Head of Navy Engineering Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin’s approach to Navy engineering has been shaped by teamwork, resilience and a lifelong commitment to developing others.

Raised in a small country town she spent much of her youth immersed in sport. 

As one of four children, she was supported by a close‑knit family and a wider community who invested time, coaching and encouragement.

Playing and coaching team sports from a young age helped instil values that continue to influence her leadership style today.

“When someone genuinely invests in you and challenges you to improve, you want to do the same for others,” she said.

Her interest in engineering began at school, where she was drawn to engineering science and materials. She started her journey studying mechanical engineering at the University of Wollongong before transferring into the Australian Defence Force Academy after strong academic results.

“That experience taught me that not everything flows in a straight line, keep going even if the first door closes and find your path,” she said.

Following graduation and engineering training at HMAS Cerberus, she joined the fleet, gaining early experience across both a replenishment ship and a surface combatant. 

That breadth of exposure, combined with extended deployments across Southeast Asia and the Middle East, accelerated her professional development and built a deep understanding of engineering support to operations.

One of the most formative periods of her career occurred early, during the aftermath of a catastrophic shipboard fire.

Experiencing the consequences of engineering risk, decision‑making and culture at such a junior stage left a lasting impression.

“It really drives home the responsibility we carry as marine engineers,” she said.

Throughout her career, she has valued mentors who provided high challenge alongside high support empowering her to step into senior roles early and build confidence through experience. 

Qualifying for charge and later holding senior engineering roles at sea reinforced her belief in learning by doing and being ready when opportunity arrives.

When reflecting on her career, Rachel says her greatest highlight is not a single deployment or role, but the people.

“Seeing others grow, succeed and take on hard challenges and thrive is incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Outside of uniform, she is first and foremost a wife and mother. 

Family, time outdoors, sport and maintaining balance are central to her wellbeing something she sees as essential to making sound decisions at sea and ashore.