Sarah Vesey, Strategic Communications Specialist at CubePilot, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Women in Defence Award in the Marketing and Communication category. The honour recognises her exceptional work in profiling and supporting the highly successful Australian Defence Force (ADF) Drone Racing Team.
Ms Vesey received the award for her ability to capture and convey the dynamic story of the ADF team, a discipline she describes as sitting at the intersection of advanced technology, teamwork, and service.
“I’m incredibly honoured to have received the 2025 Women in Defence Award,” Ms Vesey said. “It’s a privilege to be able to share the story of drone racing – an exciting, fast-paced and innovative space where technology, teamwork, and service come together.”
The award comes just weeks after the team solidified their international dominance, an achievement Ms Vesey has been pivotal in communicating. The ADF Drone Racing Team clinched their fifth consecutive championship at the Military International Drone Racing Tournament (MIDRT_UK25), hosted this year by the UK Forces at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The three-day competition, held from 16-18 September, saw the ADF racers face their toughest challenge yet. A total of 43 pilots from Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and the US were joined by new teams from Belgium, Germany, and the Philippines, all determined to topple the reigning champions.
The ADF team battled through a nail-biting double elimination series, marked by mid-air crashes and rapid pit-stop repairs. Ultimately, the Australian pilots’ precision, teamwork, and consistency saw them secure the podium once again.
For Ms Vesey, the victory is a testament to the character of the team she works with. “Every day, I get to work with an extraordinary group of people who are not only skilled and committed, but also passionate about empowering others through STEM, sport, and collaboration.”
She was quick to credit the network of support surrounding the team for both her award and the team’s victories. “This recognition reflects the incredible support I’ve received from my team, commanders, and our industry sponsors – whose belief in this project has made it all possible.”
As a key partner, CubePilot’s sponsorship and belief in the team has been an integral part of the ADF Drone Racing Team’s ongoing success, demonstrating a powerful synergy between Defence and industry.
“Thank you to ADM and the Women in Defence Australia for this meaningful recognition,” Ms Vesey concluded.
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