Empowered Journeys Luncheon Women Beyond Defence ID6254

Join us for an inspiring afternoon.

After a successful and inspiring event in 2025, we’re proud to invite you to join us for the 2026 Empowered Journeys Luncheon - Women Beyond Defence on Friday 19 June at Waterside Events, Currumbin RSL.

This special luncheon celebrates the achievements of women beyond their military service. This year, our guest speakers bring a unique perspective, having made a significant impact not only during their military careers but also within the sporting arena. Hear from these inspirational women as they share their personal and professional journeys across both fields.

You’ll enjoy an afternoon of connection, delicious food and drinks, and memorable experiences, while hearing from incredible speakers who each bring a unique perspective on life beyond service. Speakers details below.

Major General Simone Wilkie, AO

Simone is a Major General in the Army Reserve and across a 40-year career has held a diverse range of leadership positions in military operations, telecommunications, education, human resources and logistics.  She currently chairs the Army Indigenous Advisory Committee.
 
Simone has deployed to Cambodia with the United Nations; Iraq as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Commanding General; and as the Commander in Afghanistan.  She has a Commendation for Distinguished Service (Afghanistan) 2013; the United States Bronze Star Medal (Iraq) 2007; and is the 2018 Women in Leadership Australia ACT winner.
 
Since retiring from full-time service, Simone has been a Director of a number of Not For Profit organisations; a Senior Advisor with Boston Consulting Group; a Strategic Advisor to Government, Defence and the Mining Industries; and a member of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal.  
 
Simone is a sports nut and served as chair of the ADF Sports Council for 5 years, including establishing the Adaptive Sports program and the Invictus Games Team. She was an ADF hockey player and was recently inducted into the ADF Australian Rules Hall of Fame.  She has been a Commissioner of the Australian Football League since 2015 and is passionate about developing young leaders and enhancing women’s sport in Australia.


Tracey Freeman - Two time Olympic Medalist
Tracey Freeman is a current serving Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force and one of Australia’s most accomplished softball athletes. A dual Olympian and four-time World Championship representative, Tracey’s international softball career spanned 20 years, reflecting sustained excellence at the highest level of the sport.

Tracey represented Australia at two Olympic Games, earning a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sport, she was inducted into the Softball Australia Hall of Fame in 2014 and the South Australian Softball Hall of Fame in 2019. Renowned for her leadership, teamwork, and elite performance, Tracey has left a lasting legacy in Australian softball and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Alongside her sporting achievements, Tracey has dedicated nearly 30 years of service as an Air Force communicator, including three operational tours of the Middle East. She continues to serve as a Warrant Officer, embodying the same discipline, commitment, and leadership that defined her sporting career.

Details: Doors: 11.30am
Lunch & Speakers: 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Networking: 3.00pm - 5.00pm
Gather your friends, colleagues or fellow supporters and be part of this uplifting celebration of courage, transformation, and empowerment.
Please book with your group as seating is allocated upon booking. 
Tickets: $95+BF per person - includes 2 course meal, drinks package, and cocktail on arrival


Menu~ alternate serve:

Entree:
Caramelised Onion & Goat Cheese Tart w/ Oven-Roasted Beetroot, Baby Leaves, Bush-Honey Citrus Dressing
Or
Kakuni Braised Pork Belly w/ Sweet Ginger Glaze, Steamed Jasmine Rice, Pickled Daikon, Micro Shiso + Togarashi

Main:
Pan Seared Chicken Breast w/ saffron risotto, blistered cherry tomatoes, gremolata, and crisp kale
Or
Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks (GFA) w/ Ale-Braised Onion Gravy, Truffle-Infused Potato Purée, and Roasted Heritage Carrots