Serco Asia Pacific, Level 23, 60 Margaret Street, Sydney (2026)

29/04/2026

“I moved to Australia 26 years ago. It’s a privilege calling Australia home. In that time I’ve been blessed with two wonderful children, both now studying to become clinicians,” says Gareth Austin, Serco’s ICT Director at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH), who leads a team of 120+ employees.

“Currently, in my fourth year at , I’m the Director of Information and Communications Technology, Digital, and Medical Technology services in a large digital tertiary hospital. I’ve gone from being a technical specialist in the early 2000s to completing an MBA degree, focusing on leadership.”

Gareth’s connection to FSH is special. FSH’s Renal Team prepared him for a kidney transplant, donating to his sister in Cape Town 11 years ago.

It’s therefore a matter of great pride for Gareth that the Serco team he now leads plays a critical role in tech efficiency and reliability across the whole of FSH, ensuring everything from CT scanners to clinical audio-visual equipment function effectively, optimising clinical safety and patient outcomes.

Operating as one unit with FSH’s clinical and management teams, Serco ICT has also delivered game-changing upgrades and innovation, all while ensuring seamless service continuity.

Gareth provides an example of a recent network refresh project, where his team upgraded a physical network during COVID in the complexity of a live hospital, without any substantial outages.

Another example is his team’s introduction of role-based smart handsets.
“Safety is a hospital’s lifeblood. These handsets elevate personal security,” Gareth says.

“Their functions range from mobile duress to code blue emergency response and critical directory and telephone services for clinician contact, designed in direct partnership with clinicians to aid their workflows.

“FSH clinicians care deeply. Their symbiotic relationship with our teams empower us to be better at all we do. Often, they’ll attend key meetings, there’s a feedback loop, and they know we have their backs. If there’s a major outage, we’re in there with them.”

Here, Gareth pauses.

“How does Serco ICT continue to achieve the performance success we have since the hospital first went live?

“It’s borne from all being onsite together, over time building close working relationships that’ve enabled Serco’s team to deeply understand how technology empowers clinicians to provide the best medical care in a digital hospital.”

When asked about his leadership approach, Gareth simply says, “It’s built on integrity, credibility and trust.

“Trust is important. It’s earned.

“I’m proud of our smart, well-credentialled people: industry leaders with advanced knowledge who are passionate about their work.

“I’ll share with you a recent piece of feedback that really meant a lot.

“One of our key customer stakeholders said to me: ‘Gareth, I don’t see your team as Serco’s team. I see them as my own ICT team.’ That resonated with me; it’s exactly what we strive for here.”

23/04/2026

John Butcher MNZM, AFNI joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1989. What followed, from the New Zealand Defence Force to Serco, is a truly impressive career path.

“I was in service for 33 years,” John shares. “They are years that shaped me, challenged me and gave me opportunities I will always remain grateful for.

“Even though I’ve now stepped out of full-time uniform, I’ve continued to serve as a Reserve Officer, supporting the Navy as a Commander RNZNR, and contributing to ANZAC and Remembrance Day each year as a guest speaker. Service doesn’t really end. It simply evolves.”

Throughout his time in the Navy John was trusted with a series of Command appointments that remain among his proudest achievements.

“I built deep connections with Officers and Sailors, relationships that endure to this day. My roles spanned Navigation, Ship handling, Warfare and Command, including serving as Navigation Training Officer, whereby I was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and serving as Staff Officer and Navigation & Operations SME for the Navy’s International Fleet Review during the RNZN’s 75th Anniversary, for which I received a Chief of Navy Commendation.

“During COVID, I had the privilege of serving as Fleet Navigation Officer within the Maritime Training Group. I can assure you that supporting ships at sea on a Bridge and in an Operations Room while wearing a mask and gloves isn’t glamorous, but it was essential, it was service; I enjoyed this challenging period too.”

In 2022, John joined as a Simulation Specialist Senior Instructor.

“It felt like a natural continuation of everything I had devoted my career to,” John reflects.

“For four years now, I’ve been part of Serco Defence’s Training Services team. Here I use nearly all of my knowledge, skills and experience.

“It is a genuine privilege to lead and instruct on everything from Ship Command to Navigation and Celestial Navigation, practical Ship handling, and Bridge Warfare.

“What I value most about my work at Serco is contributing to the development of RNZN Officers, from the most junior to the most senior. Helping prepare the next generation of Naval leaders is more than a job; it’s a unique continuation of service.”

As a service veteran, for John, “Alongside honouring those who served before us, is also a moment of personal reflection on my own operational service.

“It deepens my commitment to supporting the veteran community through my local RSA, where I stay actively involved via public speaking and connecting with fellow vets. I strongly believe veterans help veterans. Giving back is both a responsibility and a privilege.”

John’s years in uniform shaped the leader, instructor and person he is today. At Serco, he’s empowered to continue serving through , mentorship and, importantly, the preservation of the naval traditions and skills that have defined his career and values.

Today, we thank John for his service.

22/04/2026

Joye Maka Unga migrated to Australia in 2003 from Tonga. He joined Serco in 2007, and for 19 years, has been serving the Australian Defence Force (Defence Australia) as a Biomedical Technician in ’s Defence Medical and Dental Equipment Support Services team.

In 2022, Joye joined the Australian Army, enlisting as a Combat Engineer for 5 Engineer Regiment (5ER) Squadron. He is currently a reservist.

As Joye looks back on his career journey, moving countries and growing even more deeply committed to a sense of service for the community, he has been reflecting on what he is most proud of, this ANZAC Day week.

“I’m most proud of the ability and the opportunity to give back and contribute in the form of service: to Serco, where I have worked for two decades, to the Defence community, and to our country, community and people. I feel privileged to contribute.”

For Joye, ANZAC Day means remembering those who have made the greatest contributions to their fellow service personnel, country and community.

“For me, it’s about the opportunity to come together to recognise and commemorate the contribution and sacrifices of all people who have served our country throughout the decades,” Joye says.

“In particular, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in time of war, peacekeeping and peace-making missions. Lest we forget.”

As an Australian man of Pasifika heritage, Joye’s unique perspective, skills, experience and sense of self-giving public service are of immeasurable value. He is an asset to the Defence community and the Serco team, and this ANZAC Day week, we thank Joye for his service.

Serco would also like to take this opportunity to celebrate the many individuals in our teams across the Asia Pacific region and globally who serve the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), including those in civilian roles.

Joye’s Medical and Dental Equipment Support Services team, led by Bruce Fraser, is an excellent example, working around the clock to ensure high-quality medical and healthcare supplies are safely, efficiently and reliably made available for those in uniform – and their doctors and nurses – whenever and wherever they are needed.

At Serco, every single one of our Defence teams is committed to delivering exceptional public service that supports service members, their families, veterans, and national security and resilience. Today, as we highlight this work, we thank you for your service.

If this story resonated with you, give it a like, comment and repost.

20/04/2026

Carolyne Cappola (Caz) has served in both the Australian Defence Force (Defence Australia; 2007-2011) and the New Zealand Defence Force (2011-2019). She graduated from the Royal Military College - Duntroon into the Royal Australian Corps of Transport, later moving into the role of Logistic Officer in the RNZALR upon transferring into the NZ Army.

During her time in service, she has held a vast number of appointments. Her first was as 42 Terminal Troop Commander at 10 Force Support Battalion, Townsville. Other notable appointments include positions as the Officer Commanding Specialist Instructor at the Collective Training Centre, and Officer Commanding Support Squadron at the NZ 1st Special Air Service Regiment.

“I was also fortunate to deploy multiple times,” Caz says, “including to Kuwait, the UAE, Afghanistan, Sinai – Egypt, the Cook Islands, Antarctica and Canada.”

Re-entering civilian life in 2019, she took up a role with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade. Fast forward to 2025, and Caz joined as Industries Manager at Clarence Correctional Centre, which Serco proudly operates on behalf of the NSW Government.

“It’s a job I would never have imagined myself doing 20 years ago!” Caz reflects with a smile on her current role, which directly enables upskilling and reintegration outcomes for men and women in our care.

“But here I am, having just ticked over a year, and thoroughly enjoying the challenge, working with an incredible team and making a positive contribution in a corrections environment.”

When asked to look back on her career, Caz says many aspects of her journey stand out, from being posted into an Officer Commanding position, to passing the Special Operations Enabling Support Selection Course and being awarded Top Student in her Junior Command and Staff Course, which saw her selected to attend a strategic policy and leadership course at Pacific Command in Hawaii.

“But in between the Army and Serco,” Caz says, “I am most proud that my husband and I took over a CrossFit gym with another couple, turning it into a successful, profitable business.

“Taking all the skills I learnt in the Army and owning a small business, I’m proud of how I’ve been able to adapt, using my capabilities to build a high-performing team with Serco at Clarence.”

For Caz, having served both and while in the Army, holds special significance.

“To me, ANZAC Day is a day of reflection on the sacrifices made by men and women, whether serving at home or overseas,” she shares.

“It honours the deep bond between Australian and New Zealand soldiers, one founded on mateship, camaraderie, and the shared resolve to see things through together, no matter the cost. I am proud to have represented both countries on operations and domestically.”

Please join us in thanking Caz for her service, which spans an impressive number of roles united by one core theme: giving selfless public service.

08/04/2026

For people in custody, priority areas for proactive health outreach, education and care include:
- The management of chronic conditions;
- Mental health; and
- Communicable illnesses.

Ensuring that individuals can access the health services they need while in custody enables continuity of care and strengthens the overall health awareness of prison populations.

At Acacia Prison, Serco is empowering both staff and prisoners with reliable information, including education across a range of topics that matter to our communities. We believe that this holistic approach is vital to promoting the wellbeing of people in our care.

Having observed this week, we are proud to spotlight our recent Acacia Health Exposition. Rooted in Serco’s focus on improving overall health outcomes and wellbeing within custodial settings, the Health Expo offered direct engagement between Acacia staff, prisoners, and health professionals.

This event, modelling proactive care, equitable access and collaborative engagement, was designed by a dedicated committee of Serco staff, led by Jessie Naicker, ’s Health Services Manager – Acacia Prison Health Services, Helen Pickin – Clinical Nurse and Tahlia Kinnane – Nurse Practitioner.

Expo attendees benefited from the involvement of specialist health organisations, whose participation enhanced the breadth and quality of information and services available. These included representatives from: Hearing Australia, Lifeblood, Epilepsy WA, Sexual Health Quarters, HepatitisWA, Palmerston Association, Sexual Health Outreach, WAAC and Wungening Aboriginal Corporation.

Key outcomes observed:
- Promotion of health awareness;
- Direct interaction between prisoners and health professionals; and
- Timely referrals as prisoners were able to connect with relevant health services for follow-up appointments, health screenings and programs like smoking cessation and counselling.

Jessie said, “I extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the Acacia Health Expo. Your dedication, collaboration and commitment to promoting health and wellness made this event truly impactful.

“We are proud to share that we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both staff and prisoners. Many expressed that the Expo was informative, engaging, and a valuable opportunity to learn more about health promotion and disease prevention.

“This achievement reflects the strength of our partnerships and the shared vision of creating a healthier custodial community.”

With innovative forums like the onsite Acacia Health Expo, the Serco team are proud to offer a holistic journey, responsive to the real requirements of those in custody.

Serco has proudly operated Acacia Prison for the Government of Western Australia for the past two decades, committed to supporting the reduction of recidivism and ensuring the wellbeing of all those in our care.

31/03/2026

Serco is proud to have been selected for the design and build of a new freight vessel to support World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island’s critical freight needs for the next 40 years. 🛥️

The project, part of the NSW Government’s Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Program, will deliver a fit-for-purpose vessel designed to meet stringent environmental and biosecurity standards, helping provide critical protection for the native plant, bird and insect species present. 🪿

The new vessel will ensure a reliable freight service for the island community, featuring roll-on roll-off and lift-on lift-off capability, with capacity for 35 ISO containers plus bulk items. The design prioritises environmental protection, biosecurity and operational efficiency, safe cargo operations, and minimising impacts on the island’s World Heritage .

Serco has a proven track record in program management, having introduced 129 vessels into Australian service, including the Antarctic Icebreaker, RSV Nuyina, for the Australian Antarctic Division.

Our solution is informed by the specialised, hands‑on expertise we have developed operating RSV Nuyina in extreme and bio-secure environments, embedding proven biosecurity controls and operational discipline from design through to delivery.

David Astbury, General Manager for Defence, Serco Asia Pacific, said winning this contract is a proud moment for Serco and represents our commitment to supporting Lord Howe Island’s future.

“This vessel will provide a vital freight lifeline for the community while meeting the highest standards of environmental protection and biosecurity,” Mr Astbury said.

“Our team’s experience in delivering complex maritime projects ensures we will deliver a vessel that NSW and Lord Howe Island can rely on for decades to come.” 🌱

“The project will also deliver broader economic and social benefits, including student placements for future maritime engineers, upskilling First Nations maritime capabilities, and engaging regional SMEs to maximise local industry participation.”

As part of the project, Serco representatives recently visited Lord Howe Island to meet with the local community and share early information about the new freight vessel.

The on‑island session brought together Serco’s project leadership team and delivery partner IMC Naval Architects, and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water program managers, to outline the vessel’s design, capabilities, and construction timeline, and to answer questions directly from residents.

This visit covered how the project will move from design into delivery, ensuring the vessel is well understood and built to support the island’s needs for generations to come.

Photos below: examples of proposed vessel design currently under review, and 's David Astbury (right of centre), Michael Lonsdale (centre) and IMC's Justin McPherson (left) onsite at Lord Howe Island.

30/03/2026

Serco Asia Pacific is proud to have supported the Royal Australian Navy's International Fleet Review, marking 125 years of strength at sea.

24/03/2026

The operates as a truly world-class asset, on board which both experienced talent and new entrants into the maritime profession are proud to live and work. This is thanks in a large part to John East, Serco’s Nuyina Operations Manager, and his team.

“We recently had a young cadet celebrate their 18th birthday with us,” John says.

“They now want to return after the next phase of their education to continue gaining experience on the Nuyina. It’s a matter of pride for us that we’re an employer of choice.”

John shares that he is deeply invested in sourcing and building up the very best local talent. This can be observed in the impressive credentials of the staff on board the vessel, in internal promotions, and in Serco’s partnerships with organisations that support the development of young and First Nations talent, like the Maritime Employees Training Ltd (METL) Indigenous Trainee Integrated Rating program.

Once the current season wraps up in April, John will continue to invest in training, continuous upskilling and team-building for ship and shore staff.

Another key focus will be a major Singapore docking to ensure the Nuyina is ship-shape and ready, operationally reliable for the upcoming 2026/27 season, which will begin in October this year.

“From my perspective, going above and beyond for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is something we’re proud of, and committed to doing. We have a happy customer, and that’s because it’s been a genuinely collaborative journey,” John says.

“This is the first ship the AAD has owned. Having managed many large and complex vessels in the past, I’m really proud to continue bringing my experience to both Serco and the customer, helping ensure every voyage is successful for the Nuyina.

“The ship is operating extremely well; continuous improvement is always possible and that’s precisely what we’re here for.

“We’re here to serve the Australian Government and taxpayer through our support of the AAD, and that shows up in every aspect, from our proactivity with our safety management system to the grounding principles of care, trust, pride and innovation with which we operate.

“Both ship and shore are committed to operational excellence, and this is critical behind successful long voyages, like the Denman Glacier and Heard Island campaigns.”

As John looks to the year ahead, he’s preparing for more of what he calls “hard work being done by good people.”

“We never rest on our laurels,” he says with a smile.

“We’re always going to ask, ‘What more can we deliver? How can we add more value?’ It’s what makes every successive season our best one yet.”

We hope you’ve enjoyed the voyage this week, learning about ’s incredible Nuyina Operations Manager, John: his experiences pre-Serco, starting with the Royal Australian Navy, to his work ensuring the icebreaker remains ready for anything today.

23/03/2026

One of the key capabilities John East brings to his role is a flair for managing the complex. In a previous job, he’s managed four ships simultaneously, including a fuel tanker sailing between remote Papua New Guinea ports, operated by a hybrid crew from multiple countries. Today, he brings his breadth and depth of expertise to the , which John says is by far the most complex vessel, due to its diverse functions and the extreme, remote environments in which it must stand the test of its endurance. 🚢

“From enabling studies on fish to assessing levels of microplastics, the Nuyina has evolved to be capable of really groundbreaking stuff for an icebreaker,” says John, reflecting on his pride and focus as Serco’s Operations Manager for the vessel.

“That innovation is really important, and all our ship and shore staff, particularly our engineers, are instrumental in enabling continuous improvements to the vessel’s safety, resilience, and scientific and operational capabilities.

“When I reflect back on how things have changed since the Nuyina was commissioned, we’ve gone from 7 project team members ashore, to 20 today. The ship had 32 crew members; now it can be up to 48 on a voyage. We’re delivering so much more for the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), the local Hobart economy and Australia.”

John says that as the Nuyina’s operations have evolved, so has the relationship between the AAD, ’s contract management staff, our partners, Masters and crew. John takes great pride in the consultative, collaborative relationships established, and how they deliver the best outcomes for all stakeholders.

“The two values I really find intrinsic to this role are care and pride,” John says.

“Not too long ago, we coordinated and conducted a medical evacuation with the Nuyina. That voyage was one driven by care, and I’m very proud of how the team responded. And then, from a day-to-day perspective, as a parent of a daughter with special needs, I’ve grown in understanding of what it means to be a caring and empathetic human.

“Our crew commit to some pretty long voyages. Many have young families at home. There’s a fair bit of care that goes into our daily decision-making for that. It’s not like my Navy days, with a burly, old-school Chief. No. Here, we need to have kindness and flexibility, and I’m proud of the approach we have in the Serco team.”

John adds that the of every aspect of the Nuyina’s operations is also a consistent, primary focus.

“Safety is all about care, too. It’s about preventative actions, best practice controls, and injury prevention and management. is key in my line of work, and my team’s.

“We’re proactive about identifying and fixing things early on so they don’t turn into a hazard or risk. Given the journeys this vessel takes, many of our appliances and resources on board can be life-saving.”

22/03/2026

“I’ll always remember sitting on the observation deck off the Bay of Biscay, the sun going down on the horizon as David Astbury, Ronan Maguire, other project team members and I shared a game of cards,” says John East, reflecting on a pivotal moment during the building of the RSV Nuyina, Australia’s world-class icebreaker, owned by the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) and proudly operated by Serco.

The moment of tranquillity, watching whales breaching not far from the ship, captures an hour of calm in a busy period of preparation during the vessel’s sea trials off the coast of France.

Before the Nuyina was commissioned, John was Ship Manager for the RSV Aurora Australis – fondly known as "Orange Roughy" – the vessel serving as the AAD’s primary icebreaker and resupply ship until it was retired in 2020. In a flow as seamless as the ebb of the tide on a quiet French beach, John transitioned from looking after the Aurora’s crewing, maintenance, logistics and end-to-end operations to supporting Serco’s build, design, maintenance and operation of the .

“How did I come to work at Serco? Dave Astbury found me on LinkedIn,” John says with a grin, which draws a matching one from the social strategist writing this story.

“I then interviewed and got the job in January 2019.”

John has always had a connection to the water, and complex logistics. A marine engineer from the age of 18, he gave 20 years of service in the Royal Australian Navy, reaching the rank of Warrant Officer.

Post-service, he went on to work in Defence with BAE and Thales, project managing dockings to the value of $20M.

“I then married a lady from Tasmania and didn’t read the fine print in the wedding vows,” John chuckles.

“This saw me moving to Tasmania, where I became a Ship Manager for P&O Maritime. The rest is history.”

When asked what his favourite thing about his role is, it’s difficult to pick just one, so John’s a little cheeky and gives his interviewer two.

“The people,” he says, first and foremost. “Both the great team supporting the vessel and our visitors. I love showing people around the Nuyina.”

John’s double dip, in short, is, “How dynamic the role can be.”

“It constantly flips about from one thing to another, just like the ship does, showing off its versatility between complex resupply and impressive science capabilities,” he says.

“And we do it all in support of marine science in one of the most important places on Earth. is the last frontier, so to speak. We’re proud to enable amazing work, from helping secure the region’s sovereignty to ensuring we deliver maximum ROI for the Australian community, including taxpayers.

“Just now we’ve supported the AAD’s first Heard Island science campaign in 20 years. We also deliver much-needed supplies and crew changeovers for Antarctic bases. Our team is proud of that work; the bases we support today, and the bases of the future we look forward to supporting.”

18/03/2026

This we share our heartfelt congratulations to Serco’s National Manager Indigenous Affairs and Connection Andrew Bartha for his recent acknowledgment as an Elder in the North Coast Men's Group.

This recognition reflects the deep respect Andrew has earned through his leadership, cultural integrity and unwavering commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, families and communities, as well as his advocacy for equity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

The Elders group, known as Girra Girraway, is based on Gumbaynggirr country and carries a name that speaks to strength, guidance and walking together with purpose. Elders groups play a vital role in community life, providing guidance, cultural authority and safe spaces for men to come together, yarn, heal and strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing through connection to culture.

This acknowledgment is especially meaningful as, arriving in time for National Close the Gap Day, it comes at a moment when we reflect on the role strong community‑led, culturally safe initiatives play in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Elders‑led engagement, cultural connection and wellbeing activities are critical to closing the gap in physical, social and emotional wellbeing. By supporting the leadership of Elders and creating opportunities for meaningful connection, we help strengthen identity, build trust and contribute to long‑term, positive change for individuals, families and communities.

As part of Andrew’s role in the group, the Girra Girraway Elders have been welcomed into the Serco-operated Clarence Correctional Centre to strengthen the cultural support offered to the men and women at the centre, focusing on building pride and creating powerful moments of connection that support both rehabilitation.

At Serco, we are proud to support initiatives that are led by culture, shaped by community and grounded in respect, including our partnership with Reconciliation Australia that empowers Serco’s Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), for which Andrew is Chairperson. Together, we are proud to actively invest in strengthening relationships, respect and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through genuine partnership and community‑led action.

Congratulations again, Andrew, on this important acknowledgment and for the leadership you continue to show every day.

Serco Asia Pacific

29/04/2026

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