Ms Sankey joined the RAN as a radio operator in the communications branch, following in the footsteps of the earliest Women of the Royal Australian Navy Service, who as wireless telegraphists, became enlisted personnel in the navy in 1942.

During her naval career, Ms Sankey was one of the first women to serve on ships at sea, which proved to be rewarding, despite challenges given the attitudes of the era.

She is now a volunteer welfare officer for the newly formed RSL ADF Welfare Team in Launceston, which provides a broad range of services and support for current and ex-serving military members and their families.

Next year will be 100 years since the end of World War I, the first major conflict Australia was involved in.

WWI saw the birth of what is now regarded as the Anzac legend, which, despite the ever-changing Australian culture, has been maintained as an integral part of our national identity.

“We need to continue to commemorate Anzac Day and all it means to many Australians, to ensure people don’t forget what occurred,” Ms Sankey said.

“By looking at our history, it helps solidify our sense of purpose and community today, whilst also preparing us for the future.

“We remember not only the original Anzacs who died on April 25, 1915, but every one of our service men and women who have served Australia in all wars and conflicts, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.”

Ms Sankey recognises that very little is told of the role women played while Australia was in conflict.

This can make it difficult for young females to identify with prominent Anzac stories.

“By 1942 out of sheer necessity, Australian women could enter the paid workforce in traditionally male roles in factories, shipyards, the Women’s Land Army and as official war artists and writers.

“This was at the time considered jobs for the war, not for life. Women worked incredibly hard in traditionally male roles they had not experienced before.

“This greatly assisted the war effort both locally and abroad.

“While many women were actively involved as nurses and other active service duties, there were also women who joined voluntary organisations like the Australian Red Cross and the Country Women’s Association and assisted with fundraising and support roles to help the war effort.”

The growth of women in the armed forces has continued since Ms Sankey first joined the navy nearly 30 years ago.

“Today, women in the navy are employed in a broad range of areas, holding positions such as ship captains, commanding officers and directors of naval establishments, as principal warfare officers, pilots, observers, engineers and intelligence officers” Ms Sankey said.  

“I hold a great deal of respect for not only past female military personnel, but also my fellow female navy colleagues, some of who were the first women to be posted to combat positions on ships during the Gulf War in 1990.

“They handled themselves with professionalism, ability and dedication, along with a great deal of internal strength and the Royal Australian Navy and Australia in general, is better for their service.”

The stories of women who have been involved in all manner of military service form an important part of our nation’s history and deserve their place in our Anzac Day commemorations. Lest We Forget.