Debbie Newman

When you think of a career in accountancy your options may include big international accountancy firms, corporations or perhaps a small suburban tax agent, but Debbie Newman thought of another opportunity.

Most of us would not consider the ADF as a place to study and work with an accounting degree, but after an education at Asquith Girls High in Sydney, ADFA was an appealing option for Wing Commander Debbie Newman to undertake her degree.

Now a Personnel Capability Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander Newman plans and shapes workforce structures as Deputy Director Personnel Plans at Headquarters Air Command.

“An ADF career offers a never-ending job variety where I am always learning and have had the opportunity to live in many different cities,” Wing Commander Newman said.

“It’s never boring. I’ve had amazing experiences throughout my career, including numerous exercises in Australia and overseas and touring Australia with the United States Air Force Commander, Pacific Air Force, in 1999.

“A Personnel Capability Officer is usually considered an office role, however I have abseiled off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, flown to remote communities in Papua New Guinea, flown in various aircraft including the PC-9A and once sat in the Prime Minister’s seat on the Falcon 900,” she said.

Wing Commander Newman spends her spare time with her family traveling, going to the beach, theatre and bushwalking. They love cooking and spending time with family and friends.

“As Air Force commemorates its founding 100 years ago I am inquisitive about the type of technology and aircraft we will be using in 50 to 100 years from now,” Wing Commander Newman said.

“I am fascinated about seeing how our workforce systems and culture will adapt to ensure we harness the best talent in the community at the time needed.

“I do feel honoured and privileged to be a part of Air Force’s first one hundred years,” she said.