Inspiring Progress at the Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Melbourne Summit

The Women in Aviation/Aerospace Australia Melbourne Summit brought together a community of professionals committed to shaping a more inclusive and innovative future for the aviation and aerospace sectors. Held on Thursday, 31 October, the summit was a celebration of progress, leadership, and collaboration.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Captain Marija Jovanovich, whose theme, “Bridging the Gap Between the Possible and the Accessible,” resonated deeply with attendees. Drawing from her career in the Royal Australian Air Force, Captain Jovanovich illustrated the difference between policy change and true accessibility:

• In 1988, policy allowed women to become pilots in the RAAF.
• By 2006, Jovanovich was only the 13th woman to earn her wings.
• Combat aircraft were opened to women in 1995, but the first female fighter pilots didn’t emerge until 2017.

Her message was clear: possibility is not accessibility. Encouragingly, she noted that progress is now accelerating.

The Next Gen panel added further inspiration, featuring emerging aviators who are challenging stereotypes and advocating for intergenerational empowerment. Key themes included:

• The importance of allyship in the workplace
• Mentorship and networking as tools for increasing diversity
• The need for visible career pathways, especially in regional areas
• Early engagement with students to inspire future talent

Two major initiatives were also announced by Aviation/Aerospace Australia:

1. Aviators in Schools Program
   In partnership with CSIRO and government departments, this initiative brings STEM professionals into classrooms to mentor students and offer site visits. The program aims to make aviation careers more visible, especially for young women.
2. Culture in Aviation, Aerospace and Space Sectors Survey
   Commissioned by A/AA and led by RMIT University, this research project seeks to identify strategies for building inclusive, respectful workplace cultures. The survey takes just 6–8 minutes to complete, and all voices are encouraged to participate: Women in Aviation Australia Culture Survey