2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Hayley Boswell is a military spouse, Solicitor, Founder of Defence Kidz and a mother of two defence children. Defence Kidz was established by Hayley to advocate for Defence and Veteran families and create positive change within the community. Hayley regularly engages with State and Federal Ministers and collaborates with non-government organisations, with various initiatives to be implemented in 2024.
Hayley is the Principal Solicitor at Lynch & Co Lawyers, and has also worked in a number of community related positions with an advocacy focus. In 2023 Hayley was appointed to the SA Veterans Advisory Council, was the Winner of the Princes Trust Defence Family Business Award, Finalist in the Prime Minister’s Veterans Employment Awards and named on the SA Governments Women’s Honour Role for her Veteran family advocacy.
// Favourite inspirational quote
Be the change you want to see in the world.
// Let’s get to know you
I realised when I had my first child that her Navy dad would be deployed soon and I would not have any resources to ensure they maintained their relationship and connection. I began researching and soon realised their wasn’t any Australian resources to support defence and veteran children. I created a book called “my dad’s in the Australian Navy”. The word soon got out and families from all over Australia wanted to purchase the book.
This is where Defence Kidz was born. I then created additional resources for families including versions for army and airforce. We also advocate for defence and veteran families and was instrumental in successfully advocating for a defence and veteran identification tick box on all enrolment forms in South Australia to allow us to better support defence and veteran children. We are also creating a graphic novel to be launched in May and other merchandise will be released leading up to ANZAC Day. We are also collaborating with various organisations and creating a defence kidz children’s cartoon animation with Cheeky Little Media who have many successful cartoons on ABC Kids.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
I am a passionate advocate for defence and veteran families and work with many organisations and politicians to gain positive outcomes for our veteran families.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
We are creating a graphic novel that is currently being created. We sourced funding from an RSL in Queensland which is very exciting. We are also creating a charity. I’m looking forward to launching the tshirts and having children wearing them on ANZAC day and them being proud to be a defence of veteran kid.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
It’s important to acknowledge advocates in our community, and the great work we are all doing. If my recognition means that it gives the community more awareness about defence and veteran families, I think that’s important!
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
Further understanding around defence and veteran children. More supports for them and their parents when moving interstate or when the families transition out of service. I would also like some further education about coercive control, with a focus of veteran families. It’s an issue that needs further investment of resources.
Get in touch with Hayley:
LinkedIn: Hayley Boswell
Website: www.defencekidz.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.
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