June 2024 newsletter

The third annual NT Defence Week was a resounding success, with over 1,200 people participating in a week of events across the Territory. A highlight of the week was the ADM Northern Defence Summit; with 350 defence and industry leaders in attendance. NT Defence Week provided an opportunity to promote the Territory’s defence support sector, enabling infrastructure, private investment opportunities and strengthen relationships across Northern Australia.

Don’t forget! Defence NT is still currently calling for Expressions of Interest from industry to co-exhibit at the Land Forces expo in Melbourne 11-13 September. Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) now. Those successful will have their own pod/space provided free of charge in the DefenceNT stand. The Territory is proudly one of only two jurisdictions that do not charge businesses to be on the stand – you just need to cover your own travel costs.

Defence week

Morton Bros Contracting with the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory the Hon. Eva Lawler MLA.
During NT Defence Week at the Australian Industry & Defence Network Gala Night, a number of Northern Territory businesses and individuals were recognised for their contribution to Defence Industry, and in support of Territory veterans, veteran employers and veteran partners.
Chief Ministers Excellence in the Defence Industry Awards
Large Business Winner: Shorebarge
Shorebarge has consistently demonstrated an understanding of Defence requirements, particularly in timeliness, adaptability, and reliability. The company effectively manages diverse Defence cargo and special administrative arrangements, ensuring compliance with regulations and the dynamic needs of Defence operations. Shorebarge’s strategic partnerships, investment in advanced equipment, and workforce development initiatives enhance their support for Defence. Their future plans include a Defence-specific vessel, showcasing their ongoing dedication to innovative and efficient Defence logistics solutions.
Small Business Winner: Morton Bros Contracting (MBC)
With over a decade of dedicated service, MBC has played a crucial role in various defence projects, including infrastructure development, strategic installations, military housing renovations, and logistical support. MBC's proactive engagement in industry events, certifications, and innovative staff training initiatives further highlight their dedication to excellence. Their investments in specialised equipment and technology have significantly enhanced their capacity to support Defence operations, ensuring efficient and high-quality project execution.
Indigenous Business Winner: Winya Indigenous Furniture
Since 2016, Winya has been a key supplier of custom office and accommodation furniture to Defence bases nationwide, including high-security workstations and ergonomic fittings. Their strategic investments, such as establishing warehousing in Darwin and employing skilled local staff, have enhanced their ability to meet Defence's needs, particularly in remote areas. Winya's dedication to innovation, community engagement, and strategic partnerships underscores their pivotal role in supporting Defence capabilities while promoting Indigenous business growth.
The inaugural Minister for Veteran Affair’s awards acknowledged outstanding achievements across three categories:
Veteran Employer Award Winner – Ventia
Ventia is a major company in the Defence Industry with 35,000 employees of which 389 are veterans, 227 reservists and 165 partners and spouses. Ventia run a Veteran, Reservist and Defence Member Program consulting widely with their staff to enhance initiatives and programs for these members.
Veteran Employee Award Winner – Benjamin Bruce
Ben is an employee whose previous military experience has made a major impact. Ben exemplifies innovative business practices and demonstrates exceptional resilience and problem-solving skills.
Veteran Partner Entrepreneur Award Winner – Heather Latimer
Heather has a whole of community approach to suicidality through the creation of the “Villy” app. Her innovative approach has made a substantial contribution to the health and wellbeing of veterans and their families.
Congratulations again to the winners. The awards will be expanded upon next year to include other categories including Veteran Led Small Business. Be sure to keep an eye out!
The Department of Defence's Security and Estate Group invites Industry to attend the bi-annual Defence Estate Capital and Sustainment Works Program Industry Briefing.
The purpose is to provide Industry with an update on Defence estate matters, including upcoming procurement opportunities across capital facilities and infrastructure projects.
Date: 2:30pm NT Time, 18 June 2024
This briefing can be attended in-person or via video link.
The Australian Army is calling on defence industry and academia to pitch innovative capabilities to optimise the soldier for littoral operations as part of Army Innovation Day 2024 (AID24).
Submissions must demonstrate a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 5-8 and be viable for Test and Evaluation (T&E) by Q3 2026, with a closing date of June 13, 2024
Closes: 13 June 2024
View tender here
A partnership between Solider On, Sitzler and the Northern Territory Government was announced during Defence Week. The partnership will enable the charity to continue to provide employment, education, and community support directly to Territory veterans, current serving ADF personnel and broader Defence community.
Sitzler is one of the largest contractors to defence in the Territory and has a strong focus on building workforce capability and capacity, and supporting veteran employment. Sitzler will look to grow its workforce through this partnership.
The partnership is an initiative under Operation THRIVE which focuses on transition, employment and education opportunities, health and wellbeing initiatives, and respect and recognition for veterans and their families.
Want to know more about Soldier On?
Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation delivering holistic support services that enable current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, to lead meaningful civilian lives. This is done through:
- Health and Wellbeing programs
- Employment Support
- Learning and Education
- Participation and Connection - building links to the wider community
Find out more about Soldier On or to connect to the programs on offer.
The Darwin Ship Lift Project has reached an important milestone with the award by the Northern Territory Government to Pearlson Shiplift Corporation for the $48 million contract to supply the ship lift operating system, steel trestles and design and supply an integrated self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) system.
Pearlson Shiplift Corporation is one of only three companies worldwide with the unique capabilities and operating system to undertake this significant piece of work and have delivered numerous shiplifts worldwide.
Site works commenced in April with a focus on site establishment and preparation works ahead of dredging and construction activities.
Land Forces 2024 Innovation Awards
The Land Forces Innovation Awards will take a new form in 2024 to incorporate both the awards program and the popular Innovation Pitchfest. Highlighting and rewarding innovations at different phases of development.
Australian organisations and individuals are invited to submit their innovation, which could be at various stages of development, to one of three categories:
- Land Forces 2024 Innovation Award
- Land Forces 2024 Emerging Technology Award
- Land Forces 2024 Young Innovator Award
Finalists will be invited to pitch their innovation to an international audience of potential partners, investors and customers at Land Forces 2024. Winners of each category will receive $40,000 cash prize to contribute to further personal and innovation development.
Entries close 5pm ACST Wednesday 12 June. Entries now open.
Chief Minister's Northern Territory Export Awards
The Chief Minister's Northern Territory Export Awards acknowledge the Territory's outstanding exporters, innovative contributions and the significant impact they have on the regional economy.
Nominations for this year's awards are now open, closing Friday 14 June. Nominate now.
Master Builders EBC Awards
Nominations for the 2024 Excellence in Building and Construction (EBC) Awards are now open. The awards are a celebration of the very best building and construction projects across the Northern Territory.
There are Defence Project Awards categories for nomination:
- Under $5 Million
- $5 Million - $20 Million
- $20 Million - $50 Million
- Over $50 Million
The black-tie awards ceremony will take et to take place at the Mindil Beach Casino on Saturday, 24 August. Nominations for the awards close Sunday, 9 June 2024, at 11.59 pm
For nominations and ticket purchases, visit ntebcawards.com.au.
FY23 MCON P-923 Aircraft Parking Apron,
FY25 MCON P-941 Maintenance Support Facility; and
FY25 MCON P-949 Aircraft Maintenance Hangar, Royal Australian Air Force Base, Darwin Australia
The work for this project will construct (design-bid-build (DBB)) the combined P-923, P-941, and P-949 projects. The P-923 is to construct an aircraft parking apron, aircraft rinse facility, aircraft wash rack, helicopter landing pads, and supporting facilities; P-941 is to construct Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron and Marine Wing Support Squadron facilities in support of the Marine Corps Air Combat Element (ACE); and P-949 is to construct a Type II aircraft maintenance hangar, telecommunications distribution facility, supporting facilities, utility connections, site improvements and earthwork necessary for full operation.
Closing date: 06 June 2024. View RFT here...
Commercial Space Surveillance and Tracking Data
Defence Space Command (DSpC) intends to conduct procurements of global Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) space surveillance and tracking data as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to meet Defence's SDA requirements.
Closing date: 30 June 2024. View RFT here...