Who rules the town? Girls! Beyonce may be nowhere in sight but her song lyrics are a reality in Woomera.

It’s 6 a.m., as the sunrise starts to glow across the red dirt horizon 500 km north of Adelaide, April Taylor is already at work, preparing for her Housekeeping team’s daily safety pre-start meeting in the Jazza building. Each morning, the team gathers to ensure everyone is doing ok, discuss safety, key risks, hazards, and actions before stepping outside to stretch to music together as the sun rises behind them.

April is one of ten female leaders running the remote outback community of Woomera for Defence. Alongside her teammates, she is shaping the everyday lives of those who live and work in this unique outback town.

In Woomera a quiet but powerful transformation is underway. Women are stepping up as leaders, innovators, and role models. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate them as they accelerate change and inclusivity.

On this occasion, Cheryle Irvin, has also joined April’s safety pre-start on one of her regular visits to her remote outback team. Cheryle’s the dynamic and admired Estate Management and Operations Services (EMOS) Manager for Woomera. With an impressive 70% female leadership team, Cheryle oversees a diverse portfolio, including land management, housekeeping, accommodation, estate upkeep, food and beverage management, and the iconic Eldo Hotel. Cheryle works tirelessly to ensure that her multicultural employees and their families feel welcome in their new environment, helping us embed a culture of fairness, inclusion and respect at site.

“The catering team is a great example,” says Cheryle.

Our chefs come from India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Thailand, and they live here with their families, who in some cases also work for Ventia. I’ve worked to break down communication and cultural barriers, ensuring they feel comfortable talking to me about any concerns so they can thrive. It’s crucial when settling into a new country—especially in a remote community like Woomera, and they’re all doing us proud.

Leading with passion and purpose

Pauline Fitzgerald, Head of National Operations for Defence Base Services at Ventia, leads over 1,000 staff across 70 Defence locations. She is a champion of change and together with Regional Manager Jess Maetze, who oversees a vast area in South Australia, that includes Woomera and Cheryle’s team, they exemplify how women are accelerating progress in the outback and regional areas.

Asked how she believes we can continue driving change, Pauline says,

Identify talent, have great conversations, and create an environment that empowers women to succeed. Give them the opportunity to prove to themselves that they are capable leaders. When you witness someone realising their potential, it not only empowers them but also inspires the entire team. The Woomera team is a standout example of this.

People at the heart of success

For decades, the Australian outback has been perceived as a rugged, male-dominated space. Today, these Ventia women are examples of leading the way in reshaping the social and economic landscape of remote communities. They are not just advocating for change—they are making it happen.

Their contributions extend beyond their immediate teams. By leading with fairness, inclusivity, and respect, these women are inspiring the next generation of young girls to see a future where they too can be leaders, or ‘rule the world’ in the words of Beyonce.

As the sun sets over Woomera, the celebration of women’s achievements continues—not just as a one-day event, but as a demonstration of Ventia’s commitment to supporting women and diversity and inclusion to attract the best and brightest to work with us.

 

Pictured from left to right:

  • Crystal Spehr, Food and Beverage Supervisor six members of the team, all women. Crystal has been in Woomera for 2.5 years    
  • Jessica Maetze, Regional Operations Manager SA 
  • Alex Armstrong, Land Management Supervisor a new member of the leadership team with a team of nine, two are women. 
  • Cheryle Irvin, EMOS Woomera for three years 
  • Pauline Fitzgerald, National Operations Manager for Defence Base Services
  • April Taylor, Domestic Services Supervisor12 members in her team team, 10 of whom are women, April has worked in Woomera for over eight years. 
  • Vanessa Collins, Estate Upkeep Supervisor manages the trades on site, electrician, plumbers, HVACs, carpenters. A team of 13. Vanessa has been in Woomera for three years 
  • Sabrina Wink Reception Manager Eldo Hotel 
  • Sanel Hitchins, Housekeeping & Accommodation Manager Woomera has been in Woomera for 10 years leading a team of five, three are women.

Not pictured:

  • Rong Fan, Food and Beverage Supervisor five members on the team, all woman. Rong has been in Womera 1.5 years