Born in Devonport on Tasmania’s rugged north west coast, one Navy leader’s journey began far from the docks and deployments that would later define her career.

Commander Felicity Petrie RAN joined Navy in 1999 as a trainee weapons electrical engineer, studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy while completing Navy training in the breaks.

Her first posting to HMAS Anzac, based in Western Australia, set the tone for a career built on challenge and purpose. Serving alongside a highly trained crew fresh from operations in the Middle East, she deployed throughout Asia, working with partner navies and immersing herself in cultures and experiences that shaped her early leadership.

'Importantly, that ship held some of the first women sailors and technicians I worked closely with,' Commander Petrie said. 'Their professionalism, knowledge and quiet determination left a lifelong mark.

'Some became mentors. Others became friends.' All inspired her.

Across more than 2 decades, her career includes many achievements, but delivering the Anti-Ship Missile Defence upgrade to the Anzac-class frigates remains a defining moment. 'It was complex, relentless and deeply rewarding,' she said. It was a living example of what it means to ‘balance the scales’, not about favouring one gender, but about enabling capability to rise wherever it exists.

Throughout her service, Commander Petrie has drawn inspiration from women across Defence. Those in star rank, those in workshops, and those who mentor, support and lift others up simply because it is the right thing to do. Today, she pays that forward, offering coaching, mentorship and even free yoga therapy classes for the Defence and veteran community through Invictus Australia.

Now, with seniority, Commander Petrie feels the responsibility to create the kinds of environments that have supported her. Places where people of all backgrounds can grow, lead and thrive.