How Nicole Gallagher pushes new boundaries in the Navy and beyond

Nicole Gallagher was among the first women to join HMAS Canberra – and to have a child while serving in the Navy. Post-Defence, she’d love to see more women join RSL sub-Branches, and improved mental health and wellbeing support for all veterans and family members.
As told to Caroline Riches
At a glance:
- When Nicole Gallagher joined the Navy in the early 1990s, she says she had to prove herself as a woman.
- She is passionate about connecting different people, generations and genders, and improving veterans’ mental health.
- Gallagher became President of the Narrabri RSL sub-Branch in 2024, giving her an avenue to improve conditions for veterans and their families.
I joined the Navy aged 22 in 1992, following in the footsteps of my father, grandfather and brother. It felt like the natural thing to do.
I decided to become an electronic warfare specialist. I had no idea what that entailed, but thought it sounded pretty cool. So off I went to HMAS Cerberus, then HMAS Watson, for my training.
Because you’re analysing radar signals and electromagnetic waves, electronic warfare involves a lot of mathematics and problem-solving. It was a challenging course, but I became one of the first women to graduate and join HMAS Canberra, which back then was a guided missile frigate.
It was an amazing experience. It was a man’s world, so I had to prove myself as a woman, and show strength and resilience. But overall, they were a bunch of awesome men, and we became a family.
We did a few overseas deployments, so I got to meet people and experience different cultures. But postings were challenging for women due to a lack of bunk space.
Back then, most pregnant women discharged from Defence early and never went back. But in 1996, I had my daughter while serving in the Navy. Making them understand my demands as a new mother was difficult.
We fought hard for recognition for ourselves and our children. Hopefully, the challenges of my generation have paved the way for women after us.
New experiences
In 2002, when it became too difficult to be present as a mother, I left the Navy before joining the NSW Police – though I remained in the Navy Reserve. It was a totally different experience, but I still had structure, so I slid in easily. I was in the NSW Police for 10 years and eventually left Defence in 2014.
The Navy provided me such a great life, from friendships to education, and for that I am very grateful. Since leaving, I’ve done lots of different jobs, and have enjoyed the variety.
Post-COVID, my husband and I packed up our caravan and our car, and went travelling, ending up in Narrabri. We liked it so much we stayed.
It took me a long time to actually knock on the door of the RSL sub-Branch. I didn’t see many women wanting to get involved, which was disappointing. I think some people perceive a sub-Branch as a bunch of old blokes sitting around having a beer. Plus, women are busy; they have families and careers.
I did eventually join, however, and Narrabri has an incredible sub-Branch. We have decent membership, at around 190, our fundraising is phenomenal and everyone chips in. It’s the most generous community; everyone is so invested in each other and supports each other. I’ve been very blessed to be a part of that.
Narrabri RSL sub-Branch Chief Petty Officer Mark Gibbs, President Nicole Gallagher and past President Gary Mason.
Chance to make a difference
After being a member at Narrabri for 12 months, I was asked if I would take up the presidency.
Initially, I thought I wasn’t capable enough. I thought the President had to be older and have served in multiple conflicts. But you don’t – you just need to have empathy and care about people. Because everyone deserves to be cared for and loved.
I’ve been in the role since February 2024, and it’s been a fantastic opportunity to make life better for veterans and their families. I will be standing down this year as I am relocating to Queensland, and to hand the baton to someone new.
I’ve had a platform to help connect people, generations and genders – and, in doing so, change attitudes. For me, it’s always important to help people, and be available and approachable.
I’m especially passionate about looking after veterans’ mental health, first and foremost through mateship and camaraderie.
When you serve in Defence, no one gets left behind. Trying to instill that sense of camaraderie among our members, including Affiliate members who haven’t served, is really important.
I’ve applied for a $10,000 grant for 14 members of our community to complete a mental health course, so they can help identify veterans who may be struggling. I’m also trying to organise Army and Air Cadet units in Narrabri, to provide a challenging environment for kids who aren’t interested in sports and horses.
Our sub-Branch is not just full of old men. We’ve got young men and women who’ve served in all theatres of war.
It would be wonderful to see more female veterans get involved at RSL sub-Branches and take up leadership positions. I’ve wanted to effect change and show that other women can do it too.
RSL NSW welcomes veterans of any age to join the organisation. Access support services and become part of a like-minded community of peers – become a member of RSL NSW.