12 March 2024
Sapper Veronica Bonnar is no stranger to thriving in traditionally male-dominated arenas.
Having studied engineering at university, she went on to graduate top of her class before moving into professional roles at some of the country’s largest resource companies.
Fast forward to International Women’s Day 2024, and the now combat engineer found herself eager to highlight what women can achieve in environments like the military.
“I think it’s important to show that there are women in the Army. Sometimes we might not be as strong or as fast as the guys, but we’re still able to provide other capabilities and we’re doing really well,” Sapper Bonnar said.
“A lot of my female friends who aren’t in the Army have this idea that they wouldn’t be able to do it.
“Sure, some of them may not be that well suited to going out field or whatever it may be, but there are so many other cool things you can do.”
Born in Germany before eventually ending up in Perth, Sapper Bonnar was a standout student and was always drawn to engineering after being encouraged to follow her passions in life.
“I’ve never been treated like I can’t do something just because I’m female,” she said.
With an extensive skillset in engineering and a desire to contribute to something bigger, Sapper Bonnar joined Army in 2021 and posted to the Perth-based 13th Engineer Regiment.
Barely two years later, Sapper Bonnar deployed on Operation Resolute in Australia’s remote north, an experience she described as a significant one.
“One of the reasons I wanted to join the Army was because I feel so grateful to live in a country like Australia,” she said.
“I’d rather be working in a job where I can help protect it if there ever was any conflict.”
Reflecting on the Count Her In theme for International Women’s Day 2024, Sapper Bonnar said the point of diversity in the workplace is often misunderstood and she encouraged other women to follow in her footsteps.
“It’s about embracing that difference and because everyone is bringing something different to the team, and everyone can value add in their own unique way,” she said.
Sapper Bonnar was one of several ADF members to represent Perth’s 13th Brigade at an International Women’s Day networking event hosted by veteran support organisation Working Spirit and the RSL WA branch.
