Dannii Hastie is the Demand Support Coordinator within Thales Australia’s Protected Vehicles business, supporting the Australian Defence Force by helping ensure critical capability is available when it is needed most.
As the daughter of an Army family, the wife of a serving Australian Army Sergeant and the proud mother of a son who will begin his Army career as a Combat Engineer in 2027, Defence has shaped every stage of her life. It is this lived experience that gives her a unique understanding of the people behind the capability she supports every day.
As the partner of an Australian Army Sergeant with over 12.5 years of service, who has relied on the very Bushmaster vehicles Dannii works to support, she brings a host of invaluable and unique skills and perspectives to her team, the site and broader Thales. She understands first-hand that behind every vehicle is a soldier, a family waiting at home, and a community depending on them to return safely.
Known for her compassion, humility and unwavering willingness to help others, Dannii leads through action rather than recognition. Whether supporting Defence customers, fundraising for veterans, checking in on a colleague or volunteering her time, she believes that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Danni doesn’t need to know someone completely, for them to benefit from her kindness, patience, care and understanding. Simply by being human, by asking for help, or crossing her path they are worth her time, her energy and her effort. Dannii really is one-of-a-kind and deserving of this recognition and award.
Dannii is driven by a customer-focused mentality, going above and beyond to deliver for the ADF. Her commitment extends beyond her day-to-day role, strengthening Thales’ connection with the Defence and veteran community through volunteering, fundraising and workplace initiatives.
In 2024, Dannii helped raise over $8,000 as part of a team for Legacy Australia while representing a team of veteran spouses in the Conagra Combat Challenge. In 2025, Dannii helped raise over $130,000 as part of a team for Trojan’s Trek. In 2026, Dannii assisted in delivering the Thales Eagle Farm ANZAC Day service, bringing together employees, veterans, serving members and Defence families. Dannii takes genuine interest in the mental health, and wellbeing of others. She is passionate about creating workplaces where people feel valued, supported and connected.
For Dannii, working at Thales is more than a career. It is a privilege to play even a small part in helping Australia’s service men and women return home safely.
Dannii has a long and proud family history of service in the ADF, with generations spanning back to WW1 of her family, serving in the Australian Army. It’s this pride in her family, her support of the vehicle her husband relies on, coupled with her own sense of duty and responsibility to the nation, that sets her apart from others in this category.
