
"Bringing defence primes, NSW SMEs, senior politicians, academia, and the Department of Defence senior capability managers together."
The Hunter Defence Conference is back bigger and better in 2022!
This year sees the conference extended from two to three days to include more speakers, content, and opportunities to network with defence primes, SMEs, academia, and the Department of Defence.
We are also pleased to announce the inclusion of an exhibition, providing an opportunity for those working with – or wanting to work with Defence – a chance to directly showcase their offerings. Find out more in the “For Exhibitors” section below.






Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley
Wednesday 31 August – Friday 2 September 2022
- Registrations and Networking from 9am
- Conference Sessions 10:15am – 3:50pm
- Exhibition Space Active
- 9am – 10am
- 12:30 - 1:30pm
- 3pm - 3:30pm
- 4:45pm - 6pm
- Casual Networking Drinks - 6pm
-
MC for the event Katherine Ziesing, Strategic Communications Manager, Hanwha Defense Australia
- Conference Welcome and MC Introduction
- NSW Defence Structure and Opportunities
- Introduction to the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS)
- Office of Defence Industry Support – ODIS Industry Support Service showcase
- Growing your business in Defence market: From SME to Australian Prime
- Working with Defence – Challenges, Pathways and Opportunities – SME Showcase and Panel Discussion
- Unpacking Defence Contracts + Essentials for your Defence Business
- BAE Systems - Regional Support Hub + SME Partnerships
- Finding Opportunities through Defence Estate and Infrastructure
- Training Services NSW Hunter - Skilling for Recovery and Industry Workforce Partnerships Programs
- Support Opportunities for Regional SMEs
- Tapping into a Greater Workforce Potential
- Registrations and Networking from 8am
- Conference Sessions 9am – 4pm
- Exhibition Space Active
- 8am – 9am
- 10:30pm - 11am
- 1:10pm - 2:30pm
- 4:20pm - 6pm
- Formal Networking Drinks 5:30pm – 7pm
- Gala Dinner from 7pm
- MC Welcome
- Introduction
- Sovereign Defence and Aerospace - Whole of NSW Solution
- Specific overview sessions for:
- Nuclear Submarine
- Army Capability
- Navy Capability
- Air Force
- Information Warfare
- Capability Roundtable and Q&A
- Williamtown Special Activation Precinct (SAP),
- NSW Defence Structure and Opportunities
- Defence and Aerospace Futures
- Astra Aerolab Precinct
- Space Systems Development - Australian Industry Perspective
- Defence Innovation Update “Concept to Capability”
- BAE Systems - Supply Chain and Regional Footprint
- Registrations and Networking from 8:30am
- Conference Sessions 9am – 2pm
- Exhibition Space Active
- 8:30am – 8:45am
- 10am - 10:30am
- 12:30pm - Close
Note: bump out for the exhibition to be completed by 2:30pm September 2
- MC Welcome
- Lockheed Martin - Way Forward Regional Footprint
- Boeing Defence Australia – Way Forward Regional Footprint
- Thales - Way Forward in Maritime Support Nationally
- Leo Labs
- Hanwha Australia – Australian Footprint and regional support
- University of Newcastle/Hunter TAFE – WLM Aerospace Academy Development
- Hunter Defence Support Network
- Conference Wrap-up
Tickets on sale now!
MEMBERS $1,190 | NON-MEMBERS $1,290
Conference packages include morning and afternoon tea, Wednesday evening Networking Drinks and the Gala Dinner on the Thursday. All other catering is at the delegate’s own expense.
Single day passes are also available:
MEMBERS $500 | NON-MEMBERS $600
Please note the single day passes do not include attendance at Networking Drinks or Gala Dinner.
GALA DINNER AND NETWORKING DRINKS $220
A limited amount of tickets have been released for those within organisations that would like to bring additional guests to the Gala Dinner on Thursday 1 September.
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2021 HIGHLIGHTS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Platinum Sponsors

NSW Government
Defence and Aerospace NSW is a dedicated team in the NSW Government, responsible for creating the conditions for sustainable, technologically advanced, and globally competitive defence and aerospace industries.
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Newcastle Airport
Providing air travel to our region for more than 70 years. We're passionate about delivering our purpose of being the airport our region deserves.
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Astra Aerolab
The world's most uplifting defence, aerospace and innovation precinct - a powerful activation of human potential.
Where world leading defence, research, aerospace and industry partners converge to elevate performance.
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with thanks to our other sponsors

Lockheed Martin
An Australian company that is engaged in the integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains.
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KPMG
With a worldwide presence, KPMG continues to build on our member firms' successes thanks to our clear vision, maintained values, and our people.
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Newcastle Office Interiors
Newcastle Office Interiors (NOI) offers professional Commercial Fit Out, Refurbishment and Office Furniture services in Newcastle, surrounding areas and Nationally.
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Stotts Industrial
Stott Industrial is a Newcastle based business offering quality product solutions since the 1990’s. Stott Industrial prides itself on the delivery of quality solutions that satisfy their customers’ demands.
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Varley
Varley was established in 1886 and is one of Australia's oldest and most advanced engineering and manufacturing companies.
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Thales
Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management and ground transport systems to security systems and services.
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University Of Newcastle
The University of Newcastle, Australia is a world-class university with a strong focus on student experience, excellence in teaching, and research.
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Bamba Burralgas
Bamba Burralgas Pty Ltd (BBPL) is an Aboriginal owned and operated family Company based in Newcastle NSW and servicing clients across NSW and nationally.
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Precinct 52
Precinct 52 is the next stage of the Williamtown Aerospace Centre (WAC), Australia’s premier Defence Technology estate.