2023/24 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
WHO WE ARE: Current Executive

Ramon Fenton
President
As a founding member of Women Veterans Network Australia (WVNA), Ramon has grown into a respected and experienced leader in the not-for-profit sector.
Since co-founding WVNA in 2013, she has played a pivotal role in advocating for and supporting women veterans. Her dedication to service extends beyond WVNA—she has previously served as a mentor, facilitator, and female team leader for Trojan’s Trek and currently leads a large team of volunteers for EAT UP Australia, while also volunteering with Orange Sky Australia.
Ramon proudly served 16 years in the Australian Regular Army, enlisting at just 17 in the Transport Corps. Her distinguished military career included multiple deployments to East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan, until a medical injury led to her transition out of service.
A passionate advocate for women veterans, Ramon actively contributes to several ex-service organisation (ESO) committees, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Women Veterans’ Policy Forum.
Alongside her advocacy and volunteer work, Ramon is a dedicated mum, balancing her commitment to the veteran community with family life. She currently resides in Townsville, continuing her mission to support and empower others.
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Natalie Colbert
Vice President
Natalie is a Canberra based Businesswomen/CEO, starting her own large company in 2009.
Natalie is a veteran of both the Australian Regular Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force - serving for 24 years: including a deployment to East Timor.
Natalie is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy and the University of New South Wales. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in the Arts, and Masters degrees in both Business and Technology, and Project Management. Natalie is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
She also currently acts as the Deputy Chair for the Prime Minsters Advisory Council for Veteran’s Employment.

Melanie Annand
Secretary
Melanie served in the Royal Australian Navy and has dedicated the past 16 years to volunteering in the veteran community, driven by her passion for supporting fellow veterans.
She is a Welfare Support Officer and is trained in Mental Health First Aid and Elderly Suicide Awareness, further strengthening her ability to provide crucial support to veterans in need.
Through her extensive experience, she has developed strong skills in liaising with all levels of government and engaging with community organisations.
Melanie’s success stems from her exceptional interpersonal and leadership abilities, her collaborative approach, and her strong communication, time management, and organisational skills.
In recognition of her contributions, Melanie was awarded the Australia Day Community Service Award by the Gold Coast City Council in 2021 and was honoured with lifetime membership of RSL Queensland in 2024.
Melanie is committed to advocating for women veterans and plays an active role in several ex-service organisation (ESO) committees, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Women Veterans’ Policy Forum.

Karen Schilling
Treasurer
Karen is a professional Corporate Manager and Chief Operating Officer with over 20 years experience managing and growing the highly successful Sigma Bravo business. Following the Sigma Bravo sale to KBR she took on the role of Director, Business Systems within KBR. She is a Director of the Canberra Cyberhub.
Karen holds a primary Bachelor’s degree - Management from James Cook University, and a Masters in Human Resource Management from UNSW, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
In addition to her professional credentials, Karen is a mother of 4 children, and has served in both the Australian Regular Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force.



We are women who have served in the Australian Defence Force who have created a unique organisation for all women who have served in the Navy, Army or Air Force, either in a full time or Reserve capacity, whether they have deployed or not.
We are all working towards one, common goal – to connect past and present women who have served in the Australian Defence Force with social support, resources & information.
WHO We ARE: Our MEMBERS
Support WVNA
The cost of military and combat service is unique to each woman. They are strong and resilient, but because of the magnitude of the challenges faced, they may well need support during post-military readjustment periods.

The number of women in the ADF today and their evolving roles in our national defence continue to rise, which means a greater number of women experiencing transition in the future.

The absence of a network of support for women veterans brings a heightened risk of social isolation and exclusion, which is unacceptable at a time when the world commemorates the centenary of WWI.
