We sat down with Petty Officer Kelsie Wright, one of eight finalists for 2025 Sailor of the Year, to chat about her Navy career, life, and what it means to be a finalist.
The Harbour Bridge climb, an Amazing Race in Sydney and a walk with the Governor-General - as a Sailor of the Year finalist, Petty Officer Kelsie Wright embraced these opportunities.
The communications information systems sailor also relished the chance to network with colleagues and Navy's leaders.
"The program was a week of networking with like-minded sailors and we were provided the exposure to the decision-making processes of the senior leadership group," Petty Officer Wright said.
"Just being nominated for Sailor of the Year was an honour, but to be a finalist and participate in the program is one of the best experiences of my career."
Most of Petty Officer Wright's time in the Navy has been at sea or on the waterfront, most recently on HMAS Brisbane.
But she has welcomed her current posting to the Defence Digital Group in Canberra as a chance to develop her strategic knowledge.
"I am an [information and communication technology] ICT military specialist providing maritime communications advice and support to the fleet," Petty Officer Wright explained.
"As part of my role, I am developing the training curriculum for our initial entry trainees and providing them with their first look at the systems they will be responsible for operating and maintaining when they go to sea.
"Posting down to Canberra to work in the project space was a great opportunity to develop my strategic knowledge while assisting with developing the future capability."
'I want our sailors to genuinely enjoy what they do and take pride in their service. As a leader, I feel I am in a position to make that change.'
Being a Sailor of the Year finalist has emboldened Petty Officer Wright in her quest to promote the Navy as a great place to work.
"My contribution to the Navy is that I want to make it an environment that people want to stay in," she said.
"I want our sailors to genuinely enjoy what they do and take pride in their service. As a leader, I feel I am in a position to make that change."
Fitness, and a five-year-old border collie named Missy, consume Petty Officer Wright's time outside Navy.
"I go to the gym, play Australian Rules Football and golf," she said.
"I'm lucky that my workplace is super supportive of my participation in both Navy and ADF sport, releasing me to play games, participate in the national carnival and conduct training camps interstate."
Missy is the perfect canine companion for Petty Officer Wright, who described coming home to her after a long day as like "hitting the reset button".
"She automatically brings joy to my life and I forget whatever stresses there were in the day," Petty Officer Wright said.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Sailor of the Year program.
Nominate peers, subordinates or superiors from able seamen to petty officer who are a positive influence on their teams and strengthen the Navy.
Finalists will benefit from a range of high profile opportunities and be involved in conversations with senior leadership to influence change.
Complete the nomination form on the Navy Intranet home page.
