Kristy Lewis is a Project Coordinator at Navantia Australia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and has worked across customer service, community support, administration, housing consulting, fleet administration, personal assistance and project planning, both in Australia and London.
Her career has not been linear, largely due to Defence postings, family responsibilities and caring for her son. When her eldest son was unwell and she could not commit to paid work, Kristy still found purpose by volunteering. She supported children’s learning in schools, helped at Cub Scouts, took on odd jobs at her sons’ soccer club including first aider and line referee, supported the RSL Sub-branch Billeroy House, and volunteered in administration and event photography for The Top Ender Magazine.
Across 21 years as a Defence spouse, Kristy has experienced eight interstate postings, a child’s chronic illness, stretched resources, isolation from moving, COVID disruptions, and giving birth while her partner was deployed to East Timor and Afghanistan. These experiences have helped her build adaptability, empathy, resilience and a strong instinct to support others.
While strongly independent, Kristy’s greatest advice is that Defence life becomes easier when you find community, build a support network and allow yourself to be supported in return.
Kristy has delivered significant outcomes for Navantia Australia through her resilience, adaptability and results-driven approach, qualities strengthened through her experience as a Defence partner. Her ability to unite and motivate diverse teams sets her apart. Kristy’s Defence spouse background has equipped her with flexibility, calmness under pressure and the ability to build trust quickly. She takes ownership of tasks, responds promptly, and remains receptive to change, enabling her to navigate shifting priorities with confidence. Her positive attitude and approachable nature help team members feel valued and supported. She is well known for creating a fun, inviting space around her in the office. Kristy’s standout attribute is her warm and inviting personality.
Navantia Australia says they hired Kristy because they believed in her capability, but more than that, her strength, resilience, empathy and courage were impossible to miss. Kristy has proven that every day. She not only delivers in her role but gives so much more to the people around her. It is a testament to her resilience that she goes above and beyond day in, day out.
