Ring doorbells have become the glowing amulets of suburbia — sleek, modern, promising safety at the press of a button.
But let’s be clear: Ring gives you a replay, not a response.
Yes, they’re affordable, easy to install, and brilliant for deliveries. Yes, they deter petty thieves and capture crisp HD footage. But at the end of the day, they’re still just a glorified doorbell — reliant on Wi-Fi, batteries, and your phone being on.
True protection is different. It’s 24/7 monitoring. It’s trained operators who can dispatch police, fire, or medical help in seconds. It’s systems that act while you sleep.
Don’t confuse feeling safe with being safe. One gives you peace of mind after the fact. The other saves you in the moment.
The security sector has historically been seen as a male-dominated field, but times are changing. Women are stepping into roles that require not just physical strength, but also compassion, critical thinking and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
At Central Monitoring Services (CMS), we’re proud to support this shift. For decades, we’ve championed diversity and inclusion as a core part of who we are.
This March, in recognition of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping security’s future and highlighting inclusivity’s impact in our industry.
The CMS approach to security has always prioritised diversity
Central Monitoring Services (CMS) was founded on the principle of doing things differently.
We saw gaps in the security industry – roles that were not being fulfilled effectively – and approached that challenge with a fresh perspective. Instead of following the traditional and rigid structures of the business, we built a workplace that values problem-solving, clear communication and empathy.
Our emphasis on hiring based on skills rather than stereotypes naturally led to a workforce where women thrived. As Scott Kiely, CEO of CMS explains:
“My mum and dad started this company with the goal of identifying roles that weren’t being properly fulfilled. They recognised gaps where work wasn’t being done effectively and approached it from a fresh perspective.”
Long before inclusivity became a widespread focus, CMS was already creating space where talented professionals, regardless of gender, could excel in security roles.
"I have had a great career in security, and I am often asked what is my proudest achievement …and on reflection that becomes very difficult to answer, I think my proudest achievement is my 30 plus years with Central Monitoring Services (CMS), my longevity with CMS has enabled our company to maintain consistent services and successes, it has enabled us to grow and build our business, CMS is a trusted Brand known nationally and internationally as an industry leader, and I like to think that I’ve had a big part in that success"
Suzette Po-Williams
Customer Service Manager (Sales, Projects, Consultancy) at CMS
Women are leading the way in modern security
In Australia, the representation of women in security roles is steadily increasing, which reflects a broader global trend towards diversity in the industry. While historically underrepresented, women are now making significant strides in leadership and operational roles within both cybersecurity and physical security sectors.
Several key figures and organisations are actively driving the push for diversity:
The Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL) supports women by promoting professional growth, leadership opportunities and honours public recognition through training programs and award nights.
The Australian Women in Security Network (ASWN) provides mentorship, networking opportunities and advocacy to help women thrive in the security industry.
- The Australian Information Security Association (AISA) promotes diversity by offering platforms for women to engage with the industry, share knowledge and advance their careers.
A 2022 study by RMIT University highlighted the need for a more robust measure of gender composition within the security workforce. The report noted that current estimates suggest women comprise between 11% and 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in gender diversity.
Furthermore, the Australian National University (ANU) has committed to diversity and inclusion as part of its Strategic Plan 2021-2025. The university’s Gender Equity Plan Taskforce is developing a Gender Equity Strategy to become a ‘standard-bearer for equity and inclusion’.
As more women join the Australian security industry, the sector is becoming increasingly dynamic and capable of tackling the complex challenges of the industry.
CMS’ unique strength is in its female-led team
Women bring a unique set of skills and qualities to the security industry – qualities that are essential for delivering exceptional service. Compassion, calmness under pressure and the ability to think holistically about problems are just a few of the strengths that women bring to the table.
These qualities align perfectly with CMS’ values and approach to service delivery.
Nicole Sparkes, Sales and Marketing at CMS says,
“As women, we bring a unique approach to business operations. We are compassionate, calm and can look at things holistically. We do things differently – we’re wired differently, and this allows us to contribute just as much as men too. I’m proud to be a part of our security industry.”
One key advantage is the ability to de-escalate high-stress situations effectively. In a field where interactions with distressed individuals, emergency response teams and critical security scenarios occur daily, having composed and empathetic professionals makes all the difference.
Real Voices: Women at CMS share their journeys in security
Understanding the impact of women in security is best achieved by listening directly to the women who work in the field. At CMS, we are privileged to have a team of remarkable women who bring passion, dedication and expertise to their roles each day.
One of our team members, Rose Jones, with 17 years of experience as a Supervisor at Central Monitoring Services, reflects on her journey:
“In my 17 years at CMS, I’ve been involved in many critical events, such as medical emergencies and break-ins. Knowing that I’ve helped our clients in these situations has given me a sense of fulfilment.”
Elizabeth Chalmers, Operations Manager, when asked about her thoughts on what women bring to the security industry says:
“We are seeing more empowerment in the industry. I see daily that women bring fresh ideas, diversity and great problem solving skills to the table. With more women in the industry and leadership roles, it’s becoming more balanced. Breaking the stereotypes is creating more room and encourages more women to enter”
Mentorship is another key factor in shaping the future of women in security. One of the team members, Chantel Axiak, Team Leader, shares her thoughts:
“Mentorship is incredibly important for women in the security industry. I believe it gives us a sense of guidance, encouragement and a roadmap to success. From my personal experience, having women in management roles above me has built my confidence and helped me develop my skills and knowledge in the security industry. It has also led to my progression toward where I want to be – one day, I want to be a manager. It gives me a sense of hope for the future.”
These are just a few examples among many. The presence of women in security isn’t a novelty at CMS – it’s part of our DNA.
Women in security: overcoming challenges and driving change
While progress is being made, women in the security industry still face challenges, including gender bias and a lack of representation in leadership roles.
We’ve seen these challenges, too.
“We still deal with some people who underestimate us because we’re female and we are constantly trying to prove ourselves. It’s frustrating, but we’ve learned to navigate those challenges,” states Elizabeth.
Despite these obstacles, women continue to excel – proving that gender has no bearing on one’s ability to succeed in the security industry.
We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion
At CMS, we do this by providing mentorship and networking opportunities for women and advocating for broader industry change.
“Mentorship plays a pivotal role in empowering women. Experienced professionals providing guidance and encouragement can help emerging talent navigate their careers with confidence,” adds Nicole.
Beyond our workplace, we’re also proud to support industry initiatives that promote gender equality and celebrate the contributions of women in security.
CMS is proud of its ongoing commitment to supporting women in security and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we honour the incredible contributions of women in the security industry. Their compassion, resilience and expertise reshape the field and create a more inclusive future.
We’re proud to participate in this movement here at CMS. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do – and we’re honoured to support the women who keep us safe.
We invite you to join us in celebrating women in security throughout March with engaging LinkedIn content, insightful interviews and inspiring videos showcasing their incredible contributions to the field.
If you’re a potential employee, client or industry professional, we’d love to connect and share more about how we’re shaping the future of security together. Reach out to us and join the conversation.
Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more inclusive security industry.
Discover how Central Monitoring Services supports the safety and security of your people, assets and property with a diverse and expert team
Central Monitoring Services (CMS) are the experts in residential, commercial and industrial security across Australia.
Australian-owned and operated since 1989, our team has more than 35 years of experience in the fire and security industries, yet it’s our high level of quality customer service that truly sets us apart.
At Central Monitoring Services, you’re not just another number. Rather, we make ourselves available to you, day and night, with our complete security, monitoring and technical support services.
For more information or to book a consultation, call 1300 655 009 or fill out our contact form today.
DISCLAIMER: This article provides general information only and is not intended as advice or personal consultation in any form. The insights and trends discussed are general in nature and should not be considered guarantees, as they do not account for individual circumstances, economic conditions or market changes over time. For more specific information, conduct your own research or speak to a security specialist for more bespoke advice to make decisions upon.
