Veterans' Support Centre

16/06/2026

The Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon is just around the corner, and we don't want you to miss it.

This year's guest speakers have done it all. Serving with distinction in the military AND making their mark in the sporting world. Their stories of courage, resilience, and reinvention are ones you will not forget.

Whether you have a defence connection or not, this event is open to everyone. Seats are limited, grab yours now: https://currumbin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/163674?fbclid

10/06/2026

Our Empowered Journey's Luncheon is almost here! 💫

Join us for an afternoon of connection, incredible food and drinks, and stories that will stay with you long after the last course. Our inspiring speakers each bring a powerful and unique perspective on life beyond service and trust us, you don't want to miss it.

Bring your friends, colleagues, or fellow supporters and come celebrate the women forging extraordinary paths beyond defence.

Proudly supported by Axon Property Group, Griffith University, HomeFront Australia, Currumbin RSL Citizens Auxiliary and Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch

08/06/2026

Meet your third and final guest speaker ✨

Introducing Lieutenant Colonel Alisha Hewett, serving ADF Senior Officer and former Wallaroo, bringing a rare combination of operational grit and elite sporting excellence to our stage.

Alisha joined the Australian Army as a soldier in 2004, was commissioned as an officer in 2008, and has since deployed to Iraq, Indonesia and South Sudan with the United Nations. She is currently serving in Papua New Guinea in an advisory capacity to the 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 two Rugby World Cups. Few people have balanced elite international sport and active military service simultaneously, and done both with such distinction.

Alisha is passionate about empowering women to excel in demanding environments across Defence and sport, and we cannot wait to have her on stage.

Don't miss your chance to hear her speak at the Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon.

Secure your spot: https://currumbin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/163674

07/06/2026

What does four decades of service, three war zones and a passion for transforming women's sport look like?

It looks like Major General Simone Wilkie AO.

Introducing our second speaker, a Major General in the Army Reserve and one of Australia's most decorated military leaders.

Across a 40 year career, Simone has led across military operations, telecommunications, education and logistics. She has deployed to Cambodia with the United Nations, to Iraq as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Commanding General, and served as Commander in Afghanistan, earning a Commendation for Distinguished Service, the United States Bronze Star Medal, and the 2018 Women in Leadership Australia ACT Award.

Since retiring from full time service, Simone has continued to lead at the highest levels as a Senior Advisor with Boston Consulting Group, a Strategic Advisor to Government and Defence, and a Commissioner of the Australian Football League since 2015.

A former ADF hockey player, recent inductee into the ADF Australian Rules Hall of Fame, and chair of the ADF Sports Council for five years, Simone is deeply passionate about developing young leaders and advancing women's sport in Australia.

Don't miss your chance to hear her speak at the Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon.

Seats are limited so secure yours now: https://currumbin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/163674

03/06/2026

Meet your first guest speaker ✨

Introducing Tracey Freeman, Two-time Olympic Medalist and Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Air Force.

What does it take to compete on the world stage twice while serving your country in uniform? Tracey Freeman has lived that answer.

A dual Olympian and four-time World Championship representative, Tracey spent 20 years at the pinnacle of Australian softball. At the same time, she dedicated nearly 30 years to the RAAF as an Air Force communicator, including three operational tours to the Middle East.

Now serving as a Warrant Officer, Tracey brings the same discipline, leadership and quiet determination that defined her sporting legacy. Her story is not just extraordinary, it is a masterclass in what women are capable of when they back themselves.

Don't miss your chance to hear her speak at the Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon.

Seats are limited so secure yours now: https://currumbin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/163674

02/06/2026

01/06/2026

We are proud to recognise HomeFront Australia as a Silver Sponsor of our Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon. 🏡

Veteran-founded and community driven, HomeFront provides Australia-wide DVA Household Services, delivering clarity, safety and real outcomes for vulnerable Australians in their homes.

Thank you, HomeFront, for your generous support!

01/06/2026

The Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch is proud to endorse Cherisa for the position of Deputy President of RSL Queensland.

Over the past six years, Cherisa has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to veterans and their families through her service at both the Sub-Branch and District levels. Her passion, leadership, and dedication to the veteran community have made a significant impact, and we believe she will bring those same qualities to the Deputy President role.

We congratulate Cherisa on her nomination and wish her every success at the RSL Queensland State Congress and AGM on 20 June 2026.

The Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch proudly stands behind Cherisa and her vision for the future of our organisation.

29/05/2026

A huge thank you to our Silver Sponsor for the Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon, Griffith University! ✨

Thank you, Griffith University for your generous support.

28/05/2026

A huge thank you to our Gold Sponsor for the Women Beyond Defence: Empowered Journeys Luncheon, Axon Property Group! ✨

Axon Property Group is a Veteran-owned and operated company dedicated to empowering the ADF community to secure their financial future through education, coaching and mentoring in the property sector.

We are so grateful to have the support of an organisation that truly understands and champions our community.