support to active reservists who are seeking a career change in their civilian capacity.

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