Innovative contributions lead to VCDF Capability Awards
Two vastly different but equally significant contributions by DSTG teams to Defence capability have been acknowledged through prestigious Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) Capability Awards.
The DSTG team leading Defence's NAVIGATE Program was lauded for its contribution to the Defence mission through the establishment and management of NAVIGATE, a program that is pioneering innovative approaches to the creation of a more diverse, resilient and connected Defence STEM workforce.
DSTG's Team Perplexus was commended for its dedication, expertise and unwavering determination in identifying and developing an innovative solution to a classified Defence and national security capability requirement. The team had the courage to allow international counterparts with relevant expertise to review and critique their ground-breaking work. In the award citation, VCDF Vice Admiral David Johnson said Team Perplexus should be proud that its contribution to the safety of Defence and national security personnel will be felt for many years, though details cannot be made public.
Grateful for the acknowledgement
Jessica Brophy, who is responsible for providing strategic oversight and delivery of NAVIGATE, says her team is truly honoured to receive the award.
A key aim of NAVIGATE is to increase female representation in Defence STEM roles, particularly at more senior levels. The NAVIGATE pilot was launched in 2022 with pre-determined gender targets of 40 per cent female, 40 per cent male and 20 per cent any gender. From over 800 applicants, a cohort of 69 participants commenced on the pilot program.
Last year Defence announced the continuation of the NAVIGATE Program, with a new female participation target of 50 per cent.
This year’s NAVIGATE program received over 900 applications and Jessica is excited to be welcoming a new NAVIGATE cohort in May. Over 50% of the 35 STEM specialists in this cohort are female. The team has taken lessons learned from the pilot program to enhance the delivery and design of NAVIGATE 2.0.
DSTG Team Perplexus: Mr Shyam Mehta, Miss Coco Kennedy, Mr Helder Da Costa Veloso, Dr Kate Shields and Ms Justine Lewis.
The DSTG NAVIGATE Team: Miss Jess Brophy (Assistant Director), Mrs Sallyann Salmon, Mrs Lisa Murdock and Mr Benjamin Gray.
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