Defence Ready: Positioning Local Business for Opportunity in North West Adelaide

Defence Ready: Positioning Local Business for Opportunity in North West Adelaide

Second Annual Defence Industry Forum

Following the strong response to last year’s event, the North West Business Alliance is pleased to bring back Defence Ready for a second year.

There’s no doubt defence activity is becoming a bigger part of South Australia’s economy, particularly across the north-western suburbs. While much of the attention is often on the major projects and large contractors, the flow-on effects reach much further — creating opportunities for a wide range of local businesses as investment, workforce demand and industry activity continue to grow across the region.

For some businesses, that may mean exploring opportunities within defence supply chains directly. For others, it may simply mean understanding where growth is occurring, what industries are expanding, and how local businesses can position themselves to benefit from the broader economic activity taking shape around them.

This forum will bring together experienced industry representatives to share practical insights into how the sector is evolving, where opportunities are emerging, and what businesses should be thinking about now to prepare for the years ahead.

Hear from panel members including:

• Libby Day – CEO, Defence Teaming Centre

• Ian Spencer – Executive Director Defence and Industry, Defence SA

• Dave Lander – General Manager, Levett Engineering

• Michael Smith – Industry Capability Development Manager - SSN-AUKUS, ASC

The panel discussion will be chaired by Emilio De Stefano – CEO & Managing Director, De Stefano & Co.

Agenda

6:00 pm Registrations / Networking on arrival

6:15 pm Event intro

6:25 pm Panel introductions

6:35 pm Panel 45 minutes + 10 mins Q&A

7:15 pm networking for 45 minutes

8:00 pm Event close

Discussion topics will include:

• What the growing defence sector means for businesses across the region

• How local SMEs can better position themselves for future opportunities

• What larger organisations look for in suppliers and service providers

• Navigating defence and related industry supply chains

• The broader business and economic impacts expected across South Australia

The evening will also include audience Q&A and networking over drinks and canapés.
One drink voucher & canapés included with ticket.

Whether you are actively looking at defence opportunities or simply interested in understanding what the growth in our region could mean for your business, this event will provide useful perspectives, practical discussion and valuable local connections.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Coopers Visitor Centre, Regency Park

Be informed. Be prepared. Be Defence ready.