Meet our dynamic Defence duo, Jenna Whitlock and Rhys Hannan

As the Defence sector continues to grow, amidst a national labour shortage and increased need for sustainable solutions, we are rising to the challenge of supporting the Defence industry in delivering complex Defence projects. Our experience and expertise in construction enables us to bolster the Defence industry’s capability with local resources, plant and talent. 

Behind this success is a dedicated team, who are continuing to innovate with intent. 

Meet Jenna Whitlock, our Defence Coordinator and Rhys Hannan, our Group Defence Manager. 

Jenna Whitlock began her journey with Wamarra in 2021 as a Pre-Contracts Administrator, quickly excelling in tendering for Defence jobs and building strong relationships with our clients. As her skills and experience grew, she joined the Symal Defence team in 2023. 

As Defence Coordinator, Jenna manages the Defence Estate Works Program (EWP) portfolio, oversees Defence tendering across the Group, while also serving as Security Officer. 

Excelling in her career, Jenna has built valuable connections with inspiring female leaders in the Defence sector and is working towards becoming a mentor to the next generation of women in Defence. 

Rhys Hannan began his career in the construction industry in regional Victoria working for Downer, kicking off six years of experience in the rail industry. Gaining valuable experience while working on mining railways in Western Australia, complex projects at Melbourne Airport and various major projects in the road and rail sectors, Rhys was on the fast track to success. 

After joining Wamarra as Business Manager, his leadership propelled Wamarra through a significant period of growth, particularly in the Defence sector, helping to win various projects over a number of years. This success paved the way for this current role as Group Defence Manager at Symal Group, where he is now working to expand our Defence presence in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. 

Together, Rhys and Jenna are a powerhouse, embodying the dedication and expertise that drive Symal's success in the Defence sector. 

Visit our Defence page to learn more about the projects we’re working on.