About Women Veterans Network Australia
Our Mission
Connection is not a luxury.
For women veterans, it's essential.
Our Values
Integrity
We say what we mean, and we do what we say. WVNA is honest, transparent, and ethical in our relationships, with our members, with the women veterans community, and with every ex-service organisation we work alongside. No exceptions.
Inclusion
Every woman who has served belongs here. Full stop. We don't rank service, we don't exclude based on branch or length of time, and we actively support all organisations that assist veterans with equality and compassion. If you served, you're welcome.
Encouragement and Empowerment
Leaving the military can knock your confidence harder than anyone warns you about. We've seen it. We've felt it. WVNA exists to help rebuild that, through real community, genuine peer connection, and an environment where women veterans feel seen, valued, and capable of whatever comes next.
What We Do
Connection
Resources
Support
Who We Are
- Membership is open to any women who has served in the Australian Defence Force, served as a reservist in the Australian Defence Force and Allied Forces.
Our Story
Our Leadership and Board
Women Veterans Network Australia President Melanie Annand is a Navy veteran, mental health support worker, and advocate with more than 16 years’ experience supporting veterans and their families across Australia.
Following her service in the Royal Australian Navy, Melanie dedicated her career to veteran wellbeing, welfare advocacy, crisis support, and community connection. She has extensive experience working alongside veterans experiencing PTSD, social isolation, transition challenges, family impacts, and complex mental health concerns, with a strong focus on trauma-informed and person-centred support.
As President of WVNA, Melanie provides national leadership focused on recognition, connection, and improving outcomes for women who have served. She works closely with government, Ex-Service Organisations, community groups, researchers, and veteran support services to advocate for practical change and increased visibility of women veterans in Australia.
Melanie has contributed to national discussions and submissions relating to veteran wellbeing, military sexual trauma, and service system reform, including contributions to the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry process. She is also an Associate Investigator with Phoenix Australia and an advisory partner with La Trobe University on research relating to military sexual trauma among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members.
In addition to her national advocacy work, Melanie has spent many years volunteering within the RSL community in welfare and leadership roles, coordinating veteran support initiatives, education sessions, commemorative services, and social connection programs.
Melanie has been recognised for her contribution to the veteran community through several honours, including a Gold Coast City Council Australia Day Community Volunteer Award, an Australia Day Achievement Medallion, and Life Membership with RSL Australia in recognition of more than 15 years of dedicated service to veterans and their families.
She is currently completing further studies in mental health to continue strengthening her ability to support the veteran community and advocate for meaningful, long-term change for women veterans and their families.
Michelle Lafferty is an Army veteran, a proud mother of four beautiful children, and the wife of a currently serving soldier who is often posted away in service to our country. Her life has been shaped by the values of service, resilience, and community that come from being part of the Australian Defence Force family.
Michelle remains deeply connected to the veteran community and is passionate about supporting those who have served. She is a Queensland representative for Quilts of Valour Australia, an organisation dedicated to recognising and thanking veterans for their service and sacrifice to our nation. Through this work, she helps honour the stories, courage, and commitment of veterans by presenting them with a handmade quilt as a symbol of comfort, gratitude, and respect.
Her passion lies in working within the veteran space—bringing people together, acknowledging shared experiences, and ensuring that the service of our veterans is never forgotten.
Outside of her advocacy work, Michelle prioritises her wellbeing and balance by swimming daily, something that keeps her both physically strong and mentally grounded.
Today, Michelle brings with her not only the perspective of a veteran, but also that of a military spouse, a mother, and a dedicated advocate for those who have served.
Vanessa joined the Royal Australian Air Force at just 19, serving 10 years as a Clerk Supply. After leaving the RAAF, she took time away from the workforce to raise her family before returning to roles in administration, accounts, and office management across a wide range of industries, including multimedia production, education, seafood, building and trade, sugar milling (procurement), and telecommunications.
A dedicated volunteer, Vanessa has contributed countless hours to her community. She has been an active member of the Northern Beaches Suns AFL Club since 2016, serving as Treasurer, Secretary, and General Committee Member. She has also supported the Townsville RSL Sub Branch, Eat Up Australia, and spent five years fundraising with Just 4 Kids Children’s Charity to assist children facing illness or disadvantage.
Her passion for helping others extends to her work with her assistance dog, Zoe, visiting nursing homes, schools, emergency service call centres, and hospitals to bring comfort and joy.
Vanessa has a strong and ongoing commitment to the Women Veterans Network Australia – WVNA, investing significant time and creativity into making WVNA’s signature handmade poppy merchandise, a vital part of the organisation’s fundraising. She has also dedicated many hours to attending and representing WVNA at various events, helping raise awareness and advocate for the needs of women veterans.
Natalie Colbert served in the Australian Defence Force for 24 years as a Logistics Officer, with service in both the Australian Regular Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. A graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy, during her service she deployed to East Timor with INTERFET and UNTAET, and was posted to roles spanning operational logistics, project management, and strategic acquisition.
Since transitioning in 2018, Natalie has built a career as a business specialist and is the Founder and sole Director/Chief Executive Officer of a large Australian company.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New South Wales, along with Master’s degrees in Business and Technology, and in Project Management. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Natalie previously served on the WVNA Board as Treasurer (2022–2023) and Vice President (2023–2025), and now returns to the role of Treasurer.
Past Presidents Timeline
Nicky Rothwell
Sandra Coulson, CSM
Ramon Fenton, Kylie Michelle, Christine Clark, Naomi Gallagher
Christine Clark, Ramon Fenton
Ramon Fenton
Melanie Annand
Our Key Partners
RSL NSW
RSL NSW is a member-based veterans’ charity founded in 1916, and a part of Australia’s largest veterans’ charity, the Returned and Services League. It is a statutory corporation incorporated under the RSL NSW Act 2018.
https://rslnsw.org.au/ Read More
RSL Tasmania
RSL Tasmania is the State’s Peak Body and the largest Ex-Service Organisation in Tasmania, with over 40 Sub-Branches, offering advice, support and camaraderie to all current and former Australian Defence Force Members and their families.
https://www.rsltas.org.au/ Read More
International Women's Day Illawarra Inc.
The IWD Illawarra Committee includes leading business women of our region who are working together in conjunction with other groups of women in the community, to organise and promote activities to celebrate International Women’s Day.
iwdillawarra.com.au – International Women’s Day Illawarra Read More
RAEME Association Queensland
The RAEME Association Queensland Incorporated is a not-for-profit, volunteer, community service organisation, supporting the RAEME National Network by providing leadership to, and a focal point for, all RAEME affiliated Associations in Queensland, by promoting and recognising the Corps and its achievements via independent memorial, celebratory, social, fundraising, sporting and other activities.
https://www.qld.raeme.org.au/ Read More
Veterans & Family Centre Burnie
At The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre, we’re committed to supporting veterans and their families with programs tailored for wellness, connection, and community growth.
Veterans’ & Families’ Centre – North West Tasmania Read More
Phillip Thompson OAM MP
Phillip served as a soldier of the Townsville-based First Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, with the core values of protecting the Australian way of life, freedom of speech, family and reward for effort – all characteristics which Phillip proudly carries in his day-to-day life.
Phillip Thompson OAM MP Read More
PentenAmio
PentenAmio is a leading provider of advanced digital security solutions that power national security and resilience across the UK, Australia and our allies.
Focused on solving complex digital challenges that others avoid, we embrace the impossible to deliver transformative technologies that protect those who protect us.
PentenAmio › Protecting those who protect us Read More
Keilor East RSL Sub-Branch
This Sub-Branch is committed to providing the highest standard of customer care and responsible gambling. Our responsible gaming code of conduct describes how we do this. Responsible gambling in a regulated environment is when consumers have informed choices and can exercise a rational and sensible choice based on their circumstances. It means a shared responsibility with collective action by the gambling industry, government, individuals and communities.
Veteran Support in Essendon, VIC – Keilor East RSL Read More
Where We Operate
