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.
Melanie Annand
Vice President
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.
Vanessa Parker
Secretary
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.
Teghan Fraser
Treasurer
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.
