AIDN-SA 2024 Young Achiever set to soar

Adelaide-based Rhiannon Reynolds from Aurecon has been announced as the 2024 Australian Defence Industry Network SA (AIDN-SA) Young Achiever Award winner.

Now in its 18^th year, the Young Achiever Award recognises upcoming defence industry leaders making an impact through leadership, technical ability and industry achievements.

Five young leaders were nominated for the award, all demonstrating passion and dedication to the defence industry, with Rhiannon Reynolds awarded the honour for her work as an Associate, Program Performance at Aurecon.

In her multifaceted role spanning more than eight years, Ms Reynolds leads major Capital Facilities and Infrastructure projects for the Department of Defence in both South Australia and Western Australia. She also serves as National Directorate Delivery Manager within Aurecon’s Defence Market where she oversees a portfolio of more than $AUD 1 billion in CAPEX projects.

While initially hesitant, Ms Reynolds is pleased that she took the leap and entered the Young Achiever Award.

“I was identified by a number of senior leaders within Aurecon’s Defence Market as a suitable nominee for this award,” Ms Reynolds said. “I was hesitant at first and questioned whether my achievements were notable enough to put myself forward for this award. However, I am glad I pushed myself as I think it is really important to take the time to celebrate my achievements and reflect on the great outcomes that I have been able to deliver.”

Ms Reynolds is thrilled to be recognised in an industry that means so much to her.

AIDN 24 finalists

“Being recognised for my contribution and leadership in the Defence Industry truly means so much to me,” she said.

“I aim to show all emerging professionals that you can have a very meaningful and rewarding career in the Defence Industry and can achieve great things.”

Other finalists for the 2024 AIDN-SA Young Achiever Award were:

Jayden Grigg, DEWC Services
Adam Rankine, BAE Systems Australia
James Knowles, Aurizn
Michael Brock, BAE Systems Australia

Defence SA has been a long-time supporter of AIDN and is proud to sponsor the Young Achiever Award which recognises and celebrates the driven and talented young professionals involved in the state’s defence industry.

Chief Executive of Defence SA Matt Opie expressed the agency’s pride in supporting emerging defence industry talent.

“Young professionals bring innovative and fresh ideas, and it is important that we celebrate and nurture the best young talent in industry,” he said.

Mr Opie added that securing young talent in industry is crucial in helping South Australia deliver on the AUKUS program, the single biggest leap in defence capability in our nation’s history.

“Highly skilled talent with passion and commitment to our industry are critical to our success, and it fills me with confidence to see so much of this in the nominees this year.”

AIDN-SA President Graham Priestnall, OAM added that the high calibre of finalists made the judges’ task very difficult.

“The AIDN-SA Young Achiever Award has once again highlighted the high standard of young professionals in the South Australian defence industry. Our five finalists have all achieved impressive accomplishments in their careers to date.”

“Rhiannon is a deserving winner, and I believe that all finalists have the potential to achieve leadership roles in our industry,” Mr Priestnall added.

Looking ahead, Ms Reynolds said that she looks forward to continuously contributing to the country’s Defence capabilities.

“Working in the Defence Industry enables me to be part of something much bigger than myself. I get the opportunity to contribute to Defence’s priorities in maximising the potential and ensuring ongoing capability, training and support facilities for the Defence Force.”

Rhiannon will now represent South Australia for the national AIDN Young Achiever Award and will be presented with her title at the AIDN National Dinner in Canberra, taking place in June 2025.

Photo 1 from left to right: Rhiannon Reynolds of Auercon and Reg Carruthers of Defence SA.

Pictured in photo 2 (from left to right), the finalists from this year’s Young Achiever award: Rhiannon Reynolds of Aurecon Australia, Jayden Grigg of DEWC Services, Adam Rankine of BAE Systems Australia, Michael Brock of BAE Systems Australia and James Knowles of Aurizn.

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