Industry Networking and Seminar Series
AIDN-WA hosts three major evening events annually (including the John Forrest Oration), which are usually theme based on an aspect interrelated to WA’s defence sector interests. These events include up to three speakers per event, representing government, the armed forces and industry. They also give excellent opportunities for networking, and allow for brief panel style discussions. For example in 2014 we held events based on DSTO’s CTD Programme, Defence Industry and opportunities in the Indian Ocean Region.

Sir John Forrest Oration
AIDN-WA’s keynote event for the year is the annual Sir John Forrest Oration, featuring high profile figures from the military, analysts and industry (usually sourced interstate or internationally). The night is split into three parts, with speeches from those featured, a Q&A panel session and fully catered networking opportunities with the speakers. The 2014 Forrest Oration featured General Jeff Sengelman, Chief of Army Modernisation and Planning, and two IHS Jane’s analysts.
 
Defence Sector Site Tours
Visits to defence industrial sites and military installations are organised up to four times a year. These offer the opportunity to see WA’s defence and industrial capacities up close, with guided tours presented by the site’s operators. Locations visited in the past include Austal Shipyards, the Australian Marine Complex at Henderson and HMAS Stirling.  


Annual WA Defence Workshop
The Annual Defence Workshop presents an opportunity for both SMEs and Primes to come together to discuss their shared concerns and interests.  Chaired by high profile industry representatives, these Workshops are free flowing and open, allowing all parties to assist in formulating common industry positions under Chatham House Rules.


End of Financial Year Networking Function
An opportunity for members and non-members alike to network and socialise in an informal atmosphere, discussing shared interests and meeting new contacts. Food is provided, and drinks are available for purchase.  
 
Christmas Function
The AIDN-WA Christmas function is a great way to round off the year for those involved in Defence and associated  industries, giving another opportunity for networking within a relaxed and enjoyable framework. It is conveniently held on the same day as AIDN-WA’s last Seminar and Networking Event of the year, directly after the event at a nearby venue.

Event listings and dates are not final and may be subject to change or cancellation at any time.

December

April

Event: Tour of JFD's Advanced Subsea Rescue Facility

Speakers and Testimonials:

• Toff Idrus, General Manager of JFD Australia
• Terry Booth, AIDN-WA Vice-President

May

April

Seminar: "Western Australia's Defence Undersea Sector"

Speakers and Topics:

• "The Collins Class and the Evolution of Submarine Sustainment"

February


Seminar: “Defence Innovation Opportunities for WA Industry”

Speakers and Topics: 

• “Defence Innovation Opportunities for WA Industry”

Dr Alan Hinge, Director CTD Program.

• “What the CTD Program did for my company”

Peter James of Secure Systems Pty Ltd.

• “What the CTD Program did for my company”

Tim Lyons of One Atmosphere Ltd.

Sponsors: DSTO

Media Coverage:
 
Image Gallery: http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/48378
 

May


Seminar:  "The Future of WA's Defence Sector and Opportunities in the Indian Ocean Region"

Speakers and Topics:

Tim Speer, Chief Naval Architect, Austal

Phill Brown, Operations Director, Naval Ship Management

Tim Sawyer, Project Development Officer, Carnegie Wave Energy

Sponsors: Enterprise Connect, Marine WA

Media Coverage:
 
Image Gallery: http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/53206
 

June

Sir John Forrest Oration 2014: Future of Army Modernisation and Global Defence Industry Opportunities

Speakers and Topics:

• “The achievements of BEERSHEBA and building on these for Future Challenges”

Major General Jeff Sengelman, Head of Australian Army Modernisation

• "Southeast Asia – Defence Landscape and Key Programmes”

Jon Grevatt , Defence Industry Analyst for IHS Jane's

• "World Defence Industry – trends and opportunities”

Paul Burton, Director of Industry and Budgets for IHS Jane's

Sponsors: Australian Society of Defence Engineering, Thales Australia.
 
Media Coverage:

Image Gallery:  http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/54851


 

Function: End of Financial Year Networking
Image Gallery: http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/53208
 

September

Workshop: 1st Annual WA Defence Workshop
Image Gallery: http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/57001


 

Tour: Tour of Australian Marine Complex
 

November

Tour: HMAS Stirling Tour
Sponsors: Defence Reserves Support Council
 

December

Seminar: Navy Modernisation Trends and Defence Industry in WA

Speakers and Topics:
 

• “The Western Horizon: Navy's Future Fleet and Opportunities for WA Industry”

Commodore Andy Gough, Director General Maritime Systems, RAN

• “Common Use Infrastructure and the Productivity Game Changer”
  

Jonathan Smith, General Manager, AMC

• “Sustainment of the ANZAC Class Frigates: Achieving Capability Preparedness”
  

Russell Parker, ANZAC SPO Sustainment Director

Sponsors: Wrays, Naval Ship Management, AMCHAM, Jakovich Centre

Media Coverage: 

Image Gallery: http://groupspaces.com/AIDN-WA-test/photos/album/57880