4 November 2024
The latest Australian Air Campaign book, Changing Altitudes: Stories of Australian Air Force Women has been released in Canberra by Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Stephen Chappell and captures the unique experiences of women who have contributed to Air Power since the 1940s.
The book is a collaborative writing effort by a small team of women who proudly represent the Royal Australian Air Force and the Department of Defence. Each has brought their own skills to the project – writing, communication, research and experience.
“The story of each woman has been developed using interviews and transcripts and is therefore a recollection in her own words,” said Air Commodore Kirrily Dearing, one of the authors of the book.
Significant research into each decade of service and relevant vignettes provide context around the social and political landscape of the time.
Dame Quentin Bryce, the book's patron, spoke at the launch about how this book captures the unique experiences of women from all backgrounds who joined the Air Force for many reasons, including to serve their nation, to follow in the footsteps of a loved one, to seek a life outside of a small country town, or to pursue adventure.
It is merely a snapshot of the stories of thousands of women who have dedicated themselves to the profession of arms. As a result, the book pays homage to all women who have served over the decades.
Women serve in every employment category in the RAAF, including piloting fighter jets, and make a significant contribution to the broader defence capability supporting the Australian Government’s focus on domestic and global security.
Recollections of the authors serve to inspire readers and perhaps lead them to consider the opportunities awaiting them as members of the RAAF.
