Stewart dedicated 23 years of service to the Australian Defence Force, beginning his career in 1999 as a maintenance technician, before progressing into maintenance and engineering leadership roles. Across more than two decades, he served at numerous locations across Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, Darwin, Puckapunyal and Albury.
His service also included operational deployments to Timor-Leste in 2003 and Iraq in 2007. Stewart’s most senior appointment was as a Maintenance Engineering Officer. Through his time serving, he gained invaluable experience and leadership skills.
Now settled in Brisbane and enjoying his civilian career in Beca's Australian Advisory Practice, Stewart is enjoying the slower moments and quality time with his family.
"(ANZAC Day) is a day to reflect on my service and the military brothers and sisters I have served with – we've become a family."
Service Snapshot
- Years of service: 23 years of service (Joined in 1999 left in 2022, joined as technician and maintenance)
- Most senior role: Maintenance Engineering Officer
- Where you served: Australia - Albury, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne, Puckapunyal, Sydney, Townsville, Iraq (2007), Timor-Leste (2003)
What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
It's an opportunity to reflect on my service and the military brothers and sisters I have served with – we've become a family, and to remember the legacy and sacrifice of the servicemen and servicewomen before us. It’s also a day to catch up with and check in on some old friends I haven't seen in a while; a time to reflect on the impact that our service has had on ourselves and our families.
What’s one thing you’d like others to know about military veterans/reservists?
We have very high personal integrity and values, and are very service-oriented. We want to contribute to a better world even though we no longer wear the uniform.
What were you looking for in an employer when you transitioned to civilian life?
First and foremost, I only wanted to work in an organisation that makes a real positive impact, has strong values towards its employees and clients, and a strong focus on the best possible outcomes. “Make everyday better”, there was alignment with that too. I spent a fair bit of time researching and making sure Beca was the right place for me.
What was one of the biggest adjustments you faced moving from military service to civilian life?
One of the biggest adjustments was having spare time and having to re-learn how to slow down and not be so mentally focused and always switched on. My entire career I was in support of combat operational units, so I was always mentally switched on, always on a short notice to move or short call-out period.
What transferable skills have you harnessed in your civilian career?
Complex problem solving, strategic planning and a strong outcome and objectives focus. I've had some pretty intense roles, and they teach you how to manage problems in a stressful situation whilst maintaining focus on the bigger picture objectives.
What advice would you give to other veterans/reservists considering a career in professional services?
Look for industries and roles that are familiar to your skills. It’s also important to look for organisations that value their employees and clients, and to look for a good team that you can fit in well with.
What’s the proudest thing you’ve done in your civilian life?
Settling down and providing a stable house and life for my family, after more than two decades of constant moving locations and always being operationally online. Serving can be really tough on our families, so providing stability and some normality for them was very important.
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