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February 17, 2026
A.G. Coombs concluded its national series of ‘Advancement of Women’ Leadership Academy events in Canberra at the National Museum of Australia. The museum is proudly maintained by Integrated Technical Management, an A.G. Coombs Group company, underscoring our longstanding commitment to supporting some of Australia’s most significant public spaces.
The event brought together clients, partners and colleagues from across the building services sector, providing a meaningful opportunity to reflect on progress, share insights and reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing women in the industry.
Championed by A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director Russell Telford,
the morning encouraged thoughtful discussion on representation, leadership and the shared responsibility we all hold in building inclusive and high‑performing organisational cultures.
As the final event in the national series hosted in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and now Canberra, the gathering highlighted the strong momentum across the sector to build inclusive, high‑performing and future‑ready organisations, reinforcing the collective role we play in championing equity across the industry.
Inspiring Conversations and Shared Perspectives
Setting the tone for the morning, the keynote was delivered by Kate Palmer AM, an accomplished executive whose leadership career spans elite sport administration, governance and organisational transformation.
Following her address, Katie Brennan joined Tiffany Cherry for a spotlight conversation offering personal reflections on resilience, advocacy and authenticity, and reinforcing the importance of strong, values-based leadership in high‑performing environments.
Panel Discussion
Moderated by award winning sports journalist Tiffany Cherry, the ‘Advancement of Women’ panel featured:
- Jodi Whelan – Executive Manager, Customer Engagement,
A.G. Coombs Servicing (NCSC) - Elisabeth Quinn – Culture & Leadership Coach, Military Veteran and Co‑Founder, The W Club
- Aaron Clark – Executive Leader, Social Procurement, Inclusion and Engagement, A.G. Coombs
- Stacey Porter – Australian Softball Olympian.
The panel explored leadership agility, evolving workplace expectations and practical approaches to building cultures where women can thrive.
The discussion reinforced the value of shared learning, visible role models and organisational environments that actively support diversity and inclusion.
Importantly, the panel also highlighted the critical role of male allyship and the responsibility leaders at all levels have in championing change, demonstrating how purposeful support, everyday actions and visible advocacy contribute to high‑performing, inclusive cultures.
Spotlight on Emerging Leaders
The event also highlighted emerging professionals from A.G. Coombs teams in Queensland and NSW, with Service Technician Lauren Campbell and Graduate Engineer Madeline Morrati respectively sharing their early career experiences. Their reflections highlighted the importance of mentorship, clear development pathways and opportunities that empower women to build sustained and meaningful careers across the industry.
Building National Momentum
The ACT event marked the conclusion of a national series delivered bringing together leaders, apprentices, graduates and clients to deepen conversations on equity, leadership and accountability.
Across the series, a consistent message emerged: advancing women is fundamental to industry performance, innovation and long‑term sustainability.
The events also underscored the importance of collaboration across the broader built environment sector, reinforcing that meaningful progress is achieved when organisations work together with intent and shared responsibility.
Continuing the Conversation
A.G. Coombs remains committed to advancing representation, equity and opportunity across our organisation and the broader building services industry.
Through measurable initiatives guided by the A.G. Coombs Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, and continued collaboration with industry partners, we maintain our focus on practical, sustainable progress.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Canberra and throughout the national Leadership Academy series. Your engagement and partnership play a vital role in building inclusive, future‑ready organisations.
For more information about the A.G. Coombs Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan, please contact Aaron Clark, Executive Leader – Social Procurement, Inclusion and Engagement.
