AMRF Connect x DIN Industry Forum: Advanced Manufacturing for Defence
About
Australia's defence capability increasingly depends not just on what we design, but on how fast, how flexibly, and how securely we can manufacture it. From surge production and sovereign sustainment to rapid prototyping and digital engineering, advanced manufacturing has become a strategic enabler of Defence readiness.
For NSW manufacturing SMEs, the question is practical: where do you actually go to access industrial-scale advanced manufacturing equipment, qualified processes, and the engineering expertise needed to compete for defence work? The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) at Bradfield City is that destination — a $300M NSW Government investment built specifically to help local manufacturers adopt advanced technologies, scale production, and de-risk entry into supply chains including Defence.
Join this Industry Forum, co-hosted by AMRF Connect, Western Sydney's scale up hub and the Defence Innovation Network, and connect with leaders from industry, Defence, and universities. Step inside the AMRF Manufacturing Hall, hear from an expert panel, and DIN universities—all while building valuable new connections.
Program
11:00 Arrival & Registration
11:30 Introductions and Industry & University Capability Showcase
13:00 Networking Lunch
14:00 AMRF Facility Tours
Registration details
For Speakers:
Researchers and companies with novel advanced manufacturing capabilities relevant to Defence are invited to register their interest by 5:00 PM, 27 July 2026.
For Attendees:
If you wish to attend the event, please register your interest by 5:00 PM on 13 August 2026.
Please ensure you provide your full name and professional email when registering, so DIN can verify your affiliation.
About AMRF Tour
The tour provides attendees with an introduction to both the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) and the broader Bradfield City development.
At the AMRF, participants will explore the Manufacturing Hall and gain an overview of the facility's advanced manufacturing capabilities, including additive manufacturing, advanced composites, precision machining, materials testing, and metrology and inspection. The tour will showcase the industrial-grade equipment, engineering expertise, and manufacturing technologies available at the facility, while providing insight into how the AMRF supports Australian industry to test, validate, and scale advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.
Attendees will also join the Bradfield Development Authority team on the rooftop of the first building for a first-hand view of the city development, overlooking the footprint of the new city precinct. During this brief walkthrough, the team will unpack how the masterplan’s mixed-use zoning, 24/7 uncurfewed connectivity and coordinated infrastructure sequencing are intentionally designed to foster innovation. Participants will gain insight into how this specialised urban design supports technology ecosystems, de-risks co-location for the defence industry, and drives advanced industry formation within Australia’s newest city.
Panel
Dr Matthew J. Donough - Structural Materials STC, DSTG Platforms
Dr Matthew Joseph Donough is a composite material scientist whose work bridges advanced research and real-world manufacturing, with a focus on delivering practical, high-performance solutions for Defence. His field of research includes composite design, automated fibre placement, and composite structures durability. Prior to joining DSTG, he worked in academia where he contributed to projects that improve production efficiency, reduce material waste, and enhance performance in high-value applications. More recently, he collaborated with UNSW and University of Sydney on a DIN project on rapid manufacture of marine composite propellers with advanced manufacturing methods.
Dario Valenza - CEO, Carbonix
Dario Valenza is the Founder and CEO of Carbonix, Australia’s leading long-range UAV manufacturer and operator. With a background spanning high-performance yacht design for the America’s Cup and advanced aerospace engineering, Dario has spent more than 12 years building sovereign drone capability in Australia. Under his leadership, Carbonix has delivered UAV solutions for the ADF and major organisations including BHP, Shell, Origin and Rio Tinto. A recognised voice in the aerospace and defence sectors, Dario brings deep expertise in commercialising cutting-edge technology, scaling deep-tech ventures, and leading innovation in highly regulated and performance-driven environments.
Sammy Wallwork - Chief Growth Officer, Extel Technologies
Sammy Wallwork is Chief Growth Officer at Extel Technologies, an Australian advanced electronics manufacturer specialising in high-reliability systems for defence, aerospace and industrial applications. He leads growth strategy, commercial partnerships and market expansion, with a focus on scaling sovereign manufacturing capability and helping Australian technologies move from prototype to production. Before joining Extel, Sammy was Global Head of Business Development at Advanced Navigation, where he drove international expansion across defence, aerospace, autonomy and industrial markets and established the company’s presence in overseas markets. He is a 2025 Australian Defence Industry Awards Rising Star and is actively engaged across the defence industrial base, including AUKUS-aligned programs, primes and sovereign global supply-chain initiatives. Sammy is passionate about strengthening Australia’s advanced manufacturing base and connecting innovative Australian companies with global defence and technology markets.
Dr Mark Helou - Commercial Director, AMRF
Mark is a seasoned Business Development professional with over a decade of experience. He brings a remarkable blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to the table. With a BEng in Mechatronics and Automation and a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering and Management, his success across diverse industries like Medical, Defence, and Infrastructure is a testament to his ability to foster long-term partnerships, identify lucrative business opportunities, and cultivate strong client relationships that drive significant market expansion. Mark's approach extends far beyond mere relationship building. His diverse background encompasses engineering, R&D, product management, and business development roles. This unique blend allows him to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, from technical engineers to high-level executives. Adding another dimension to his expertise, Mark is a published author with over 500 citations for his research in additively manufactured lattice structures. This not only underscores his passion for innovation but also positions him to translate cutting-edge advancements into tangible solutions for the AMRF's potential partners.
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