Women in Aviation Australia 2025 National Conference

The Women in Aviation Australian Chapter (WAI Australia) is a chapter of the internationally recognised organisation, Women in Aviation International (WAI). WAI Australia was established in 2015 and is a non for profit organisation led and run by a dedicated team of volunteers.

This month, our own Aerodrome Reporting Officer - Ayla Sich - had the pleasure of attending the WAI Australia's 2025 National Conference:

" This week, I had the privilege of attending the Women in Aviation Australia 10-Year Anniversary Conference, held in Brisbane on 27–28 October 2025. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with a diverse range of people who share a passion for aviation and to hear from the women who are shaping the industry’s future. 

One of the most impactful sessions for me was the mentoring panel, where speakers shared their experiences as both mentors and mentees. Their reflections on the importance of support and guidance really highlighted how vital these relationships are in helping women grow and succeed in aviation.  

Another memorable takeaway came from a RAAF pilot trainer, who discussed the history of women’s roles in defence aviation. I was surprised to learn that restrictions on combat roles for women in the RAAF remained in place until 2011. It was a strong reminder of how recent some of the changes surrounding inclusivity of women in the aviation environment are, and how progress to reach equity in the industry is still ongoing.  

I also found great value in a session focused on communication skills, which reinforced how effective communication underpins safety, teamwork, and leadership across all areas of the industry. 
 
Throughout the conference, I felt inspired by the speakers and the many attendees I had the chance to meet while networking. There were many stories shared of overcoming adversity and barriers, and the importance of continuing to try again, especially when it might be difficult to do so. The event highlighted just how far women have come within aviation, while also acknowledging that there is still work to be done to achieve true equity. 
 
Attending left me feeling motivated and proud to be part of an industry that is continuing to evolve through the dedication and leadership of so many remarkable people. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned and continuing to support the growth and inclusion of women and other minorities in aviation." 

At Aviation Projects, we are proud supporters of WAI Australia and the wider community of incredible aviation professionals bringing excellence to our industry every day.