17 October 2024
When she is not crocheting blankets for Western Australia’s charity organisations, Leading Seaman Erin Ashworth, a marine technician (electrical), works hard to keep Navy’s lights on.
“I act like a ships’ mechanic, maintaining the equipment both mechanically and electrically,” Leading Seaman Ashworth said.
In essence, her role involves maintaining the ships’ electrical supply systems to support life at sea.
Leading Seaman Ashworth’s positive attitude shone through while she was managing small teams and mentoring junior personnel, leading to a nomination in technical trade in this year’s Australian Defence Magazine Women in Defence Awards.
“I was stunned at first. I wasn’t expecting a nomination, but I feel proud as it means that my efforts have been recognised,” she said.
The annual awards celebrate the talented and determined women who have a positive and integral impact in various aspects of Defence, in uniformed and non-uniformed capacities.
She is one of eight Navy women who are being recognised for their commitment to uplifting other women in Defence this year across a range of work areas like operations, legal and engineering.
'Knowing that this award exists allows me to pay it forward to another woman in the future.'
Leading Seaman Ashworth nearly missed out on joining Navy, even though her parents and uncles had served.
“I was reluctant to join because of the potential pitfalls around spending a lot of time away from home, but after speaking with my family, I haven’t looked back since,” she said.
“I love that I work a job that encompasses learning new things and being able to go to new places, experience new cultures and meet new people.”
Like many highly motivated people, Leading Seaman Ashworth can find herself juggling multiple workloads but she has learnt to delegate, manage and plan so she can relax properly at home.
“My fiancé reminds me to stop and talk out my problems. I don’t think I would have made it this far without his support. My relationship with him has only improved since then,” Leading Seaman Ashworth said.
Her advice for other women in Defence is to find the strength to reach out to others for help.
“Remember you’re not alone; others around you are also going through similar experiences, and they can and will support you. You just have to ask,” she said.
Leading Seaman Ashworth was grateful for the opportunity to be nominated in this year’s award.
“Knowing that this award exists allows me to pay it forward to another woman in the future. I am grateful for what I have received, learned and experienced that led me to this point,” she said.
The winners of the 2024 Women in Defence Awards will be announced during a ceremony in Canberra on October 17.
