# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 11:30 am
- **Event Description**: 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.

Alisha Hewett - Former Wallaroo & Serving ADF Senior Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Alisha Hewett joined the Australian Army as a soldier in 2004 and was commissioned as an officer in 2008. Her operational experience includes deployment on Operation Catalyst (Iraq), Operation Padang Assist (Indonesia), and service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

LTCOL Hewett is currently serving with the ADF Defence Cooperation Program in Papua New Guinea as a Staff Officer, working in an advisory capacity to the Chief of Personnel and Chief of Training, Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
Alongside her military career, she represented Australia with the Wallaroos from 2013 to 2020, earning 22 Test caps and competing in the 2014 and 2017 Rugby World Cups.

She brings a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and high performance, shaped by both operational service and elite sport, and is passionate about empowering women to excel in demanding environments across Defence and sport.

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
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/currumbin/women-beyond-defence-empowered-journeys-luncheon-2026/200030018901005
- **Event Categories**: sports, football, workshops
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 53

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Currumbin
- **state**: QL
- **country**: Australia
- **location**: 164 Duringan Street, Currumbin, QLD, Australia, Queensland 4223
- **lat**: -28.13871
- **long**: 153.47487
- **full address**: 164 Duringan Street, Currumbin, QLD, Australia, Queensland 4223

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events7/banners/0b5b7c5dfd6a179dd8d8fc66f4f3b7659ec3f9ebc2ad9f70e9054d98b5765d93-rimg-w1200-h900-dc7e7190-gmir?v=1781579607

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026 being held?
  - **A:** Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026 takes place on Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 11:30 am to Fri, 19 Jun, 2026 at 11:30 am at 164 Duringan Street, Currumbin, QLD, Australia, Queensland 4223.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026?
  - **A:** Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026 is organized by Veterans' Support Centre.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Women Beyond Defence - Empowered Journeys Luncheon 2026 is ideal for sports fans, athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the thrill of live competitive action and the energy of a crowd. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Currumbin, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 50+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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