Four Australian Public Service Agencies have been recognised for their contribution to improving opportunities for women in law enforcement and the security industry at awards events last week.
PS staff and programs from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) were all celebrated as finalists at awards recognising the work of women.
“The Women in Security Annual Awards are designed to celebrate and raise the profile of IT security, Cyber and Protective Security, to inspire young women to consider a career in the sector,” said the ASD in a statement.
Director, Strategic Partnerships and Industry Engagement at ASD, Amy Roberts, took out the top spot in the Awards’ Australia’s Best Security Mentor category for her work leading the ASD’s Women in Cyber program and security workforce development initiatives.
Technical Officer (Threat Intelligence) at ASD’s Australian Cyber Security Centre, Rania Bilal was named the finalist in the Best Female Secure Coder category, along with the Directorate’s Internship Program in the Best Program for Young Women in Security category.
Marketing and Events Advisor at CSIRO, Laura Jiew won the Best Volunteer category and Cyber Security Specialist at CSIRO, Corien Vermaak placed as a finalist and was highly commended in the IT Security Champion Category.
Information Security Officer at ABS, Eleni Lykopandis also placed as a finalist and was highly commended in the Awards’ Best Security Student category.
Two Australian Federal Police (AFP) members were recognised at the Australasian Council of Women and Policing’s (ACWAP) Excellence in Policing Awards for their commitment to improving opportunities and services provided to women in law enforcement.
Congratulating Detective Sergeant Jarryd Dunbar and Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Sheridan Page, the AFP said the annual Awards event paid tribute to the women and men across Australia and the Pacific who demonstrated excellence in innovation, research, investigation and administration.
It said Detective Dunbar was awarded the Champion of Change Award, for his influence and commitment to improving policing for women, while Ms Page received the Most Outstanding Female Intelligence Practitioner Award for guiding and mentoring new intelligence members in the targeting of international organised crime networks.
