March 2024 newsletter

We are just six weeks out from NT Defence Week 2024, which will offer a unique platform for industry professionals, businesses, veterans and community members to engage, share insights, and celebrate significant achievements across the defence sector. Spanning from Darwin to Katherine to Alice Springs, each event is planned to highlight the innovation, resilience, and excellence of our defence community.

We also encourage you to nominate yourself or someone you know for the Chief Minister’s Awards for Industry Excellence or the Minister for Veterans' Affairs Awards. This is an exceptional chance to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of your peers, employers, employees, or partners.

As ANZAC Day nears, we also remind everyone of the importance of the #checkyourmates campaign. It's a crucial time to reach out, support one another, and remember the sacrifices made.

We are now accepting expressions of interest to co-exhibit at the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition. Keep reading to find out how you can apply.

The Northern Territory is poised to host its annual Defence Week from 7 to 13 May 2024, marking the event's third and most ambitious year to date. Expanding its reach to include Alice Springs, this year's program promises a week packed with opportunities for industry professionals, veterans, and businesses to engage, learn, and network.
A Week of Premier Events
Tuesday 7 May Highlights:
The week kicks off in Darwin with the NT Indigenous Business Network's Welcome to Country, followed by discussions on Indigenous Defence Capability and sovereign contracting with First Nations businesses. The day progresses with the Defence Industry Speed Networking event by the Industry Capability Network, offering targeted introductions to prime contractors and local businesses. The day concludes with the AIDN Awards and Gala Dinner, celebrating excellence within the defence industry.
Wednesday 8 May Lineup:
The ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit at the Darwin Convention Centre will feature insights from defence leaders, industry innovators, and academics on supporting defence and industry growth in Northern Australia. Wrap up the day at the Defence Industry Networking Function, a prime networking opportunity with key stakeholders.
Thursday 9 May Opportunities:
In Darwin, start your morning at the Construction Industry Breakfast, hosted by Master Builders Australia, to discuss the future of defence construction. Partake in the Research and Advanced Manufacturing Showcase Tour to see cutting-edge manufacturing technologies.
Katherine also hosts the Defence Industry Roadshow and Networking event, providing updates and networking opportunities with Defence and industry leaders.
Friday 10 May in Darwin:
Dive into the Defence Industry and Enabling Infrastructure Tour to explore growth areas and local businesses. Veterans can also catch up for a free coffee and connection at the veteran owned Mad Snake Café. Finishing up the day there is the Darwin Defence Industry Roadshow, offering project updates, insights and briefings, and a closing networking event to conclude Darwin's portion of NT Defence Week.
Monday 13 May moves to Alice Springs:
Bringing the Defence Industry Roadshow to the Red Centre, this day features briefings from Defence, prime contractors, and stakeholders, aimed at enhancing local industry engagement. The day ends with a networking function, offering valuable connections in a relaxed setting.
Plan Your Week
With an array of events designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking, NT Defence Week 2024 is a must-attend for those in the defence industry and related sectors. From showcasing Indigenous capabilities to exploring state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, the week offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth and business development.
Don't miss out on this chance to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into the latest trends and innovations, and celebrate the achievements of the defence community. Check out the full event program and schedule your week now at defence.nt.gov.au to ensure you make the most of NT Defence Week 2024.
In conjunction with NT Defence Week, a suite of awards is now open for nomination, targeting the defence industry and the veteran community. This is a prime opportunity to highlight and celebrate the dedicated businesses, innovators, and veterans who play a pivotal role in bolstering the Territory's defence sector. The winners will be announced at the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) NT Defence Industry Awards and Gala Night.
Don't miss your chance to nominate deserving individuals and businesses for their outstanding contributions to the local defence industry and veteran community. Whether you're applauding innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, or the seamless integration of veterans into the workforce, your nominations help shine a light on those making a difference. Let's come together to honour the remarkable achievements and contributions of our defence community.
Award Categories Include:
- Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Defence Industry: Honouring a business that demonstrates overall excellence in the defence sector.
- Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Defence Industry: Indigenous Business - Recognising an Indigenous business making significant contributions to the defence industry.
- Chief Minister’s Award for Excellence in Defence Industry: Small Business - Celebrating a small business with a big impact on the defence industry.
- NT Veteran Employer of the Year: Acknowledging an employer that provides exceptional support to veteran employees.
- NT Veteran Employee of the Year: Recognising a veteran who has made significant contributions to their workplace.
- NT Veteran Partner Entrepreneur of the Year: Honouring the entrepreneurial spirit and success of a veteran's partner.
- AIDN NT Innovation Award: Celebrating innovative solutions and advancements within the defence industry.
Act Now: Applications Close April 12
As we rapidly approach ANZAC Day 2024, the Defence Veterans Engagement team had the opportunity to brief the Governor General on the #checkyourmates campaign.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) spoke with Defence Veterans Engagement Project Officer, Annette Rudd, about the campaign during a veterans walk hosted by Mates4Mates on March 15.
The #checkyourmates campaign is a veteran and emergency services suicide prevention project as a part of Operation Thrive, which encourages people to reach out to their mates.
Connect over a phone call or a coffee or a day out on the boat – have a yarn together, and be an active listener. Motivate your mates to check on five more or to encourage each another to get support if needed.
Remember, one call or connection at a tough time can change a life.
Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs have been working closely with the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner and Defence Families of Australia to develop and draft the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2029 (the Strategy).
When the Strategy is released in 2024, Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs wants to consult with families on practical, achievable, and sustainable actions to improve their family wellbeing.
Your views will help to capture a diverse range of Defence family experiences and perspectives. If you would like to take part in this process, go to the Defence families of Australia. For more information, email adf.familyconsultation@defence.gov.au.
Last call for nominations for the 2024 Northern Territory/Kimberley Employer Support Awards, a prestigious recognition program designed to honour employers who demonstrate exceptional support for ADF reservists in the workplace.
Reservists are encouraged to nominate employers who have shown unwavering commitment and understanding, highlighting their invaluable contribution to balancing military service with professional responsibilities.
To nominate, simply fill out the nomination form on the ADFRES website nomination portal. For further inquiries, please reach out to adfres.nt@defence.gov.au
Each year DefenceNT leads industry delegations to AMDA Defence and industry trade shows to promote Northern Territory industry capability and capacity, as well as showcase current and future investment opportunities.
DefenceNT is conducting a competitive Expression of Interest process to select businesses, peak bodies and industry groups to form the Northern Territory industry delegation at Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition (Land Forces), to be held in Melbourne from 11 to 13 September 2024.
Working together with DefenceNT, the industry delegation will work to promote local capability to key Defence personnel, Allied Forces and industry stakeholders. This biennial exposition is your opportunity to connect with the global land defence community, showcasing the Northern Territory while exploring opportunities for growth and collaboration in the defence sector.
Find out more and express your interest, go to the Have Your Say website.
Expression of interest closes COB Wednesday 22 May 2024.
Team Defence Australia are calling for expressions of interest to co-exhibit as part of the Australian industry delegation to Farnborough International Airshow 2024, UK from 22 to 26 July 2024.
As part of the Australian Defence Export Office, TDA is the national platform for Australian defence industry to showcase their goods, services, technologies and solutions at international trade events.
For companies selected to attend an international trade show as part of the TDA industry delegation, TDA will provide:
- Free space on the custom-built TDA pavilion
- Exhibitor passes
- Pre-event support and advice
- Senior Military support and advocacy
- Access to facilities and meeting rooms
- Briefings, networking and B2B matching
- On-site support from TDA representatives at the trade show
Interested companies can apply to attend by completing the EOI form by 11:59pm AEST Friday, 12 April 2024, go to the the ICN website.
Projects in contract:
Laing O’Rourke RAAF Darwin Refresh Program
The Mid Term Refresh Project will provide Base Support Infrastructure improvements at RAAF Darwin to support the sustained operation of the Base.
5 new work packages have been released:
- Main entry and heavy vehicle civil works
- Soil management and water treatment
- External electrical services
- Hydraulic services potable water
- Trunk sewer package
For the full scope of works and to express your interest, go to the ICN Gateway website.
Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Pacific
Construction of airport runways and taxiways.
Projects P-923, P-941, and P-949 are key construction projects enhancing airport infrastructure. P-923 focuses on expanding the aircraft parking apron and developing facilities like an aircraft rinse facility and helicopter pads. P-941 aims to strengthen the Marine Corps Air Combat Element by constructing facilities for Marine Aviation Logistics and Wing Support Squadrons. P-949 establishes a Type II aircraft maintenance hangar and a telecommunications distribution facility, along with essential utilities and site improvements.
For detailed tender information, go to the Sam.Gov website.
BAE Systems Hunter Class Frigate Program
The Hunter Class Frigate Program continues to make strong progress towards the delivery of a superior anti-submarine warfare capability for the Royal Australian Navy.
New packages open for CAT C – GRP Ladders and CAT C – Helicopter Maintenance Platform
For more information, go to the ICN Gateway website.
Aids to navigation maintenance services – Northern Territory - Region 8
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) seeks to identify a suitably qualified contractor who can deliver the provision of Aids to Navigation (AtoN) Maintenance Services in Northern Territory (Region 8).
Closing date: Thursday 18 April 2024
Enquires: Chris Evans, email: contracts-enquiries@amsa.gov.au
RFT: tenders.gov.au
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
RFT: tenders.gov.au
ISS Defence Base Services Transformation Program
ISS is seeking expressions of interest from businesses able to support the delivery of any of the following services:
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning
- Pest and Vermin
- Sports and Recreation
- Transport
For more details, go to the ICN Gateway website.
Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA)
Defence Ministers from the United Kingdom, United States and Australia announced an innovation challenge series for AUKUS Pillar II: Advanced Capabilities. The first of these challenges will be focussed on Electronic Warfare (EW).
ASCA is requesting proposals from tenderers in response to the first challenge released by the AUKUS IWG, detailing their innovative solution to the Challenge Statement.
Challenge Statement:
The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is a heavily congested, contested, complex and competitive environment, and there is an increasing need for low cost, disposable, high volume and highly autonomous capabilities to achieve asymmetric advantage.
How might Defence harness the EMS to project force to target adversaries and counter their ability to target AUKUS partners?
For further information, go to the tenders.gov.au
RFT Close Date: 7 May 2024