Emergency Services, Defence Members and Partners IWD 2026

What an incredible morning at the Emergency Services, Defence and Partners International Women’s Day Brunch at the Townsville RSL.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a powerful conversation around this year’s theme — “Balance the Scales.” Bringing together women and allies from Defence, emergency services and our broader community reminded us just how strong we are when we share experiences, support one another and make space for others to succeed.

Thank you again to our amazing panel of exceptional leaders:

• Brigadier Fern Thompson CSC – Australian Army
• Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson APM – Queensland Police Service
• Wing Commander Dominique Hoffman – Royal Australian Air Force
• Acting Superintendent Doug Allom – Queensland Fire Department

Each of them brought honest reflections on leadership, resilience and the importance of building workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A sincere thank you to the Townsville RSL for their support in hosting the event and subsidising tickets to make the brunch accessible for Defence families, emergency services personnel and our community.

Events like this matter. They create connection, strengthen networks and remind us that progress happens when we lift each other up.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate, reflect and continue the conversation.

All set and ready to go - can’t wait to see you all!

⏳ Final Call for Tickets – International Women’s Day Brunch

Today is your last chance to secure tickets for the North Queensland Emergency Services and Defence Members & Partners International Women’s Day Brunch at Townsville RSL.

Join us as we celebrate the UN International Women’s Day theme “Balance the Scales” and bring together women and supporters from Defence, emergency services and the wider North Queensland community. 

📅 Friday 13 March
⏰ Doors open 0900 | Event 0930–1200
📍 Townsville RSL

Guests will enjoy:
🥂 Champagne & orange juice on arrival
🍽 A sit-down brunch
🎤 Panel discussion featuring leaders from Defence and emergency services
🎶 Acoustic music entertainment
🎁 Lucky door prizes

This event is about recognising the women who serve our community — across Defence, policing, fire, health and emergency services — and strengthening the partnerships that support our region.

👨‍👩‍👧 Crèche available – because celebrating women also means supporting Defence and emergency service families and making the event accessible to parents.

🎟 Tickets: $25 per person or $200 for a table of 8. 

🔗 Secure your tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx

Seats are very limited, so if you’ve been meaning to come — now is the time.

Let’s come together to celebrate, connect and continue the work of balancing the scales.

North Queensland Emergency Services and Defence Members and Partners International Women's Day Brunch North Queensland Emergency Services and Defence Members and Partners International Women's Day Brunch

TICKETS CLOSING TOMORROW!

Join us at the Townsville RSL as we celebrate International Women’s Day 2026 with a morning dedicated to connection, conversation and recognising the incredible women across Defence, emergency services and our community.

Alongside our inspiring panel discussion, we are delighted to have live acoustic music from the talented 🎶 Peta Cherae helping set the atmosphere for the morning.

Your ticket includes:
🥂 Champagne on arrival
🍽 Sit-down breakfast
🎤 Panel discussion with leaders from Defence & Emergency Services
🎁 Lucky door prizes
🎶 Live acoustic music

📅 Friday 13 March
📍 Townsville RSL
⏰ Doors open 0900 | Event 0930–1200

Come together as we reflect on this year’s theme “Balance the Scales” and celebrate the progress being made while recognising the work still ahead.

🎟 Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx

We are pleased to welcome our final panel member, Acting Superintendent Doug Allom, to the International Women’s Day 2026 Brunch at the Townsville RSL.

Doug brings more than 30 years of combined Defence and emergency service experience, currently serving as Divisional Operational Capability Commander for Queensland Fire & Rescue Service in Townsville.

A former Australian Army leader with three Middle East deployments, Doug is a strong advocate for fair, inclusive and community-reflective recruitment. His leadership has helped shape the Northern Region’s auxiliary firefighter recruitment campaign, ensuring opportunities are accessible and representative of the communities they serve.

Guided by values of transparency, fairness and equity, Doug is committed to building workplaces where everyone can thrive.

We are proud to have Doug join our panel as we discuss this year’s theme: Balance the Scales.

✨ Champagne on arrival
🍽 Sit-down breakfast
🎁 Lucky door prizes

Join us for a morning of conversation, connection and inspiration with leaders from Defence, emergency services and our community.

🎟 Tickets:
https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx

Tickets are nearly sold out!

Only 10 days to go!

🎟️ Tickets & details: https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx?hxchl=hex-qrc&hxref=evt

North Queensland Emergency Services and Defence Members and Partners International Women's Day Brunch North Queensland Emergency Services and Defence Members and Partners International Women's Day Brunch

Remembering one of the most powerful and distinguished storytellers of our time: Toni Morrison, born in 1931.

A Nobel Prize–winning author, her writing often depicts difficult circumstances and the darker sides of humanity, confronting injustice while affirming dignity, empathy and truth.

By revealing the stories of individual lives, she deepens understanding and empathy — reminding us how storytelling itself can advance justice for .

There’s just under a month until Queensland Women’s Week kicks off!

The theme - shaping tomorrow together - calls for us all to play our part in creating a state that supports women and girls to achieve economic security, embraces equality and promotes and protects the rights, interests and wellbeing of women and girls in Queensland.

Get involved, plan your event and find more Queensland Women’s Week resources at www.qld.gov.au/womensweek

🌟 Introducing our next panel speaker | International Women’s Day Brunch 🌟

WING COMMANDER DOMINIQUE HOFFMAN

Wing Commander Dominique Hoffman is the Commanding Officer of No. 27 Squadron, leading personnel and operations that enable the projection of air power from RAAF Bases Townsville and Scherger in support of the defence of Northern Australia.

Joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 2009 as a Direct Entry Logistics Officer, she has served in key operational, logistics, and leadership roles across Australia and on overseas deployments, including operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. She is passionate about mentoring future leaders and strengthening Defence capability through service and dedication.

A highly accomplished officer, Wing Commander Hoffman holds a Master of Defence and Strategic Studies and is committed to developing people, capability, and operational excellence.

Join us to hear her insights on leadership, service, and balancing the scales.

🎟️ Tickets & details: https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx?hxchl=hex-qrc&hxref=evt

💜 International Women’s Day Brunch | Supporting Those Who Support Defence 💜

Behind every Defence member is a strong support network — partners and families who carry the load, hold the home front, and help keep our people mission ready. This International Women’s Day, we recognise and celebrate the vital role Defence partners play in service, sacrifice, and resilience.

Join us at the NQ Emergency services and defence members and partners International Women’s Day Brunch as we come together to connect, reflect, and recognise the strength of our Defence and emergency services community.

👶 RSL supervised crèche available
✔️ For toilet-trained children up to 12 years
✔️ Enjoy the event knowing your children are cared for in a safe environment

📅 13 March
🎟️ Tickets & details: https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx?hxchl=hex-qrc&hxref=evt

Let’s celebrate service, partnership, and community — because supporting Defence is a team effort.

🌟 Meet the Panel 🌟

BRIGADIER FERN THOMPSON, CSC
Commander of the 16th Aviation Brigade, Brigadier Thompson is a highly respected leader in Army Aviation with extensive operational and command experience across Australia and overseas.

A qualified Army pilot since 1999, she has commanded the 6th Aviation Regiment, supported Special Operations, and deployed on operations including Afghanistan and East Timor. Brigadier Thompson has also shaped Army aviation strategy and workforce capability through senior leadership roles in Army Headquarters.

She holds two Masters degrees in Defence Studies and Aviation Management, contributes to developing future ADF leaders, and serves as a Board Member of the Australian Air Force Cadet Foundation.

Join us as we hear from Brigadier Thompson on leadership, service, and balancing the scales.

🎟️ book your ticket now:
https://events.humanitix.com/international-women-s-day-brunch-h8xfjmbx?hxchl=hex-qrc&hxref=evt