Luanne and Hilary

Luanne is studying for a Masters of Information Technology at the University of Canberra. Prior to taking up her Award, she worked as a Network Officer with the Papua New Guinea Department of Labour and Industrial Relations, supporting the implementation and maintenance of management information systems.

In 2017, Luanne was appointed secretary for the Papua New Guinea Canberra Students Association. In this capacity, she assisted student members in their studies and encouraged participation in cultural activities aiming to promote Papua New Guinea within the broader Canberra community.

Luanne is passionate about the potential of IT as a tool for social change and believes that - regardless of gender or age - basic computing skills provide the motivation for self-improvement and advancement. She believes her studies and involvement in the Women's Leadership Initiative will enable her to hone her leadership skills and continue to empowering women through IT. Luanne teaches basic computer skills to members of the Urban Settlers Women Leading Change, a local women's group in Port Moresby, and plans to develop this work further on her return to Papua New Guinea.

Hilary is the head of User Experience at Data61, a business unit of CSIRO in Australia.

Hilary is a digital industry veteran with over 20 years' experience working in the emerging technology sector. Awarded an 'Excellence in eGovernment Award', part of the Australian Government ICT Awards, Hilary's current focus is on designing IT user systems that embrace ethical technology production.