Meet the Chiefs, Space as an ADF Domain Panel Discussion, has been postponed due to unforeseen commitments - AIRMSHL Chipman, with AVM Robert's, remain committed to the briefing and I am working with all three speakers to a secure a new date.
Current registrations will automatically move across. I apologise for any inconvenience and will advise the new date as soon as possible.
Chris Stephens
Inquiries: info@meetthechiefs.com.au
Space as an ADF Domain Panel Discussion
SPEAKERS
Air Marshal Robert Chipman AM, CSC, Chief of Air Force
Air Vice Marshal Catherine Roberts AO, CSC, Defence Space Commander
Professor Tanya Monro AC, Chief Defence Scientist
Air Marshal Robert Chipman, AM, CSC
Air Marshal Robert Chipman joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1989 as an Officer Cadet at the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating from Sydney University with an Honours degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1992.
He completed Pilot’s Course in 1994, F/A-18 Operational Conversion in 1995 and Fighter Combat Instructor Course in 1999. Following various operational and instructor assignments, he commanded No 75 Squadron from 2006-2009 and No 81 Wing from 2013-2014. In 2008, No 75 Squadron was awarded the Duke of Gloucester Cup for the most proficient flying squadron and the Kittyhawk Trophy in 2009 for the most proficient fighter squadron.
Air Marshal Chipman has staff experience in capability development roles within Capability Development Group and Air Force Headquarters. He has completed a tour as Director of the Australian Air and Space Operations Centre within Headquarters Joint Operations Command. He was an inaugural Director of Plan Jericho in 2015, an Air Force transformation program intended to deliver joint, integrated air and space capability for the Australian Defence Force.
On promotion to Air Vice-Marshal in 2019 Air Marshal Chipman served as Australia’s Military Representative to NATO and the European Union. He was the Head of Military Strategic Commitments, responsible for the strategic level management and situational awareness of current and potential Australian Defence Force commitments from January 2021, until his selection as Chief of Air Force and promotion to Air Marshal in July 2022.
Air Marshal Chipman deployed on Operation SLIPPER in 2012 as a Battlecab Director in the United States Air Force 609th Air and Space Operations Centre. He deployed on Operation OKRA in 2014 as inaugural Commander Air Task Unit 630.1, for which he was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2015. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for his exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in coalition air operations, air combat capability preparedness, and strategic capability development and sustainment.
Air Marshal Chipman has completed a Masters in Business Administration and graduated as a fellow of the Defence and Strategic Studies Course in 2016. He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and Oxford Advanced Management and Leadership Programme. He is also an alumni of the Cranlana Institute and has completed the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders Course.
Air Marshal Chipman is married to Alyce and has four sons, Thomas, Oliver, Darcy and Charlie. He enjoys keeping fit and reading.
Air Vice Marshal Catherine Roberts, AO, CSC
As a self-professed science fiction buff, AVM Roberts has always been fascinated by advanced technology and space and is passionate about bringing out the best in people. Becoming Australia’s first Space Commander is the realisation of a life-long dream, sparked by Commander Neil Armstrong landing on the moon.
AVM Roberts joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1983 as a specialist in aerospace engineering at the Aircraft Research and Development Unit and has held more than 20 roles throughout her Air Force career, including Logistics Command (F/A-18/Macchi/Winjeel Engineering), No 77 Squadron (SQN) (Flight Line Maintenance), 481SQN (Senior Engineering Officer), and Lead-In Fighter Project (UK Resident Team).
An Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service in her roles as Head of Aerospace System Division and Head of Air Force Capability, AVM Roberts has dedicated her career to advancing air and space power. The citation states that through her exceptional professionalism, rare engineering prowess, and conspicuous devotion to the Australian Defence Force, she has delivered a positive capability legacy that will endure for decades.
AVM Roberts has been responsible for material acquisition and sustainment of the Classic Hornet, Hawk Lead-in Fighter, Super Hornet, Growler, F-35A, and most recently led the Loyal Wingman and M2 programs. In 2001, AVM Roberts undertook the inaugural Joint Command and Staff College, followed by a posting to the joint Airworthiness Coordination Agency where she received a Conspicuous Service Cross for her work in the introduction of major aviation capabilities, and establishing operational airworthiness regulations and frameworks.
AVM Roberts spent a significant part of her career posted in the UK. In 2005 she was appointed the Assistant Air Force Advisor in London, before commanding the Tactical Fighter Systems Program Office in 2007, and then the Training Aircraft Systems Program Office in 2009. She completed the Royal College of Defence Studies course in International Relations and Strategy in 2011.
In 2013 AVM Roberts was posted to the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter project, achieving Government program approval and ushering the first two Australian aircraft into service at the Luke Air Force Base in Arizona in December 2014.
In March 2016 AVM Roberts was appointed Head Aerospace Systems Division, responsible for acquiring and sustaining all of Air Force’s fixed wing assets, before becoming the inaugural Head of Air Force Capability in 2018, responsible for imagining, designing and shaping the needs and future requirements of air and space power for the joint force.
AVM Roberts is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Space Agency Advisory Group Defence representative. She is the Chair of Air Force AFL and holds a Master of Management of Defence Studies and a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering degree.
AVM Roberts has a passion for diversity and assisting women to enter aerospace and STEM fields through her work with Women in Aviation. She has been a mentor in Future Through Collaboration (Defence and Industry) and Superstars of STEM programs.
Outside Air Force, Cath was featured in the prestigious AFR 100 Women of Influence in 2013, was the recipient of the Aviation/Aerospace Australia Leadership Award in 2014 and the Women in Defence Award for Project Management in 2022. She is married to Stuart and they have two wonderful daughters. The family enjoy AFL, time on their property with their dogs (Charlie and Princess Leia), skiing (water and snow), dirt bike riding and fishing.
Professor Tanya Monro AC
Professor Tanya Monro AC commenced as Chief Defence Scientist in March 2019.
In this role she is head of Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and Capability Manager for Innovation, Science and Technology within the Australian Department of Defence.
Professor Monro’s previous roles include Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation at the University of SA and inaugural director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Bio Photonics at the University of Adelaide.
Professor Monro obtained her PhD in physics from The University of Sydney, and was awarded a Royal Society University Research Fellowship at the University of Southampton. Her honours and awards include: the Bragg Gold Medal for the best PhD thesis by an Australian university student, Prime Minister's Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year, SA Australian of the Year, Eureka Prize for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Scientific Research, and ARC Georgina Sweet Laureate Fellowship.
Professor Monro is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), the Optical Society of America and the Australian Institute of Physics. She also sits on the board of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Format
Air Marshal Chipman, Air Vice Marshal Roberts and Professor Monro will present this industry briefing for about 60 minutes followed by a Q&A session. Questions are welcome from the audience.
Chatham House Rule
As the Chatham House Rule will be in place, there will be no record of proceedings, private recordings or imagery.
Program
1130 - 1200 Coffee/Tea and Registration
1200 - Speakers arrive
1200 - 1230 Lunch
1230 - 1330 Main presentation with Q&A
1330 - Business card draw
1330 - 1430 Round Table discussion for speakers and sponsors
Seating Policy
Participants will mostly be seated at tables of no more than eight (8) allowing for social distancing and providing personal comfort. Seats will be arranged so no person has their back directly to the speakers. However, it may be necessary to use tables of 10. Table owners will be consulted beforehand.
Cancellations and Rescheduling Policy
Registrations are refundable for cancellations received up to 5 working days COB before the event. However, another person may be substituted at no additional cost. No refunds can be made after that date. Unfortunately, no cancellations are possible for confirmed event and corporate sponsorships.
Meet The Chiefs Pty Ltd reserves the right to reschedule an event. As much notice as possible will be given. If registration has already been received and payment made you will be contacted to discuss your ability to attend on the new date and a refund may be available. Every effort will be made to accommodate our clients.
Inquiries
E: info@meetthechiefs.com.au
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