Northern Adelaide Defence Industry Networking
Description
Presented by City of Playford and the Stretton Centre, the Northern Adelaide Defence Industry Networking event series presents an exciting industry network, bringing together defence SMEs, primes, contractors, local businesses, government and key industry partners to create meaningful defence industry connections.
As Northern Adelaide continues to build momentum as a key location to support defence industry growth in South Australia, this networking series is designed to support that growth for the long term by building knowledge, connection, capability and opportunity.
Our aim is for attendees to understand the opportunities available within the defence sector, how to access them and how local businesses can participate in current and future defence projects. The events provide a meaningful opportunity for networking and collaboration, supporting the continued growth of the sector locally.
This is the second event in this series, being held on 23 September. This event's focus will be on Maritime. The event features presentations from BAE Systems Australia, Century Engineering and the Department for State Development, providing insights into opportunities, supply chains and pathways for local industry.
Why this network matters
The purpose of these networking events is to build the foundation of a long-term industry network designed to:
Strengthen existing local defence supply chains by facilitating connections between primes, contractors and local businesses
Showcase opportunities for new and existing defence-related businesses and investment within the region
Build industry capability by improving awareness of procurement pathways and participation opportunities
Support workforce development by highlighting the growing demand for skilled workers within the defence sector
Promote local industry participation in current and future defence projects
Strengthen defence industry capability in Northern Adelaide to support State and Commonwealth defence priorities
By bringing industry, government and key partners into the same room, these sessions aim to create meaningful connections, identify opportunities and build a stronger and more connected defence industry ecosystem in Northern Adelaide.
This event is designed for:
Defence primes, contractors and supply chain partners
Defence industry suppliers, SMEs and local businesses seeking to enter or expand within Defence supply chains
Businesses and organisations interested in opportunities across the Defence sector
Local, state and Commonwealth government stakeholders
Industry associations and economic development organisations
Education, skills and workforce development partners
Organisations and individuals seeking to build connections, identify opportunities and contribute to Defence industry growth in Northern Adelaide
Register now and be part of a defence industry network built for the long term.
A generous selection of food will be provided throughout the networking.
Please note: Photography and videography will take place throughout the event. If you do not wish your photo to be taken, please speak with the photographer at the event.
Lineup

Jeremy Satchel - BAE Systems
Jeremy is the Head of Industry Capability, responsible for BAE Systems Australia’s Australian Industry Capability policy and processes, Supplier relationship management, industry development and delivery of the Global Supply Chain Program.

Chris Brown - BAE Systems
After 20 years in the Australian Army, Chris transitioned to defence industry in 2022. He now works to strengthen Australian industry participation in the SSN-AUKUS program. His focus is identifying opportunities for Australian companies across both Australian and UK build activities.

Anthony Ashworth - Department of State Development
Anthony Ashworth is Program Manager, Defence Supply Chain Uplift with the South Australian Department of State Development, working with defence primes and South Australian companies to strengthen supplier capability and develop pathways into defence supply chains.

David Heaslip - Century Engineering
As the Managing Director and controlling shareholder David Heaslip has been responsible for building Century’s capability to provide key services through Century Engineering in defence shipbuilding and mining services. Necessitated by considerable changes in Australia’s manufacturing environment, David lead Century’s evolution from small job shop to high volume manufacturing then later to project delivery. During his period as Managing Director David has placed an emphasis on strategic direction informed by market requirements and through developing capability. Century currently employs approximately 240 people. Starting his working life on the family farm he later obtained a Business Degree through the University of South Australia as a mature age student. Subsequent roles included sales in Australia and Europe for Australia’s largest seafood processor, then sales management in mining services. David is actively involved in community activities which include past South Australian President and past National Vice President of the Australian Industry Group, current President of the Industry Leaders Fund and current President of the mighty Unley Jets Football Club.
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