08:00

Registration opens

08:50

Welcome from the Australian Defence Magazine

08:55

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Shane “Buzz” Sarlin, Co-Founder & Principal Designer President, Buzzworks

09:00

SHADOW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ADDRESS |

Phil Thompson OAM MP, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Industry, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Personnel & Federal Member for Herbert

09:15

KEYNOTE | US Force Posture Initiatives and the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative

• Achievements across both initiatives
• Shoalwater Bay Training Area
• Next steps and agreed government activities

Peta Nightingale, Director – Force Posture Initiatives Branch – International Policy Division, Department of Defence
LTCOL John Venz, Project Director – Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, Department of Defence

09:40

Addressing Strategic Challenges in the Pacific and Townsville’s Role

• Identifying defence challenges faced in the pacific and by pacific nations
• How can Townsville contribute to addressing these challenges?
• Strategic significance of force projection into the pacific

John Coyne, Head of Northern Australia Strategic Policy Centre, ASPI

10:05

NQ SPARK – A Regional and National Simulation Centre of Excellence

• It’s a lofty title, what does it mean
• Local industry and beyond
• Opportunities for engagement
• Realising the vision

John Welsh, Executive General Manager, NQ Spark

10:30

Welcome to Morning Tea

Stuart Blackwell, Director, QDSA

10:35

Morning Tea & Networking Break

11:00

CASE STUDY | Successfully accessing Defence prime supply chains: Opportunities and challenges arising from TEi Service’s work with Hanwha

• Capability to expand local manufacturing processes
• Skills and workforce requirements; how will these challenges be met?
• Growth opportunities for TEi Services and other partners in the supply chain

Adam Packer, Director, TEi Services

11:20

Investment in North Queensland infrastructure

• North Queensland’s current capacity to deliver infrastructure projects
• NAIF’s investment highlights; assessing various projects across transport, health, defence and education
• Strategies for promoting economic growth in the region
• Demand for social infrastructure to support a growing population and a significant increase in Army personnel

Stephen Land, Chief Investment Officer, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility

11:40

PANEL | Challenges and Opportunities for Local Industry Engaging with Defence and Participating in Defence Projects

• Supporting and nurturing local businesses attempting to access defence supply chains
• Future economic value of defence to the local community
• Developing partnerships and accelerating innovation

Erin Kiernan, Manager – Defence Industry Hub – North Queensland, Department of State Development Queensland
Brendan Sowry, General Manager – Defence, CPB Construction
Aymon Vagulans, General Manager, NEM Group

12:15

Welcome to Lunch

Rhys Hannan – Group Defence Manager, Symal Group

12:20

Lunch

13:20

Understanding the global workforce

• Past, present and future workforce demands
• Effectively integrating into workplaces and communities
• Workforce supply market
• Challenges for regional Australia

Claire Maradani, Managing Director, Workforce Abundance

13:40

Navigating Army Career Management and Post-Service Opportunities

• Programs and support systems for skill enhancement and leadership training
• Balancing strategic priorities and military responsibilities with personal growth and opportunities
• Resources available for transition from military to civilian careers and vice versa

BRIG Andrew Moss, Director General – Career Management, Australian Army

14:05

Social and strategic ramifications of force posture pivots

• Challenges delivering sufficient social and economic infrastructure
• Creating employment opportunities for Defence personnel’s families
• Outlining the cost of large scale relocations and what are the risks?

Raelene Lockhorst, Deputy Director – Professional Development Centre, ASPI

14:25

KEYNOTE | Townsville’s Growing Importance as the ‘Capital’ of the Australian Army

• The role of 3^rd brigade in Australian Defence strategy
• Expanding Army’s littoral capability
• Local industry requirements to support Army’s growing presence

Col Ben McLennan, Commander of the Combat Training Centre, Australian Army

15:00

PANEL | Supporting Defence Families and Community Integration

• Facilitating smooth transitions for Defence personnel and their families during relocations and deployments
• Accommodating a growing number of Defence personnel
• Exploring opportunities for family members and veterans to work in local defence industry
• Addressing challenges stemming from rapid population growth
• Encouraging Defence personnel to stay in the region after leaving the ADF

John Caligari, Chair of the Board of Directors, Oasis Townsville
Claudia Brumme-Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Townsville Enterprise
Mick Ferguson, Defence Engagement Lead, Townsville City Council

15:35

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

16:00

• Learn about DSGL Technology – What is it?
• Self-Assessment – How can you do it?
• Joining the AUKUS Community – What steps are involved?
• Exporting in a new context – How will Defence support you in your compliance obligations?

16:35

Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets

• Overview of the SAMS legislation

Claire Konno, Director, Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets – Security Policy and Services, Department of Defence

16:50

Joint Q&A |

Emily Hall, Assistant Secretary – Defence Export Controls, Department of Defence
Claire Konno, Director, Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets – Security Policy and Services, Department of Defence

17:00

Closing Remarks from the Chair

Shane “Buzz” Sarlin, Co-Founder & Principal Designer President, Buzzworks

17:10

End of Conference & Networking Drinks