The Territory Government is hosting a special Defence Week from 15-19 May to coincide with the 10th annual Northern Australia Defence Summit on 17 May at the Darwin Convention Centre.

“It’s a chance for our local industry to engage with visiting prime contractors, key suppliers and directly with Defence” says DefenceNT senior director James Bear.

At least 300 interstate and overseas delegates will be in Darwin for the summit, which will consider investment in infrastructure projects, Defence as a driver for local economic growth, and the challenges and opportunities of developing and sustaining a sufficiently skilled workforce to support Defence operations.

The summit comes at a critical time for Defence and Defence industry with the soon-to-be released Defence Strategic Review.

PROGRAM

Tuesday 16 May

Indigenous Contracting – Nation Building in Defence

The NT Indigenous Business Network will kick off NT Defence Week with a Welcome to Country and presentations on Indigenous Defence capability and sovereign contracting with First Nations businesses. 

Meet the Buyer Forum

A speed networking platform, which will enable targeted introductions to be made with Defence prime contractors, key suppliers and local businesses. This platform has proven to be very successful in the local energy sector – this will be the first time it has been run for Defence industry.

The forum will be hosted by the Industry Capability Network NT in collaboration with the Australian Industry and Defence Network and Office of Defence Industry Support.

Wednesday 17 May

The 10thh annual Northern Australia Defence Summit

The summit attracts senior Defence personnel, industry leaders, academics, strategic analysts and businesses to examine key issues, promote opportunities and enhance support for the Defence industry in Northern Australia.

Defence Industry Networking (DIN) – Darwin

A DefenceNT and Defence Industry Networking function to provide an opportunity to engage with key decision makers from Defence, government and industry while enjoying a drink and canapés at Wharf One, Darwin Waterfront Precinct.

Thursday 18 May

Construction Industry Breakfast

Master Builders NT will host a construction industry breakfast the day after the Defence Summit begins to discuss key issues and opportunities for Defence construction in the Territory. 

Maritime Industry Briefing and Networking

The Plan Galileo team from Maritime Systems Division will provide local businesses with an industry briefing, including an update on the Defence sustainment strategy and the establishment of regional maintenance centres. This will be followed by networking drinks hosted by the Maritime Industry Council of the Chamber of Commerce NT.

Friday 19 May

Defence Industry Roadshow – Katherine

NT Defence Week concludes in Katherine with a series of briefings from Defence, prime contractors and other stakeholders who will provide local industry with an understanding of who’s who in the Defence industry landscape, outline relevant services available and how to access opportunities.

Defence Industry Networking (DIN) – Katherine

This will be the first ever Defence Industry Networking function in Katherine, immediately following the Defence Industry Roadshow.For more information and to register for events visit defence.nt.gov.au/industry/
local-events/nt-defence-week