Australia Day
A quick-thinking and tenacious signals officer has been awarded a Conspicuous Service Medal for her work leading a team to deliver the Vanuatu Government National Emergency Radio Network (VGNERN).
Captain Natasha Kirkham, formerly of 1st Signal Regiment's 127th Signal Troop, deployed to Vanuatu three times in three years to deliver the flagship project that continued despite multiple natural disasters.
127th Signal Troop and attachments worked with the Vanuatu Police Force to connect police posts and communications hubs across Vanuatu's six provinces.
VGNERN enables contact between police, government agencies and the most remote areas of Vanuatu for daily use and in times of natural disaster.
Captain Kirkham was one of a handful of contingent commanders who worked with the Vanuatu Police Force to deliver the project for Defence, which finished last year.
"Once we were on the ground in Vanuatu, we worked autonomously, side by side with our Vanuatu Police Force partners, and often in remote and challenging environments," Captain Kirkham said.
She said movement around Vanuatu's 16 islands was difficult. The team relied on creative problem-solving and relationship-building to get the job done.
Following an accident by a local charter plane company, and with limited aviation options, it was up to Captain Kirkham to manage her scattered team.
'I am grateful to have commanded and led overseas on numerous occasions. This is not an opportunity presented to many junior captains.'
She completed an investigation to enable her team to move between locations.
"I am an enthusiastic and persistent person - that likely contributed to effective management during challenging situations," Captain Kirkham said.
"I also led teams of talented and dedicated soldiers and junior officers."
Then 1st Signal Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Ellyard said Captain Kirkham went that little bit further to ensure her team felt empowered and valued.
In one case, she coordinated a remote promotion from Vanuatu with family and friends dialled in over video call.
"A small example perhaps, but her impact is in the aggregate of all those continual small touch points that build rapport, trust and inspire those around her," Lieutenant Colonel Ellyard said.
127th Signal Troop received an Army Gold Level Commendation last year for its delivery of information communications technology and radio networks domestically and throughout the south-west Pacific from July 2020 to December 2022.
"The team regularly performed duties above their worn rank and outside of their routine trade roles. It was well deserved," Captain Kirkham said.
"I am grateful to have commanded and led overseas on numerous occasions. This is not an opportunity presented to many junior captains."
