May 2024 newsletter

As a central hub for defence dialogue and innovation, NT Defence Week is an essential platform for professionals aiming to impact the defence landscape in Australia. Featuring a robust line-up of events across multiple locations, this week is dedicated to advancing industry connections, enhancing knowledge, and celebrating the diverse contributions within the defence sector.

With an array of events designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking, NT Defence Week 2024 is a must-attend. 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 to ensure you make the most of NT Defence Week 2024.

DefenceNT team and Veterans at the launch of the #checkyourmates campaign.

As announced by Minister for Veterans Affairs the Hon Brent Potter MLA the Northern Territory Government is investing $2.55 million over 3 years to support our vast Veterans community, bringing the total funding for Defence NT in Budget 2024 to $3.1 million.

This funding will directly go to facilitating new and existing initiatives under the Operation Thrive action plan, which focuses on transition, employment and education opportunities, health and wellbeing initiatives, and respect and recognition for veterans and their families.

This announcement comes at a fundamental point in time as we saw the launch of the #CheckYourMates campaign on 17 April, less than a week out from ANZAC Day.

#CheckYourMates was launched under Operation Thrive and is a peer-led mental health and wellness initiative that challenges veterans to check in with 5 mates, through a phone call or an activity.

We know that Anzac Day can be a challenging time for veterans and families and the campaign encourages veterans to check in on mates by connecting with others, yarning to listen and motivating to act.

Check out one of the videos created by NT veterans.

For more information on Operation Thrive, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

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.

Expression of interest closes COB Wednesday 22 May 2024. Find out more and express your interest on the Have your Say website.

The Chief Minister's Northern Territory Export Awards, now in its 31st year, officially launched on 19 April 2024. These awards honour the Territory's most outstanding exporters, celebrating their innovative contributions and the significant impact they have on the regional economy. In 2023, SPEE3D, were named NT Exporter of the Year.

The awards not only recognize excellence but also propel winners onto the national stage as finalists in the Australian Export Awards, where they compete for broader recognition. This opportunity allows Territory businesses to showcase their achievements and serves as a powerful motivator for other local companies to broaden their horizons and pursue global market strategies.

Nominations for this year's awards opened on 30 April, inviting a new wave of innovators to step forward and share their success stories.

For more information and to nominate, go to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade website.

Get ready for an evening of elegance and celebration at the 2024 Excellence in Building and Construction (EBC) Awards, set to take place at the Mindil Beach Casino on Saturday 24 August. This year's black-tie gala dinner will feature an exciting 'en blanc' twist, inviting guests to don their finest all-white attire. Participants embracing this theme will have the chance to win the best-dressed competition, adding an extra layer of glamour to the festivities.

Nominations for the awards are now open, with a closing deadline of Sunday 9 June 2024 at 11:59pm.

The judging period is slated for 1 July to 31 July 2024. For those involved in defence projects, please note the requirement to secure approval from Defence CFI Public Enquiries prior to entering. Detailed guidance on this process is available in the information kit on the EBC Awards website.

Both builders and subcontractors are encouraged to participate in the Defence Project Awards category. To ensure eligibility, begin the approval process promptly and don’t miss your chance to be recognized.

For nominations and ticket purchases, go to the EBC Awards website.

The Darwin Ship Lift project at East Arm is making significant strides with the awarding of the first $16.9 million subcontractor package to Wilga Indigenous Corporation. This local Territory business will supply approximately 430,000 tonnes of rock, essential for the construction of the Darwin Ship Lift Facility. Over the next few weeks, Clough BMD JV, the head contractor, will continue to award additional subcontractor packages. These will encompass a range of needs including further quarry supplies, site surveying, and the provision of site facilities and plant equipment.

Clough BMD JV will press forward with on-site activities this April, including site clearing, conducting a dilapidation survey, installing temporary fencing, and preparing dredge disposal ponds at East Arm Port.

The final design promises a versatile setup with 5 berths, capable of accommodating vessels up to 190m, including 2 Hunter class berths. This project marks a substantial enhancement to Darwin's maritime infrastructure, fostering growth and operational capabilities within the region.

Are you a current, transitioning or former member of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)?

Charles Darwin University (CDU) is here to help you achieve your education and career goals with our extensive experience in training ADF members.

CDU offer:

• over 300 degrees and TAFE courses: Upskill in areas like health, engineering, IT, trades, business, education and more
• fee-exempt courses for eligible current and former serving members
• flexible study options: learn part-time, online or on campus, and switch modes as needed
• support services: access academic, financial, health and career support throughout your journey
• experienced Defence training provider: our staff understands your unique challenges and aspirations.

Start your journey and connect to your future today.

Learn about ADF study options on the CDU website.

Find your course on the CDU website.

Jobs and Skills Australia is interested in obtaining feedback from businesses both with and without skill shortages, Australian and migrant workers and job seekers, on the future Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). For further information, go to the Australian Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website.

Make a submission on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.

Jobs and Skills Australia welcomes feedback on this consultation by Friday 10 May 2024 at 5pm AEST.

The Australian Government is inviting expressions of interest to fill future Australian War Memorial Council positions.

They are seeking a broad range of candidates with diverse professional and lived experiences from across Australia to enrich the memorial's knowledge and capacity to deliver its objectives.

For more information, and to submit an expression of interest, go to the Australian Government's Department of Veterans' Affairs website.

Tenders

Projects in contract:

• Darwin Ship Lift Project
• EST00346 Tindal Redevelopment / EST00347 KC-30A Facilities
• RAAF Darwin Refresh Program
• USFPI Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Project
• Regional Maintenance Centre North
• PAF160700 Squadron Operations Facility, Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin
• PAF180700 Squadron Operations Facility, Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal

Opportunities

Provision of Commercial Vessels to the RAN

The Defence Maritime Assurance Program is managed from within Navy Capability Division/Navy Headquarters and has been established by the Royal Australian Navy as an end-to-end capability enabler for marine support services across Defence and potentially, for use by other Commonwealth agencies.

These support services cover both In-Port and Out of Port capabilities.

Closing date: 17 May 2024

Request for tender: Current ATM View - NAVY/HNC-DMAP-RFT/1

Commercial Space Surveillance and Tracking Data

Defence Space Command intends to conduct procurements of global Commercial Off The Shelf space surveillance and tracking data as a Minimum Viable Product to meet Defence's SDA requirements.

Closing date: 30 June 2024

Request for tender: Current ATM View - DSPC SSA PWS 001/23