Our Executive Staff
National Convenor
Nicole Quinn
The life of an ADF spouse began for me over 13 years ago when I met Andrew, who is in the Navy. Since then we have experienced the highs and lows of ADF life and I, like all ADF partners, quickly discovered that my husband’s work had a large impact on my, and now my children’s, daily lives.
It was the impact on my children’s life, especially the impact of education inconsistencies across the states that first lead me to DFA. I was pleased to discover that an independent group was representing my concerns on this topic. As I further became involved in DFA, I was impressed to see an active and professional group lobbying both Defence and Government on issues affecting my life as an ADF family.
DFA 2008, mainly due to those spouses who have been before us, is a highly regarded and influential advocacy group representing the ‘end user’ of family policy. DFA is already receiving outstanding support from our new Minister, Warren Snowdon and continues to receive a supportive and ‘open door’ approach from the Chief of Defence Force, ACM Angus Houston and all of the Service Chiefs.
As National Convenor I will endeavour to represent the views and issues effecting ADF families and with the continuing support of the National Executive and families within the ADF community provide a strong voice for all Defence Families.
National Communications Officer
Cath Scott
My husband, Paul and I have been married for 13 years. 
Paul has been in the Navy for 22 years and we have experienced the usual challenges of our ADF lifestyle, including many lengthy periods of separation and our fair share of removals. The highs include great friendships and, despite the challenges, a good lifestyle. I am currently balancing three young children (Ellen 7, Conor 7 and Amy 5), part time work, volunteer work and the ‘absences from home’.
My background is in research and information management. I love being involved in DFA as the Communications Officer. It is a great organisation and has really made a difference helping families over the last 20+ years.
Administration Officer - National Office
Emma Ward
Emma has been the nexus of an Airforce family for eighteen years, and experienced 14 postings all over Australia and India with husband Christopher, a RAAF Legalo.
During that time, three sons (Jasper 17, Chester 14, Banjo 13) four deployments & seven Mini Foxies later, Emma has volunteered in each locality for the Defence community & local school.
Her time in these community and education positions (eleven state schools) have brought her a wealth of Defence family knowledge. Emma and friends founded the RAAF Darwin Community Centre for the sole purpose of providing respite & support networks for Defence families particularly spouses with Members absent from home.
When asked why she has spent the last twenty years volunteering for her community and organisations such as DFA she replies "you get back in life what you give out, especially from all the inspirational mentors I have met "
National Delegate for the ACT and Southern NSW
Julie Blackburn
I was first introduced to Defence life when I met
my husband 14 years ago. I have been juggling marriage, children and my own career, along with the heavy demands of my husbands' work ever since!
I too have experienced relocation, isolation, and extended separation during his numerous deployments and operational tours, so am empathetic to the myriad of issues that affect the modern Defence family, and the impact that these issues have on all family members.
I have been very impressed by the professional standards that Defence Families Australia has reached, and the positive representation it is making on behalf of all who are impacted in supporting those who serve Australia. I feel it is time to offer back some of my skills and objectivity, and ensure that those of us living in Canberra and Southern NSW regions continue to have an active voice in Defence, and remain well represented to those who make the decisions that ultimately affect our lives. Your feedback and input is welcomed, and will be most valuable in ensuring that your concerns are raised.
National Delegate for Central NSW
Julie Dryden
I have been a Defence spouse for 14 years and my husband Steve has been in the Navy 22 years. We have a young son who has just had his first day at school, after preschool and childcare.
We live in Sydney and have undergone several removals over the years. We have often endured long separations and the associated challenges and opportunities that it brings. The impacts of defence life is different for each member of the family.
DFA provides a wonderful avenue for issues that affect Defence families to be raised, represented and addressed. I look forward to meeting you and being able to represent you and assist you with any comments, issues or concerns you may have.
National Delegate for Victoria & Tasmania
Kym McKay
Hi, my name is Kym McKay. My husband Phil and I have been married for 7 years and we have a wonderful little boy who is two and a half….need I say more! Phil has been in the Army for 16 years and we are currently living in Puckapunyal. As a spouse married to a Defence Member I am constantly trying to juggle all of the normal things in life that come with being a working mum and wife, along with the challenging aspects of my husband’s work commitments.
DFA is an organisation that’s primary focus is on improving the lives of Defence families and I am proud to be associated with it and also appreciative of all the benefits that we now all take for granted. The future of my son and family is something I feel passionate about and I believe that working with DFA is a way of pursuing positive change for not only my life and the lives of Defence families I know, but for all Defence families. So please, provide your feedback and ideas to DFA. We can all work together to improve the lives of our families.
The Vic/Tas region incorporates RAAF Williams, Fort Queenscliff, Puckapunyal, Simpson Barracks, Macleod, Victoria Barracks Melbourne, RAAF Base East Sale, HMAS Cerberus, Patterson Barracks, Launceston Anglesea Barracks, Hobart Derwent Barracks, Dowsing Point.
National Delegate for Western Australia & Pilbara
Debbie Yates
I have been with my husband, Scott, since high school and when he left Perth to join the Air Force and attend ADFA 17 years ago, I decided to follow him to Canberra and thus begin my life as a Defence spouse.
We have had the opportunity to enjoy two separate postings to Canberra, almost eight years in Adelaide and an amazing 18 months posting to Washington DC, before finally securing a posting to our home town of Perth in December. We have three lovely children, Alyssa (5), who has just started school, Charlotte (2) and Jake (our new baby - born late January this year). Our family, along with my own career and business and a penchant for volunteering keeps our household very busy.
I have really enjoyed all of our postings and have experienced many of the ups and downs that come with being a Defence spouse and part of a Defence family. I think the role that DFA performs is very important and am enjoying being part of the organisation. I look forward to being actively involved in the WA Defence community during my time as National Delegate and please get in touch if I can be of any assistance at all.
National Delegate for South Australia
Rowena Jimmieson
Welcome to South Australia, my name is Rowena Jimmieson and I am a Navy Spouse. I live in Adelaide with my husband Ian and my two children, Willem (5) and Charlotte (2). I have found Adelaide to be a wonderful place to live with many activities for Adults and Children alike, you have numerous wineries (I think they are the best in Australia), beaches and the Hills. My husband Ian has been in the Navy for 17 years and has been a Submariner for 11 years. As the wife of a Submariner you come to understand the stresses that are put on a family when a partner is away from home for an extended period. With todays high operational tempo, and families experiencing extended deployments, we are seeing families have to deal with added pressures. I am eager to hear any of your comments and/or concerns. If you have any issues you would like discuss please email or call.
The South Australian Region incorporates RAAF Edinburgh, Keswick Army Barracks, Woodside Army Barracks, Port Wakefield Proof and Experimental Range, Navy Headquarters, Collins Submarine Project and the Air Warfare Destroyer Project.
National Delegate for South Queensland
Nicole Dooley
My husband Joel has been in the Army for almost 11 years and we are currently living in Brisbane enjoying the benefits of a modern yet relaxed city. We have been married for coming on 10 years and have two children, Jake 8 and Alexandra 6 years.
Like most ADF families, we have travelled around Australia and it wasn’t until our children began moving schools (interstate) that I became aware
of the extra challenges involved in being a defence family.
I must admit, up until that point, I was not even aware of DFA’s role in the whole scheme of things! Like most women, I am trying to find a happy balance between being a working mother (and a good role model for them) and supportive wife. I am interested in hearing about views or issues that have an impact on Defence families so that we can work together to overcome the challenges we face.
National Delegate for North Queensland
Penny Davison
My name is Penny Davison I am an Army Spouse and your new ND in North QLD. My husband, Scott (or Kevin as he is known in the Army world) have three girls aged 14, 12 and 10. The middle one has Cystic Fibrosis, so I come to DFA with knowledge about several different angles as I have been a serving member of the Army, we have a child with special needs recognition plus our family have been posted to a very remote locality.
We are currently posted back to Townsville from Perth, where I spent the last 12 months as the ND for WA. Before we moved to Perth we had two years in Karratha (about 1700kms North of Perth), where I was the Senior Representative for DFA for the Pilbara Region. This posting was fantastic and I would recommend the opportunity of a posting to a VRL if you get a chance.
I believe that DFA can, and has, had an influence on the decision making process that affects all of our lives and I am looking forward to working with the Executive again this year to achieve DFA’s goals to help ADF families.
I am only a phone call away for any local assistance and information, so please don’t hesitate to call me.
National Delegate for the Northern Territory & Kimberley
Annaliese McCammon
My husband David and I live in Darwin with our son Edward. I have been an army spouse for 6 years and this has been our 4th move in the last 4 years. It is my first time living up in the Territory (my husband has been posted here previously), and I am very much enjoying the "Top End" and the unique lifestyle it has to offer.
I am delighted to be involved with the dynamic team of DFA and being able to assist in creating change in areas that are important to Defence families throughout Australia.
I look forward to your correspondence regarding any issues and concerns you have, so that I can keep up to date, raise these topics for discussion on your behalf and help to provide assistance, advocacy and information to Defence families in the Northern Territory.
Lateral Recruit Officer
Camilla Kerr-Ruston
Having been married to Stephen and the British Army for almost 16 years a move to Australia was going to be just another move. Well it was and it wasn't, and there were and still are moments of complete culture shock! Once I was here I met more Lateral Transfer Families and they had so much knowledge about intricacies of moving to Australia that I wished I knew about before leaving the UK.
They provided invaluable advice once I was here on everything from 'fly buys" to what to put on jellyfish stings to hanging your darks out at night to dry to prevent fading. I also found out that Laterals Transfer Families have extra limitations placed upon them in regards to jobs, education and citizenship and this is what led me to contact DFA so we could work together in helping lateral recruit families. This resulted in the creation of 'Lateral Recruit Officer' position and I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity not only to assist Lateral Transfer Families but all ADF families.