9:00

ADM ADDRESS |  

9:05

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Cathy Weis, Senior Proposals and Communications Manager, Cubic Defence Australia

9:10

KEYNOTE | What does the Defence Strategic Review mean for Townsville and the broader region?

• Improving the ADF’s ability to operate from its North and Far North Queensland bases
• Upgrading fuel storage and logistic capabilities
• Has the DSR outlined what Defence requires from industry to support its operations

Lieutenant General (Ret’d) John Caligari, AO, DSC, Defence Sector Strategic Advisor, Townsville City Council

9:40

KEYNOTE | Coaching high-performing teams to win the first battle of the next war: how Army is doing it

• The ‘right’ mindset
• The ‘right’ process
• The ‘right’ environment

Colonel Ben McLennan, Commander Combat Training Centre, Australian Army

10:10

Cairns Marine Precinct

• Increasing maintenance and repair capability
• Investment in local marine industry
• Opportunities arising from the project

Belinda Hutchinson, A/Manager Economic Development – Far North Queensland Regional Office, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Queensland Government

10:40

Morning Tea Address

Stuart Blackwell, Interim Director, Queensland Defence Science Alliance

10:50

Networking & Refreshment Break

11:20

Continuing geo-political challenges and power contestation in the Pacific

• The evolving landscape of security in the Pacific
• Major power dynamics and the relationship between China and the US
• Economic and humanitarian involvement

Dr Anna Hayes, Senior Lecturer Political Science, James Cook University

11:50

Regional Force Surveillance Group in Far North Queensland: The role of the 51st Battalion

• Challenges operating in FNQ
• Engagement and collaboration with local communities
• Capability requirements and future needs of the Army

Major Tim Friend, 51st Bn FNQR, Australian Army

12:20

Networking Lunch

13:30

Recent developments and the outlook for NQ Spark

• NQ SPARK DELIVERING
• NQ SPARK STATUS
• NQ SPARK COLLABORATION

Professor Mick Reilly, Executive Director, NQ Spark

13:55

PANEL | Collaboration between Defence, Industry & Education to ensure an available and adequately skilled workforce

• What will be the skillset requirements of the future?
• Creating harmonious relationships that allow employees to move between Industry and Defence
• Attracting people to move away from capital cities

Mel Ireland, Policy & Project Lead – Queensland, AI Group
Amy Savage, Manager – Defence Industry Hub – Department of State Development, Queensland Government
Professor Maree Dinan-Thompson, Deputy Vice Chancellor Education, James Cook University

14:40

How will AI and Machine Learning transform Defence in regional areas?

• Opportunities for the utilisation of AI to support Defence operations outside major hubs
• Is industry in a position to supply Defence with what it needs?
• Ethical challenges posed by AI

Kelvin Ross, Board Member, QLD AI Hub

15:05

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

15:35

Improving access for regional businesses to international defence markets

• Leveraging local defence investment and global primes to access international opportunities.
• Opportunities for local businesses to expand and reach new defence markets.
• Implementing the Defence Export Strategy Framework

Michael Riera, Senior Advisor, Defence & Space, Austrade

16:00

Supporting and enhancing the operations of Defence in Townsville

• RGM Maintenance’s story and history of involvement with Defence
• What can other local businesses learn from RGM Maintenance
• Highlighting the importance of Defence to the local economy

Mick Ferguson, Defence and Government Relations Executive, RGM Maintenance

16:25

PANEL | Opportunities for growth in North & Far North Queensland’s Defence Industry

• The potential for economic development across Queensland’s Defence sector
• How can companies best position themselves to access growing supply chains
• Developments in innovation and technology

Michael Kern, CEO, Townsville Chamber of Commerce
Kate Sullivan, Defence Industry Adviser, Office of Defence Industry Support, Department of Defence
Mick Ferguson, Defence and Government Relations Executive, RGM Maintenance

17:00

Closing Remarks from the Chair

Cathy Weis, Senior Proposals and Communications Manager, Cubic Defence Australia

17:05

Networking Drinks