NT Defence Week
28 April to 2 May 2025
NT Defence Week 2025 returns from 28 April to 2 May, showcasing the Northern Territory’s vital role in Defence and national security.
This year’s theme, “Uplifting Industry Across the North to Meet Capability Demands of the ADF, allies and partners” highlights the Territory’s importance in the Indo-Pacific and its capacity for innovation.
What’s new for 2025
- Fully-Integrated Program: Register for all events through one platform for a seamless experience.
- Expanded Northern Australia Defence Summit: Now a two-day forum featuring high-profile speakers and key discussions on Defence capability and economic growth.
- Comprehensive Event Line-Up: From live-fire exercises to industry tours, networking receptions, and the Chief Minister’s Defence Industry Excellence Awards, this week is packed with opportunities.
Whether you’re an industry leader, SME, policymaker, or Defence stakeholder, NT Defence Week offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of Defence in Northern Australia.
Learn more and register for events
Expand below to read the full program or visit ADM events and register now
Program Overview
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Navigating Defence Procurement: A Guide For Indigenous Businesses
Join NT Indigenous Business Network for this deep dive into understanding defence procurement for Indigenous Businesses.
Defence Base Tour
The Office of Defence Industry Support with support from the local Base Commanders will lead a windscreen tour of HMAS Coonawarra and RAAF Base Darwin. Highlighting recent projects of significance, the Managing Contractors of these construction projects will also be present to discuss the challenges and opportunities of working with Defence and how to enable small business to be involved in future projects.
*proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTDW charity partnerChief Ministers Welcome Reception
Hosted by the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory, the Honourable Lia Finocchiaro, at Parliament House, the Welcome Reception is an invitation only event for the Northern Australia Defence Summit’s delegates.
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Northern Australia Defence Summit
With the theme “Uplifting Industry Across the North to Meet Capability Demands of the ADF, Allies, and Partners,” the 2025 Summit will bring together Defence leaders, policymakers, industry experts, and SMEs to explore Defence capability development and economic growth opportunities tied to Defence initiatives in Northern Australia, and strengthening partnerships with Defence and allied stakeholders.
Featuring high-profile speakers and engaging panel discussions, the Summit is a key event for advancing Northern Australia’s role in the Defence landscape.
Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) NT Awards and Gala Dinner
Hosted by the Australian Industry & Defence Network NT Committee, the Annual Gala Dinner and Industry Awards Evening is the premier event of NT Defence Week 2024.
Held at the Darwin Convention Centre, this formal evening will celebrate excellence across the defence industry, recognising outstanding achievements through prestigious awards, including the Chief Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Defence Industry, the AIDN NT Young Achiever Award and the Minister for Veterans Veteran Community Awards.
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Master Builders Construction Industry Breakfast
Join Master Builders NT for breakfast and a conversation shaping the future of Defence Construction in Northern Australia! Our expert panel will dive deep into cutting-edge innovations revolutionising the sector, from smarter decisions on materials to smart infrastructure solutions tailored for defence needs. Discover how technology is transforming processes, enhancing resilience, and driving efficiency in modern construction methods.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain insights from thought leaders and connect with key players driving defence infrastructure advancements.
Northern Australia Defence Summit Day 2 – Littoral Defence
The second half-day of the 2025 Summit will focus on the critical importance of littoral operations in securing Australia’s coastal and maritime zones. Through expert-led discussions, this session will explore evolving geostrategic threats, innovations in maritime domain awareness, and the role of littoral operations in protecting critical infrastructure, countering illegal activities, and supporting disaster response efforts.
Industry Capability Network NT Defence Industry Speed Networking
The Industry Capability Network will host a speed networking platform which will enable targeted introductions to be made with defence prime contractors, key suppliers and local businesses.
DefenceNT Facilitated Symposia
Offering summit attendees and local industry the opportunity for further discussions with a focus on small business, regional investment, innovation, research and development. This will see multiple short panels, forums and case studies presented across the afternoon.
*proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTDW charity partnerVIP Networking Function
An exclusive VIP networking function following the conclusion of Day 2 of the Northern Australia Defence Summit. This invitation-only event provides a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, defence officials, and senior executives, while discussing defence projects and exciting industry opportunities in the Northern Territory.
Strengthen partnerships, share insights, and explore future collaboration in a relaxed, high-level setting.
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Live Fire Exercise
Hosted by the Australian Army’s 1 Brigade, this experience will demonstrate local Army capability while showcasing recent Defence investment in infrastructure and facilities.
*proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTDW charity partnerNT Chamber of Commerce Industry Tour
The NT Chamber of Commerce will take participants on a tour of some local defence industry, showcasing the capability and capacity of existing businesses and highlighting opportunities for businesses looking to create a footprint in the NT.
*proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTDW charity partnerCharles Darwin University Construction Sector Industry Tour
Explore how Charles Darwin University is supporting the construction sector in the Northern Territory. Visit their campus and explore the work they are doing in development, trials, engineering, and TAFE.
*proceeds from this event will be donated to the NTDW charity partnerEnabling Infrastructure and Networking Sunset Cruise
An exciting opportunity to undertake some casual networking while experiencing the beauty of a Darwin Harbour sunset. This cruise will take participants on a tour around Darwin Harbour to showcase some of Darwin's defence enabling infrastructure, finishing with watching a beautiful sunset whilst parked off Kuru Wharf, HMAS Coonawarra.
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Veteran’s Coffee
A casual gathering for the veteran community and visiting personnel.
Defence of Darwin Experience
Join us for an exclusive Defence of Darwin Tour, designed specifically for attendees of the Northern Australia Defence Summit and NT Defence Week. Travel in comfort aboard a coach as we explore Darwin's rich military history, visiting key sites that played a vital role during World War II.
The tour includes the iconic Darwin Military Museum, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of Darwin's wartime legacy. This curated experience offers a unique perspective on the defence history that continues to shape the region today.
Sitzler Subcontractor Breakfast
Invitation only event.