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Contact us ​ PO Box 5214 Kingston ACT 2604 ​ Tel: 0416 117 291 info@williamsfoundation.org.au ​ Catherine Scott Business Manager admin@williamsfoundation.org.au (Part time, generally Mondays - please indicate if the if the matter is urgent when making contact) ​ ​ Contacting The Central Blue team Should you wish to submit a post to The Central Blue, please send it to the editors at thecentralblue@gmail.com ​ For further information about submitting to The Central Blue, see the Submissions page .

Williams Video Catch the latest series of interviews & conversations with leading military leaders and thinkers. Our series include: Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force Conference Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability Conference Next Generation Autonomous Systems Conference Chief of Air Force Strategic Intent interviews ​ ​ Williams Video Play Video All Videos ​ ​ Accelerating the Transition to a Networked, Integrated Force Conference This seminar held in Canberra on 24 March 2022 examined progress in the establishment of the 5th generation force. It identified lessons to further inform and accelerate efforts by Government and industry to design, build, operate, and sustain increasingly lethal and survivable air and space capability. ​ Transition Play Video Play Video 04:51 Peter Jennings PSM Executive Director, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Play Video Play Video 04:13 AVM Robert Chipman AM, CSC Head Military Strategic Commitments Play Video Play Video 03:04 General Kenneth Wilsbach Commander Pacific Air Forces Play Video Play Video 03:15 Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Wigston, KCB, CBE, ADC Chief of the Air Staff, Royal Air Force Play Video Play Video 09:00 AVM Chris Deeble AO, CSC (Retd) Chief Executive, Northrop Grumman Australia Play Video Play Video 03:59 Lt. Gen. Aurelio Colagrande Italian Deputy Chief of Air Force Play Video Play Video 05:32 LtGen Steven Rudder Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific and Commanding General Fleet Marine Force Play Video Play Video 05:18 BRIG Ian Langford, DSC and Bars (PhD) Director General Future Land Warfare Play Video Play Video 05:09 Tom Rowden Vice President International Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin Play Video Play Video 04:49 CDRE Darron Kavanagh Director General Warfare Innovation - Navy Play Video Play Video 05:30 Tony Dalton AM Deputy Secretary National Naval Shipbuilding Play Video Play Video 06:03 Rod Equid Chief of Enterprise Focus Areas, Raytheon Australia Play Video Play Video 06:51 AIRCDRE Richard Keir AM, CSC (Retd) Strategic Advisor for National Security and Intelligence, Geospatial Intelligence Pty Ltd Play Video Play Video 02:35 CDRE Matthew Doornbos Director General Navy Intelligence and Information Warfare, Royal Australian Navy Play Video Play Video 06:14 AIRCDRE Phil Gordon Director General Air Defence and Space, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 02:07 AIRCDRE Ross Bender Commander, Air Warfare Centre, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 04:51 AIRCDRE Terry van Haren DSM, Retd President and Director of LeoLabs Pty Ltd Australia Play Video Play Video 06:37 AIRCDRE Nicholas Hogan CSC Director General Space Domain Review, Royal Australian Air Force Play Video Play Video 04:50 BRIG Ian Langford DSC and Bars Director General Future Land Warfare, Australian Army Play Video Play Video 05:52 Dr Malcolm Davis Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute Play Video Play Video 05:46 Tanya Monro Chief Defence Scientist, DST Group Play Video Play Video 02:49 Darin Lovett Director Space, South Australian Space Industry Centre Play Video Play Video 07:37 David Ball Regional Director Australia New Zealand, Lockheed Martin Space Play Video Play Video 08:50 Nick Leake Head of Satellite and Space Systems, Optus Play Video Play Video 06:18 Anthony Murfett Deputy Head of the Australian Space Agency Play Video Play Video 01:33 Air Marshal Geoff Brown AO (Retd) Chair, Sir Richard Williams Foundation Play Video Play Video 04:50 Air Vice Marshal Chris Deeble AO, CSC (Retd) Executive Director, Strategy, Northrop Grumman Australia Play Video Play Video 04:32 SGT Amy Hestermann-Crane Editor, The Central Blue and the Sir Richard Williams Foundation Play Video Play Video 06:26 Dougal Robertson Sir Richard Williams Foundation ​ ​ Requirements of a Sovereign Defence Space Capability Conference In Canberra on 1 December 2021, the Foundation hosted a conference that examined the core requirements of a sovereign Defence Space capability, including the priorities for future investment. It highlighted the need for a coordinated effort across Government and industry to design, build, operate, and sustain a sovereign Defence Space capability. In these short vignettes, speakers from this Conference summarised the key points from their snap presentations. ​ ​ Space ​ Next Generation Autonomous Systems Conference This conference, held in Canberra on 8 April, explored force multiplying capability and increasingly complex requirements associated with uncrewed systems. It covered potential roles for autonomous systems set within the context of each environmental domain, providing Service Chiefs with an opportunity to present their perspective on the effect it will have on their Service. ​ ​ Autonomous Play Video Play Video 01:31 Williams Foundation Seminar_Katherine Ziesing_Master Play Video Play Video 06:45 Williams Foundation Seminar_Marcus Hellyer_Master Play Video Play Video 04:38 Williams Foundation Seminar_CDRE Michael Turner RAN_Master Play Video Play Video 01:08 Williams Foundation Seminar_AIRMSHL Geoff Brown AO (Retd)_Master Play Video Play Video 02:01 Williams Foundation Seminar_GCAPT Jo Brick_Master Play Video Play Video 02:58 Williams Foundation Seminar_Dr Andrew Lucas_Master Play Video Play Video 01:50 Williams Foundation Seminar_Professor Jason Scholz_Master Play Video Play Video 03:05 Williams Foundation Seminar_COL David Beaumont_Master Play Video Play Video 02:11 Williams Foundation Seminar_Prof Robert McLaughlin_Master Play Video Play Video 04:29 Williams Foundation Seminar_Chris Deeble_Master Play Video Play Video 05:12 Williams Foundation Seminar_Dr John Best_Master ​ Interview with Chief of Air Force To coincide with his July 2020 Strategic Intent release, the Chief of Air Force (Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC) spoke with the Williams Foundation in this 3-part series. He covers a range of topics, including his top-5 priorities, Australian industry capability, collaboration and innovation opportunities, and workforce development ambitions. He speaks with former CAF Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO in this interview setting in lieu of a live audience due to COVID restrictions. ​ ​ Play Video Play Video 29:04 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 1 Play Video Play Video 31:59 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 2 CAF interview part 2 Play Video Play Video 19:19 Chief of Air Force Interview - Part 3 CAF

Grants Scheme Coming soon

Competitions Dr Alan Stephens Air Power Literary Prize A core objective of The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is to encourage informed discussion and debate on future air power capability. Accordingly, the Foundation is committed to supporting our future leaders and the development of their ideas. One way in which this has occurred has been through submissions to The Central Blue, an online forum encouraging informed discussion on air and space power, and the related force design issues affecting Australia. A foundational member of The Central Blue, Dr Alan Stephens has a long history of supporting this cause. Previously a lecturer at UNSW, RAAF historian, adviser in federal parliament on foreign affairs and defence, and a member of the RAAF, Dr Stephens has published and lectured extensively. In 2008 he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contribution to Royal Australian Air Force history and air power strategy. In partnership with The Central Blue, The Williams Foundation has awarded a regular prize of A$500 for the best essay or article discussing the author's perspectives on a theme determined by the Central Blue Team. These winning essays or articles have then been published on The Central Blue forum.

Knowledge Network Our work is independent, but we don't work alone. We engage with a number of global thinktanks, specialised media and service organisations to promote our research and to contribute to the intellectual life of those in our knowledge network. We invite you to examine and follow their work. ​ ​ Air Power Development Centre The Air Power Development Centre provides practical and effective analysis and advice on the strategic development of air and space power to the Chief of Air Force, the Royal Australian Air Force and its partners. The Williams Foundation has an extensive relationship with the Centre and we collaborate across several fronts, including the Air Power Scholars Scheme . ​ International media partner Second Line of Defense & Defense.info is made up of globally based analysts and strategists who work closely together in thinking through the nature of the evolving strategic environment and provides regular interviews with key participants in evolving military capabilities based on global reporting. Second Line of Defense & Defense.info have a special partnership with the Williams Foundation, and has generated a regular set of special reports highlighting the various seminars over the past few years held in Canberra and which have highlighted the military transformation process. An archive of special reports by Dr Robbin Laird, Williams Foundation Fellow, can be viewed on their website here . ​ ​ Forums & Blogs Grounded Curiosity The Cove Defence Entrepreneurs Forum – Australia (DEF-Aus ), as well as the original US DEF and DEF-UK . Air Power Development Centre Logistics in War Over the Horizon – Multi-Domain Operations & Strategies (OTH-MDOS ) The Dead Prussian The Angry Staff Officer The Army Leader War on the Rocks Junior Tactician The Strategy Bridge Balloons to Drones Military Writers Guild Defence in Depth Wavell Room Small Wars Journal ​ Companion organisations and publications Air Power Development Centre Australian Army Australia Defence Association Australian Strategic Policy Institute Defence Force Welfare Association Department of Defence Institute For Regional Security Royal Australian Air Force RAAF Association National Council Royal Australian Navy RSL National US Air Force Magazine ​ ​

Research Fellows The Williams Foundation brings together experts academia and military from all over the world who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis on a full range of public policy issues. We thank them for their support of the Foundation and their contribution to our goals. Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd) John retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in 2008 as the Deputy Chief of the Air Force following a career as an F/A-18 fighter pilot, test pilot and strategic planner. His senior posts included Commander of the Integrated Area Defence System located in Malaysia, commanding a multinational headquarters established to effect the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and Head of Strategic Policy in the Defence Headquarters. In his RAAF Reserve role, he supported the Chief of Air Force in the design of Plan Jericho in 2014, and served as the team mentor until December 2015, before supporting the VCDF Staffs on Plan Aurora. John is now a consultant in the fields of Defence and National Security and the Chair of the Institute for integrated Economic Research - Australia. His pro-bono roles have included being the Chairman of the Kokoda Foundation Board (now the Institute For Regional Security (IFRS)), and the Deputy Chairman of the Williams Foundation Board. He is currently a Fellow of the Williams Foundation, the IFRS and the Australian Institute of Energy. He has written and spoken on Energy Security, Economic Security, Integrated Air and Missile Defence, the 5th Gen Air Force, Cyber Security, Space Policy, Defence Logistics, Defence White Papers and Fuel Security. He holds a Masters of Arts and a Master of Defence Studies. Dr Robbin Laird A long-time analyst of global defense issues, Dr Laird has worked in the U.S. government and several think tanks, including the Center for Naval Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a Columbia University alumni, where he taught and worked for several years at the Research Institute of International Change, a think tank founded by Dr. Brzezinski. He is a frequent op-ed contributor to the defense press, and has written several books on international security issues. ​ Dr Laird has taught at Columbia University, Queens College, Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University. He has received various academic research grants as well from various foundations, including the Thyssen Foundation, the United States Institute for Peace, etc. ​ Dr Laird has worked for many elements of the U.S. government and with think tanks such as The Center for Defense Analysis and the Institute for Defense Analysis. He is a member of the Board of Contributors of Breaking Defense and publishes there on a regular basis. He is a regular contributor to Front Line Defence as well. ​ He is a frequent visitor to Australia where he works with The Williams Foundation in supporting their seminars on the transformation of the Australian Defence Force. ​ He is also based in Paris, France where he regularly travels throughout Europe and conducts interviews and talks with leading policy makers in the region. Dr Alan Stephens OAM Alan Stephens is a visiting fellow at UNSW Canberra and a fellow of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Previously he has been a senior lecturer at UNSW Canberra, an advisor in Federal Parliament on foreign affairs and defence, the official RAAF historian, and an RAAF pilot. ​ Dr Stephens has lectured and published extensively, and his work has been translated into more than twenty languages. He was awarded the OAM in 2008 for his contribution to Australian air power history and strategy. John Conway John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist capability development and operational analysis services to Defence since 2017. He is the Publisher of the Australian Defence Business Review (ADBR), an independent platform established to enable communication across Defence, industry, academia, and Government. He was previously a business development and strategy executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. John retired from the Royal Air Force as a Group Captain in 2010 having served 24 years in a number flying, staff and senior command roles. His operational experience on F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East. He commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Permanent Joint Operating Base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between 2005 and 2008 enabling the airbridge into Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting strategic ISR operations in the eastern Mediterranean. He attended the United States Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and the Australian Advanced Command and Staff Course.

Corporate Partners & Sponsorship The Foundation would like to thank the following sponsors for their continuing support. Platinum Corporate Partners Gold Corporate Partners Silver Corporate Partners Bronze Corporate Partner Conference Sponsors and Annual Corporate Members Annual Corporate Members Supporters In-Kind The Foundation is an independently funded, not-for-profit institution. The Board invites sponsorship from organisations or individuals wishing to contribute constructively to a forward-looking Australian defence policy. Sponsors will be acknowledged in the Foundation's publications and media releases.

We promote independent and innovative thinking to enhance Australia’s integrated 5th Generation force capability. Through our events & programs , we connect a wide network of practitioners, experts and academics to forge new ideas for future military force design with a networked edge. EXPERT ANALYSIS In-depth thinking by our highly experienced network of non-resident fellows, scholars and active practitioners Dec 13, 2023 7 min Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence by Chris McInnes Chris McInnes, Thinking CAP: air superiority and Australia’s defence, 10 December 2023 A misunderstanding of air power is distorting... MORE EXPERT ANALYSIS NEWS & UPDATES Stay up-to-date with the latest in the Foundation's news and activities > Oct 8, 2023 1 min Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS EVENTS Errol McCormack lunches and Conferences are complimentary for financial members of the Williams Foundation. 2024 Errol McCormack Member Lunches Dec 15, 2023 1 min 2024 Williams Foundation Conferences Dec 13, 2023 1 min Click for more information and registration Platinum Corporate Partner

About Us Who are we? ​ The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is an independent research organisation whose purpose is to promote the development and effective implementation of national security and defence policies as they impact on Australia’s ability to generate air power appropriate to its unique geopolitical environment and values. The Foundation aims to strengthen Australia’s national security by advocating the need for forward-looking policies which take full advantage of the potential for air power to shape and influence regional security; and by promoting constructive debate regarding the implementation of such policies. ​ Our origins and early development After years of discussion, in 2008 a group of retired Air Force officers decided that there was a need for an organisation to support development of Air Force. Possible solutions covered the range from “CAF Grey Beards Advisory Committee” to “Independent Think Tank”. After several formal and informal exploratory meetings, the decision was taken to form a RAAF Association Think Tank to be called the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. The first formal meeting of the Foundation was conducted on 14 October 2008 at the Air Power Development Center with Dr Alan Stephens as Chair. During the meeting Dr Stephens suggested, and the Committee agreed, that AIRMSHL Errol McCormack AO (Retd) take the Chair. Through 2009 the Committee developed the structure required to support the Foundation and decided that product of the Foundation would be “Papers” on topical issues. Workshops were to be used to support development of the papers. “Workshops” soon developed into “Seminars” as a means of gaining company sponsorship. The first seminar, ISR, was held at ADC on 19 April 2011. At a meeting on 14 December 2010 the Committee decided that the Foundation should be independent from the RAAF Association. Thus, on 03 December 2012 the Sir Richard Williams Foundation Incorporated was registered in the ACT as a charity. ​ Since then the Foundation has continued to develop and expand in scope and range of activities. The Foundation is now recognised in the Department of Defence as an influential component of operational development of air power in the ADF. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Our founder Air Marshal Errol McCormack AO (Retd) Errol McCormack joined the RAAF as an aircrew cadet in March 1962 after completing an apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. ​ On graduation he was assigned fast jet and completed tours in South East Asia (Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Borneo) on the F-86 Sabre, Vietnam on the Canberra bomber, US on the F-111A and US on the RF-4C Reconnaissance Phantom. ​ As a senior officer he completed two tours in Operational Requirements, two tours at staff college (RAAF and Joint), one tour in Operational/Air Command and two tours in diplomatic posts (Air Attache Washington and Commander IADS, Malaysia/Singapore). ​ He has commanded at squadron, wing and Air Force levels. Errol McCormack retired from the RAAF as Chief of Air Force in May 2001. Since then he has sat on local company boards and consulted for many local and foreign companies dealing with Defence. In Oct19 he divested himself of all commercial commitments and now conducts pro bono activities only. Who is Sir Richard Williams? Sir Richard Williams The Foundation is named after Sir Richard Williams. In World War I Sir Richard Williams was the Australian Army's outstanding air combat commander. In 1921 he became the first chief of the newly-formed Royal Australian Air Force. Williams is widely acknowledged as Australia's pre-eminent military airman. ​ For more about Sir Richard Williams, Brian Weston and Alan Stephens, wrote a three part series of articles in 2019 published in On Target - a regular column in the Australian Defence Business Review . ​ Brian Weston 'On Target: Who was Richard Williams? ' in Australian Defence Business Review, March-April 2019 p. 82 ​ Brian Weston 'On Target: The Birth of an Australian Air Force – Part 2 ' in Australian Defence Business Review, May-June 2019 p 82 ​ Dr Alan Stephens 'On Target: Richard Williams and the Defence of Australia ' July-August 2019 This column written for the ADBR July-August 2019 an edition that was not published ​ ​ Image Acknowledgement - This photo of Sir Richard Williams was donated to the Williams Foundation from the Wall family private collection. The photo can be found on the front cover of Sir Richard Williams'autobiography 'These are the Facts' , published by The Australian War Memorial and the Australian Government Publishing Service, 1977

News & Updates Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Foundation. Oct 8, 2023 Conference: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Final Report, 8 Oct 2023 Sep 29, 2023 Summary Outcomes: Conference September 2023 - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, The Sir Richard Williams Foundation Seminar September 2023: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain... Sep 28, 2023 Conference Proceedings: The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability The Enterprise Requirements of an Australian Multi-Domain Strike Capability National Gallery of Australia, 27 September 2023 Dr Robbin... Apr 20, 2023 Conference Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability Final Report: Sharpening the Edge of Australia’s National Deterrence Capability National Gallery of Australia 30 March 2023 Final Report... Jan 17, 2023 Vale Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC The Sir Richard Williams Foundation is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Jim Molan AO, DSC. Jim was a Director of... Oct 12, 2022 Conference: Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force Enhancing the Lethality and Survivability of the Integrated Force National Gallery of Australia 28 September 2022 Final Report Dr Robbin... Feb 16, 2022 Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia’s Premier Strategist By Robbin Laird FEATURED STORY Remembering Brendan Sargeant: Australia's Premier Strategist | Defense.info This is a piece I never wanted... Aug 25, 2021 EOIs Open: Join the Central Blue team The Central Blue editorial team is seeking Expressions of Interest to join the team. Who are we? The Central Blue is an online forum... Jun 10, 2021 Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Final Report - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird, Next Generation Autonomous Systems: A Williams Foundation Special Report, 9 June 2021 In this report, the key themes... Jun 8, 2021 Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, Defence Industry and Working with Defence in Shaping a Way Ahead for Autonomous Systems, 8 June 2021 Link to the article... Jun 5, 2021 The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Australian Army, Navy and Air Force Shape a Way Ahead for the Inclusion of Autonomous Systems, 5 June 2021 Link to... Jun 4, 2021 Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat Dr Robbin Laird, Perspectives on the Introduction of Autonomous Systems into Combat, 4 June 2021 Link to article Perspectives on the... Jun 1, 2021 Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development Dr Robbin Laird, Shaping the Way Ahead for Robotic and Autonomous Systems and ADF Force Development, 1 June 2021 Link to article Shaping... May 29, 2021 The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems Dr Robbin Laird, The Integrated Distributed Maritime Force: The Impact of Maritime Autonomous Systems, 29 May 2021 Link to article The... May 26, 2021 The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces Dr Robbin Laird The Quest for Next Generation Autonomous Systems: Impact on Reshaping Australian Defence Forces, Defense.info 25 May 2021... May 19, 2021 FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 UPDATE, Second Line of Defense - By Pierre Tran By Pierre Tran FCAS Next Steps: May 2021 - UPDATE Second Line of Defense 19 May 2021 Paris – France, Germany and Spain have agreed to the... Apr 12, 2021 Conference: Next Generation Autonomous Systems - Program and Presentations Next Generation Autonomous Systems National Gallery of Australia 8 April 2021 Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Synopsis and Program Handbook... Apr 10, 2021 The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth - Dr Robbin Laird Dr Robbin Laird The Strategic Shift and the Role of Airpower: A Discussion with Ben Lambeth Second Line of Defense, 10 April 2021 I have... Feb 1, 2021 Book - Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy Dr Robbin Laird, Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy. 24 December 2020 Link to book details Joint by Design:... Dec 22, 2020 Joint by Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy - book by Dr Robbin Laird Second Line of Defense have published our latest book which is entitled, Joint By Design: The Evolution of Australian Defence Strategy.... Sep 15, 2020 Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Vale Air Marshal David Evans AC, DSO, AFC (Ret'd) Jul 20, 2020 SRWF Interview with CAF: Air Force Strategic Intent Williams Foundation Chair Geoff Brown Interviews CAF on Air Force Strategic Intent. Jun 28, 2020 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 Call for Submissions: Robotics and Autonomous Systems 2040 – The Central Blue, The Forge, and Grounded Curiosity Jun 20, 2020 Williams Foundation Website Upgrade New website launched Oct 31, 2019 Conference: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre - Final Report Dr Robbin Laird Final Report: The Requirements of Fifth Generation Manoeuvre October 2019 Mar 28, 2018 Williams Foundation Research Fellow Announced On 21 March the Williams Foundation was proud to welcome Dr Robbin Laird as a Williams Foundation Fellow. The Board thanks Dr Laird for... Oct 25, 2016 Air Marshal Geoff Brown (Ret'd) elected as the new Chair of the Williams Foundation In accordance with the Constitution, Air Marshal Errol McCormack (Ret'd) was required to step down as the Chair of the Foundation at the... Mar 23, 2016 Williams Foundation submission to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee On 2 December 2015, the Senate referred the following matter to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry... Mar 15, 2016 Media Release: Launch of Air Power Scholars for Next Generation of Leaders The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Leo Davies, AO, CSC today launched the Air Power Scholar program as part of a cooperative endeavour...

Board The Sir Richard Williams Foundation conducts its operations independently and has no political or industry ties. ​ The Foundation's activities are governed by its Board. The current Board is comprised of 11 former military leaders and security strategists. Members' business affiliations are listed in their biographies. Members are required to absent themselves from any discussion which might create a conflict of interest. The Board welcomes participation from the broad cross-section of the Australian community. ​ Our Board: Chair Deputy Chair Treasurer Secretary Directors ​ Air Marshal (Retd) Geoff Brown AO Chair Geoff Brown AO retired from the Royal Australian Air Force in July 2015 as Air Marshal in the position of Chief of Air Force. In a 35-year career, he commanded at all levels in the Air Force and flew Chinook helicopters, F-111s and F/A-18 as well as being a flying instructor and a member of the Roulette Aerobatic team. His operational service included Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was the operational commander for all RAAF assets. Among his qualifications, he holds a BEng (Mech), a Master of Arts (Strategic Studies), Fellow of the Institute of Engineering Australia and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Since leaving the Air Force he has been appointed as a Director of Lockheed Martin (Australia), a Director of Electro Optic Systems, Chairman of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, Chairman of the Advisory Board of CAE Asia Pacific and Middle East, Director on the Governing Council for the Temora Air Museum and a Director of GCB Stratos Consulting. He also mentors in Leadership and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College. His honours and awards include his appointment as an Officer in the Order of Australia, the United States Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal from Singapore. Air Chief Marshal (Retd) Mark Binskin AC Deputy Chair Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin AC (Retd) is a highly respected senior executive and leader in the national security, defence and aerospace sectors. He was Chief of the Defence Force of Australia from 2014-2018, Vice Chief of the Defence Force (2011-2014) and Chief of Air Force (2008-2011). In 2020, he was Chair of the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements. He is currently Chair of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Chair of the Pacific Security College Advisory Board, Deputy Chair of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation, on the Boards of the Western Parkland City Authority and Invictus Australia, a member of the Governing Committee of the Temora Aviation Museum and provides strategic advice as a Non-Executive Director with BAE Systems Australia and Nihon Cyber Defence. As Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) successfully led the Australian Defence Force, comprising 80,000 permanent and reserve personnel, to significantly improve capabilities and responses to major global events and championed organisational change across areas of national security, culture, diversity and leadership performance. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has provided national security advice to the highest levels of governments, industry leaders and international stakeholders and his aerospace knowledge and expertise is extensive. He has over 3,500 hours in single seat fighter aircraft including the A-4G Skyhawk, Mirage 111O, F-16C and F/A-18 Hornet, and continues to be active in general aviation. Air Chief Marshal Binskin (Retd) has completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. Ken Moore Treasurer Ken had an extensive career in the Australian Public Service with the Department of Defence. His last appointment was as the Defence Chief Finance Officer (Deputy Secretary level). Prior to the CFO position, Ken held a number of other senior management appointments in Defence including Head of National Operations Division that was responsible for the management and delivery of a large range of services to all Defence bases across Australia. After leaving the APS, Ken worked for a number of years with the ACT Government as the Chief Executive Officer of Rhodium Asset Solutions (the Government’s vehicle leasing company) and Executive Director Shared Services ICT. Ken holds two appointments: Independent Chair, Audit Committee, Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions Board Member and Treasurer Sir Richard Williams Foundation Ken has tertiary qualifications in economics and accounting. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Ken is also a graduate of the Advanced Management Program at the INSEAD Business School in France and the Senior Defence Resource Management Program at the US Navy Postgraduate School in California. Nicole Quinn Secretary Nicole Quinn is the principle of Quinntessential GR, a government relations advisory firm based in Canberra. Her current clients include Adecco, Mitsubishi Motors, IKEA, CAE and NEC Australia. She has with over 20 years’ experience in advocacy and stakeholders engagement including working for federal ministers/parliamentarians. Prior to establishing her own firm Nicole was Director of Government Relations for Parker and Partners (part of opr Agency) and headed up the Canberra office. She also provided communication/stakeholder advice for the ATO, Digital Health Agency, Queensland government and DVA. Nicole was the General Manager of the regional security think tank the Institute for Regional Security (previously Kokoda Foundation), National Convenor for Defence Families of Australia and has held communication, marketing and membership roles in both the private and public sector. Nicole has a BA in Politics, is a board member of the Australian Chiropractors Association, Gift of Life Inc and a member of the Australian Professional Government Relations Association. Vice Admiral (Rtd) Tim Barrett AO, CSC Director Vice Admiral Barrett joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1976 as a Seaman Officer and later specialised in aviation. He assumed command of the Royal Australian Navy on 1 July 2014 and remained in this position until 6 July 2018. A dual-qualified officer, Vice Admiral Barrett served in Her Majesty's Australian (HMA) Ships Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane and HMS Orkney as a Seaman Officer and then as Flight Commander in HMA Ships Stalwart, Adelaide and Canberra. His staff appointments include Deputy Director Air Warfare Development, Director Naval Officer's Postings and Director General of Defence Force Recruiting. Vice Admiral Barrett has served as Commanding Officer 817 Squadron, Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross, Commander Australian Navy Aviation Group, Commander Border Protection Command and as Commander Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett was awarded a Conspicuous Service Cross in 2006 for outstanding performance as Commanding Officer HMAS Albatross and as Chief of Staff Navy Aviation Force Element Group Headquarters. Vice Admiral Barrett was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009 and subsequently promoted to Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014 for his leadership of Border Protection Command and the Australian Fleet. Vice Admiral Barrett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and History and a Masters of Defence Studies, both from the University of New South Wales, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. He recently published ‘The Navy and the Nation: Australia's Maritime Power in the 21st Century’ in which he outlines the extensive opportunities for Navy and Australia as steps are taken to implement the planned investment in naval capability outlined in the Defence White Paper 2016 and the National Shipbuilding Plan over the coming decades. Vice Admiral Barrett and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters. John Conway Director John retired from the Royal Air Force as a Group Captain in 2010 having served 24 years in a number flying, staff and senior command roles. His experience on the F4 Phantom and Tornado F3 aircraft included Cold War Europe, the South Atlantic, the Balkans, and the Middle East theatres of operation. He commanded the United Kingdom’s largest Permanent Joint Operating Base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between 2005 and 2008 enabling the airbridge into Iraq and Afghanistan, and supporting strategic ISR operations in the eastern Mediterranean. ​ John is the owner and Managing Director of Felix, an independent company providing specialist air domain and intelligence capability development, and creative services to Defence and industry. He was previously a business development executive with Raytheon Australia specialising in air combat integration, electronic warfare, advanced weapons systems, test and training ranges, and integrated air and missile defence. Gerard Foley Director Ged has almost 40 years’ experience in the commercial, federal government and private sectors in Australia and internationally focused on the Defence Departments’ of Australia and allied nations. He is the Chief of Growth for Raytheon Australia where he has worked for the last 22 years in various senior roles providing advice and leading initiatives on business innovation and strategic transformation. He specialises in influencing strategic intent through the injection of thought leadership initiatives which produce lasting and distinctive security improvements. Prior to joining Raytheon, Ged worked in the Information Technology sector as a project manager and account executive for a mainframe software company. He served his country in uniform for 15 years as an Army officer specialising in aviation, leadership instruction and major capital equipment acquisition. Ged is a graduate of the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy. He has an honours degree in electrical engineering from the University of New South Wales, and a Master’s Degree in Defence Technology from Cranfield University, U.K. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer and is on several international and domestic engineering registers. Emily Frizell Director Emily is a veteran with 25 years’ experience in Defence and Defence Industry. Beginning her career in the RAAF as an electrical engineer, Emily now owns a successful engineering and management specialist consulting company, AeroPM. Under Emily’s leadership, AeroPM has experienced sustained and rapid growth over the last five years and is the recipient of many industry awards, including being a National finalist in the Telstra Awards and listed as a Smart50 SME and AFR Fast 100 company. Emily has been personally recognised as Female Defence Leader of the Year, finalist in the Women in Defence Awards and finalist as the Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year. Emily proudly supports veteran employment and entrepreneurship and is a Soldier on Ambassador. She is an active member of the Princes Trust Australia Enterprise for Veterans Advisory Council, and UNSW School of Engineering and IT Academic Advisory Board. She is also a Board Director of the Sir Richard Williams Foundation. Major General (Retd) Fergus "Gus" McLachlan AO Director Gus McLachlan completed his 37-year career with the Australian Army in December 2018, retiring as a Major General. Gus McLachlan has been responsible for generating Australian Defence capability in cyber space, electronic warfare and command and control systems. He completed two years as Head of Army Modernisation, during which time he worked closely with industry to commence a major recapitalisation of Army equipment and to network the systems of the Army. Gus McLachlan’s military career concluded after he led Land Forces Command where he was responsible for 35,000 women and men of the Army. He continued his leadership career in the commercial sector with Boral, Australia’s largest construction materials company, where he led Business Performance and Improvement during a major transformation activity. Gus McLachlan is currently a Senior Adviser at Bondi Partners, a unique advisory firm offering strategic counsel to businesses in Australia and the United States. He is a Director and Strategic Adviser to Australian and US defence, cyber and space technology companies. He is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University where he advises on national security research, and he chairs the Advisory Board for Cyber and Data Security at Charles Sturt University. Gus is also Director of the not-for-profit Williams Foundation, an air and space “Think Tank”. Gus was made an Officer in the Order or Australia (AO) for his contribution to Army Modernisation and awarded the United States Legion of Merit by Secretary James Mattis for his service in the international coalition force in Afghanistan. Gus lives in Sydney with his wife Maree and they have two adult sons. Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d) Steve Roberton, DSC, AM Director ‘Zed' is a Category A Fighter Pilot who joined the Royal Australian Air Force after completing a Bachelor of Science at Queensland University. He flew for 26 years of his RAAF career including fighter tours in Australian combat units and an exchange flying F/A-18s with the United States Marine Corps. ​ AVM Roberton enjoyed five commands in his RAAF career: initially commanding Number 75 Squadron for three years in Australia’s Northern Territory. Roberton led the RAAF’s transition to F/A-18F Super Hornet before commanding Number 82 Wing at RAAF Amberley; for which he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012. Roberton commanded the inaugural Operation OKRA Air Task Group 630 countering ISIL in 2014, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. He returned to Australia to command Air Combat Group in 2015 and went on to assume the Air Commander Australia role in 2017. AVM Roberton was Head Force Design in VCDF Executive in 2019, delivering the Force Structure Plan 2020 and the ADF Workforce Growth submission to Government. Zed completed several joint staff tours in project management and capability development roles. His further education includes a Masters in Management from Australian staff college in 2002 and the UK's Higher Command and Staff College in 2012. He completed the Australian Company Director’s Course in 2013 and the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 2022. ​ Steve is a full-time senior advisor with McKinsey and Company based in Canberra and he is married to Libby. Katherine Ziesing Director Katherine Ziesing is the Strategic Communications Manager at Hanwha Defence Australia. In this role, she is integral in supporting the business to mobilise and deliver capability across a range of capabilities. Prior to this role she was the Strategic Communications Manager at a Canberra based contracting SME, leading client engagement with over 400 member companies working into government. She was Managing Editor at Australian Defence Magazine Group, working in the company for 15 years. Katherine joined the ADM team in 2006 as a staff writer and was appointed editor in Canberra at the beginning of 2008. She took on the expanded role of Managing Editor of Yaffa Media’s ADM Group at the beginning of 2018. While she has a background in business journalism and economics, she has also completed a Masters of Strategy and Policy at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy, graduating in 2010. She was a member of the Defence Industry Study Course (DISC) in 2017. She has served as a committee member of the Submarine Institute of Australia and as a board member for the National Institute of Security Resilience. She was a founding member of the Defence and National Security Media Association, a group of Australia’s leading Defence and National Security journalists. Chair DeputyChair Treasurer Secretary Directors

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