Veterans SA Team Members
The Veterans SA team is composed of individuals with extensive experience and a shared dedication to supporting the local veteran community.
Bianca Wheeler, GAICD – Director
Bianca Wheeler is a Royal Australian Navy veteran and an accomplished executive with extensive experience in strategy, strategic communications, crisis management, corporate and community relations, and organisational transformation. Joining Veterans SA in July 2024, she brings a wealth of knowledge from her diverse roles across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors.
Bianca leads the Veterans SA portfolio, within State Government agency Defence SA, leveraging her previous role as the Chief Operating Officer and Company Secretary at the Australian Logistics Council, where she was responsible for strategic direction, governance frameworks, and operational delivery.
Prior to this, she held significant leadership positions at Austrade, including Chief of Staff and Strategy, Communications & Engagement Lead, and Head of Export Supply Chain Service. In these roles, she successfully navigated complex international trade challenges and led high-performing teams to achieve strategic outcomes.
Bianca’s career also includes notable roles across a number of government departments in South Australia & the Northern Territory. Additionally, Bianca has a strong background in intelligence and security, having served as an Electronic Warfare Linguist (Indonesian) and Intelligence & Security Manager (Comms & Signals) with the Royal Australian Navy.
Bianca is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Graduate Certificate in Organisational Resilience, an Advanced Diploma in Indonesian, and diplomas in Electronic Warfare and Telecommunications Intelligence. Her commitment to excellence has been recognised with several awards, including a Chief of Defence Force Commendation and the Student of Merit at the Australian Signals Directorate.
Bianca’s leadership and strategic vision will be instrumental in advancing the Veterans Affairs portfolio, supporting veterans and their families through delivery of innovative programs and initiatives.
Lara Barnett – Program Coordinator
Lara joined Veterans SA in 2024 and is passionate about helping people achieve their potential in life post-service.
Leveraging her superior organisational skills and extensive event management experience, Lara is responsible for managing the South Australian Veteran Employer Network (SAVEN) and the Veterans SA Career and Business Mentoring Program.
Originally from the UK, Lara’s family has a long and proud history of Defence service. Her partner is a former member of the Royal Australian Navy and her role within Veterans SA provides the opportunity for her to exercise her commitment to supporting veterans and their families, particularly in their transition to civilian life.
Now based in Adelaide with a young family, she expertly balances work and family while maintaining a strong connection to the veteran community.
Helping to drive the agency’s stakeholder engagement efforts, Lara plays a key role in strengthening relationships with community partners and veteran support organisations.
Lara’s respectful and future-focused approach is an asset to the Veterans SA team and to those we serve.
Joanne Wilson – Project Officer (Workforce and Skills)
An experienced project officer, Joanne Wilson joined Veterans SA as Project Officer (Workforce and Skills) in 2025.
She has a strong background in workforce development, social policy, and community services across government, university and not-for-profit sectors in both the United Kingdom and Australia.
Originally from Scotland, Joanne spent over a decade with the UK Government helping people with disabilities, health conditions, and other barriers to secure employment, training, and further education.
After moving to Australia in 2009, she spent 13 years in the social and community housing sector in senior management roles, leading housing operations, policy development, tenant engagement and large-scale relocation projects.
From 2023 to 2025, Joanne worked as a Project Officer and Researcher at the University of South Australia, contributing to research on housing, ageing, disability, and social innovation, with a focus on tackling “wicked” social and community challenges.
In her current role, Joanne draws on her cross-sector expertise to strengthen employment pathways and training opportunities for veterans and their families.
