OVERVIEW
This seminar, titled “Defence Introduction”, will be delivered in part by 4 eLearning modules, and then by two accomplished presenters with decades of SME experience in Australia’s Defence Industry and real-world front-line knowledge. True experts in delivering this content, their SME involvement is backed up by in-uniform operational and sustainment roles. Some case studies will be presented from experienced companies.
Defence Introduction provides valuable information to help aspiring businesses assess the defence market and understand what may be required to pursue opportunities. It is specifically focused around people characterised as “Explorer”, who are curious. That is, those companies considering an entry to Defence but finding the landscape just too complicated and full of (largely unfamiliar) jargon to determine if the market is right for them. It also suits those who need a refresher about the many changes in the Australian Defence Market.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This seminar addresses the "Explorer", which we define as:
- Companies or staff having little or no knowledge of working with Defence or Defence Industry
- Business owners or business development managers, curious to inform themselves for a better-quality decision as to whether to pursue the Defence market; or
- People recently employed by a business already operating within the Defence space who require a fundamental understanding to better orientate them to the market.
INFORMATION

Mode
Virtual

SEMINAR STRUCTURE
- Virtual Workshops x 2
- eLearning Modules x 4
- Podcasts x 1

Duration
2 Weeks

THIS SEMINAR BUNDLE WILL ADDRESS
- The Defence marketplace – a beginner’s guide
- Case study for Defence procurement
- Finding the money – who really says “yes”?
- Understanding what “Defence Ready” means for you
- Prime Contractors and Global Supply Chains – who they are, how to engage, and what they expect
- What help is available
- Hierarchy of Defence needs-driven posture and the Defence Landscape
- Defence Innovation Streams
- Introduction to the Defence Industry Associations AIDN NSW and Hunter Defence
- Local Defence Industry Interest Group introductions
- Defence programs – where to get the information and how to interpret it
- SME case studies
- Adding it all up – how do you decide?
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
- Understand how the Defence websites are constructed and where to find information
- Understand where to access Defence Industry Policy, Procurement Rules, Tenders and Investment Plans
- Understand how to locate the right contacts for opportunities and departments
- Understand Innovation Streams
- Identify the Defence Prime Contractors in each Department of Defence and how to locate a contact
- Introduction to the major Industry Associations relevant to Defence in this area
- Hear first-hand Case Studies from experienced SMEs
- Understand what Government assistance is available to SMEs and how to access it.
SEMINAR MODULES OUTLINE
TIMING
On Demand
LEARNING MODULE
Introduction to seminar and facilitator
Description of seminar bundle incl. learning outcomes
FORMAT
Podcast
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
30mins
TIMING
On Demand
LEARNING MODULE
Introduction to the Defence Industry
This module introduces Defence policy and requirements to current and potential industry participants.
FORMAT
eLearning Module
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
30-45mins
TIMING
On Demand
LEARNING MODULE
Introducing the ADF
This module provides information on the Australian Defence Force structure and current projects relevant to Industry. It introduces the Australian Defence Force including the makeup and value of opportunities available for Australian Industry participation.
FORMAT
eLearning Module
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
30 - 45mins
TIMING
On Demand
LEARNING MODULE
Industry Participation
This module introduces opportunities that exist for industry participation in Defence and provides overviews of funding and assistance available.
FORMAT
e-Learning
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
30-45mins
TIMING
On Demand
LEARNING MODULE
Innovation Streams and Prime Contractors
This module introduces Defence Innovation Streams, as well as Defence Prime Contractors and their role and makeup in the Australian Defence Industry landscape.
FORMAT
e-Learning
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
30-45mins
TIMING
Virtual Workshop
LEARNING MODULE
Brief recap and update on eLearning Where do you fit? What are the current opportunities to grow and gain business in the various streams and Capability Life Cycle.
FORMAT
Virtual Workshop
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
60mins, plus 30mins optional chat room participation
TIMING
Virtual Workshop
LEARNING MODULE
Answers as required to Q&A if not provided at first WS. Facts and Case Studies
FORMAT
Virtual Workshop + Guest Presenters
EST. TIME TO COMPLETE
60mins, plus 30mins optional chat room participation
TOTAL COURSE DURATION
4-5 hours instructions, 2 hours bump in and chat room
FACILITATORS
Alan is the Managing Director of Goal Professional Services and Managing Partner of the Goal Group. He is also a Past President of the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN), retaining a role on the AIDN NSW Committee. He has significant experience from 21 years in the RAN and 28 years as a project and programme manager in complex projects whilst developing the largest complementary SME model in Australia, the Goal Group.
Alan has assisted major defence companies to achieve bid success. His specific areas of expertise are strategic direction, project development, bid preparation and programme management. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management and Leaders, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors plus a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Alan is a past Co-Chair of the Synthetic Environment Working Group, represents AIDN on the AIG Defence Council’s Security Working Group and is a highly experienced Programme Manager, particularly in major programs, complex systems engineering and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS).
He is an accomplished business development manager, experienced in developing and selling solutions in defence and law enforcement markets, client relationship management, commercial negotiations, business development and sales, staff performance management and service delivery management.
Bret began a career in the Canadian Air Force as an aeronautical engineer flight testing military aircraft and systems. He progressed to working with the US Air Force flight testing F-16 systems and subsequently moved to Australia in 2004 to help a start-up Defence consulting business, Nova Systems, grow into its significant position today.
Bret has dedicated his career to the defence, aerospace and engineering sectors. Bret is recognised as a proactive leader, has held several executive roles, run operations across APAC including the establishment of a new business in the Asia market.
Bret is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Goal Group which is a professional services business focused on the Defence and security sector. Goal Group operates Australia’s largest and unique “Complementary SME Model” helping Defence optimise capability and assets.
COURSE SCHEDULE
EOI Cut-Off: 25 January
Successful Applicants Notified: 27 January - 2 February
Course Joining Instructions Issued: 2 February
Course Timing: 16 February, 18 February - 2 x 2-hour workshops. Time 10-12pm.
e-Learning open from 2 February

The Defence Ready Seminar Series is being delivered thanks to funding and collaboration with the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS) and, for each seminar, forty (40) funded places are being made available to SMEs.
The Defence Department has set very clear guidance around the criteria for access to one of the forty funded places within each of the thirteen courses, and priority will be given to Hunter and regional-NSW based SMEs, building capability to potentially partner on Defence projects in the future.
With the full seminar series rolling out over the next twelve-months, Hunter Defence will be scheduling ongoing communications as each course gets close to commencing. If your organisation has been successful in achieving a funded place in one of these courses, Hunter Defence will let you know three (3) weeks before your selected seminars(s) of interest are due to start.

STAY INFORMED.
Sign up to our Hunter Defence mailing list to learn about all upcoming events and industry updates.