A strong and unified voice promoting Hunter defence capability to the NSW and Australian Government.
The Hunter Defence Task Force (HDTF) within Hunter Defence is a collaborative team composed of an array of defence-oriented industry groups, enterprises, associations and governmental bodies, encompassing the expertise of military veterans, defence industry advisors, consultants, and more.
Its purpose is to support and promote the existing and potential attributes of the Greater Hunter region and its SMEs, presenting a unified voice advocating for the area’s strengths as a strategic centre for the sustained development of Australia’s Defence capabilities – across the full spectrum of present and future requirements.
The work of the Hunter Defence Task Force – and Hunter Defence – involves understanding regional defence capabilities and capacities, aligning them with opportunities, encouraging SMEs to form advanced capability groups, and synergising broader product offerings via closer collaboration.
Leveraging insights into what defence capabilities are generated regionally, aligning local industry capabilities and capacities with upcoming opportunities, and encouraging SMEs within the region to form advanced defence capability groupings and synergising broader product offering by closer collaboration.
Maintaining strong links with all levels of government. For instance, an ongoing invitation to the regular Minister for Defence Industry’s (MINDI) teleconferences that discuss issues of Defence Prime/Regional SME opportunities, AIC requirements and Defence legislative, project and process changes: the Hunter DIA represents the only regional defence industry organisation included in those meetings.
Ongoing quarterly SME/Prime defence industry forums, with presentations on an ‘as required’ basis by Defence Primes with respect to current project status and emergent opportunities. Participation on behalf of, and in company with, Hunter SMEs at all key national Defence Trade Exhibitions, i.e. Avalon, Land Forces, Indo Pacific, and at international Defence Trade Exhibitions as part of Team Defence Australia.
Hunter Defence provides a strong and unified voice promoting Hunter Defence capability to the NSW and Australian Government. We aim to increase Hunter participation in the defence industry by harnessing the expertise, insight and connections within the group to identify opportunities for the region.
Winning Defence contracts is a competitive business that requires not only capability, but deep industry insight and high visibility with primes, defence stakeholders and government at all levels. Hunter Defence will seek to align local industry capabilities and capacities with coming opportunities and demonstrate the region’s supply chain capability.
We will also encourage more SMEs to acquire advanced defence capability by facilitating education, training and advice.
Meet the team of experts that’s making a difference for the Hunter’s SMEs – and for our nation’s defence.
Tim Owen AM is a 32-year services veteran and former Deputy Commander of the Australian forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a highly regarded defence industry consultant with significant expertise in the Australian Defence Force contracting process and experience working with defence primes.
Bret is the Deputy Chair, Hunter Defence Task Force and HunterNet Co-operative Senior Industry Advisor. Bret is a Defence veteran and has worked with the Canadian, US and Australian services. He has spent 20 years contributing to the Australian Defence sector as a chief executive, director and management consultant. Bret is active in Engineers Australia and has continued to support HunterNet and Hunter Defence since 2005. Bret has supported over 200 SME companies developing their Defence capabilities.
Hubert Basquin is a Senior Associate in Defence & Aerospace at Investment NSW, Premier’s Department, where he plays a key role in advancing the state’s defence and aerospace priorities through industry development, investment attraction, and strategic partnerships. Hubert works closely with senior government officials, prime contractors, SMEs, and research institutions to drive capability growth, innovation, and long‑term economic outcomes for New South Wales. Hubert brings a strong commercial mindset and a collaborative leadership approach.
Ivan Waterfield has over 30 years’ experience in Senior GM, Project Director/Manager and Operational roles in businesses with up to $2.2B revenue p.a. A focused leader who thrives on assisting organisations achieve transformational change, his most recent and relevant executive role is the CEO of HunterNet.
Daniel Murphy has worked across a range of industries including banking, not-for-profits and government. He currently leads Department of Regional NSWs investment attraction support for the defence, aerospace and technology sectors.
Brook Grimmond has over 40 years’ experience as both a serving Officer in the Army where he helped establish supply chains for the UN, US and UK forces, and as a contractor/consultant to Defence with roles at Jacobs, Sypaq, KPMG and CRONDO, servicing the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and predecessors.
Amy De Lore is a foundation member of the Hunter Defence Taskforce, is a strategic communications professional with extensive experience in journalism, government relations, public affairs, and policy. She has a strong professional network across the region, including influential contacts in business, politics, government, and the broader community. As Policy and Public Affairs Manager for Business Hunter, Amy is a passionate advocate for the growth and diversification of the regional economy and for realising emerging opportunities in defence.
Alan Rankins OAM is the AIDN representative on the HDTF. He has a 50-year history in Defence and the Defence Industry. His company Goal Group has an 18-year history in the Newcastle region and provides the Defence Ready Seminar Series to Defence SMEs. Alan was awarded the OAM in 2023 for services to industry and engineering.
Dusko Bajic is NSW Defence Industry Manager for major defence projects and Advisor to HDTF, bringing 40 years’ experience in the development, design, procurement and delivery of major infrastructure projects here and overseas, including procurement strategy, commercial alignment, contract award, project mobilisation and more.
Mike McLean provides expertise across the Strategy, Quality Management and Improvement disciplines. He’s advised RAAF, RAN, DoD CASG SPO's on various projects including Battlefield Comms and Maritime, and delivers the Defence Ready Seminars on ISO Standards.
Gary Jones is State Training Manager JTTTS and Growth Lead for TAFE NSW, leading Defence training programs and managing all Defence enquiries. He focuses on strengthening capability across Navy, Army and the wider Defence sector through high-quality training and strong partnerships.
Adrian Wills is an Associate Professor who earned both his B.E. (Elec.) with Honours and Ph.D. from Newcastle as a regional student. He then spent nine years as a postdoctoral researcher, including holding a prestigious ARC Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship.
At Multiskilled Resources Australia, he established and led an R&D team from scratch, developing world-first automation solutions now deployed globally. That team later evolved into Axo33, an international smart automation company serving BHP, Glencore, and Anglo American worldwide.
In 2015, A/Prof Wills returned to Newcastle University to lead and transform the Mechatronics Engineering program and earning the Academic Excellence Merit List Award. Since September 2025, he has been serving as Interim Dean of Engineering, leading the school through a period of strategic transformation and growth.
Kate O'Mara was appointed CEO of RDA Hunter in February 2025. She has a particular interest in identifying, building on and raising awareness of the Hunter’s competitive strengths and has worked in various capacities with RDA Hunter since it began in 2009. Kate has a long history of developing and delivering economic development, industry growth, innovation, regional marketing and workforce development initiatives in the Hunter region. Prior to joining RDA Hunter, Kate was employed by the NSW Government’s economic development organisation, the Hunter Economic Development Corporation.
Wayne has over 25 years’ experience across manufacturing, energy, resources, construction, defence and engineering, spanning tier-one corporates and family-owned businesses. His industry knowledge and strong networks have supported business growth in the Hunter region and beyond.
His expertise includes, operational management, business governance, grant development, budget management, business development and delivering business programs, alongside driving process improvements, and building high-performing teams through coaching and mentoring. Wayne has led projects from initiation to completion across Australia and facilitated international trade missions to and from Vietnam, Myanmar, China, Chile, Japan, and Korea, supporting companies to expand into global markets.
Jacqui Daley is the Managing Director of The Measured Marketer, a strategic marketing consultancy working with STEM-based businesses across the Hunter. A strong advocate for local manufacturing, Jacqui is a Hunter Manufacturing Awards board member, and since 2020 has overseen marketing of the HDTF and the Defence Ready Seminar Series.
Boris Novak is an Industry Advisor at HunterNet, and has worked in the Air Force in tactical communications-electronics and systems engineering. He was also founder and Chair of Dexata (formerly C-E Solutions), a supplier of breakthrough analytic capabilities within the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) domain.
Richard Anicich AM is chair of the Committee for the Hunter, an active supporter of the Hunter Defence Task Force and an advocate for strategic growth and investment in the Hunter economy. He is a past president of the Hunter Business Chamber (now Business Hunter). During his term as president, the Chamber released the first Hunter Defence Strategy. Following this, the Chamber worked with the NSW Department of Industry on the development of the NSW Government Defence and Industry Strategy which led to the standing up of Defence NSW as it was then known.
Paul has extensive experience in business banking, financial management and leading teams.
Paul is the Executive Manager of CBA Hunter & Central Coast Business Banking. In this role, Paul leads a team of 54 staff, satisfying banking requirements from SME to corporate size businesses across extensive industries including defence.
Paul is passionate about the community and has represented on a number of key business and civic causes in the Newcastle and Hunter region. Another attribute that Paul holds firmly is his commitment to developing and supporting the wellbeing of his team, evident by the supportive and collaborative team cultures he has built and nurtured over the years.
Starting as a banking graduate, over his 30 year career, Paul has held relationship management roles covering agricultural lending, business banking and corporate banking. Paul took his first People Leadership role in 2004 and has been leading business banking teams since then.
Ben Dewson is a strategic leader with over 23 years of experience in security, risk management, corporate governance, and critical infrastructure protection. As Co-Founder and CEO of NHN Group, he provides high-level strategic guidance on security and risk, including protestor action insights and mitigation strategies.
His expertise spans enterprise risk management, contract negotiations, compliance, and governance in high-security environments. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Ben has extensive experience in defence training, labour hire solutions, and business development. Recognised for his leadership, he was named the 2017 Kristen Keegan Young Business Executive of the Year.
Steve Wild is a dynamic and experienced senior manager who leads teams through change, leveraging diverse backgrounds and experiences to drive business outcomes and improve performance.
He is a strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and a proven track record in program delivery. Known for his effective communication at all levels, Steve has extensive experience in developing and driving innovative solutions.
He excels at forging strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners to achieve organisational success.
Terry represents Australian Industry Group members across Western Sydney and regional NSW, many of whom supply into, or desire to supply into, Defence. He manages the membership for a wide and diverse range of organisations and sectors and advocates for their interests, challenges and opportunities. He has a long history of Hunter-based experience, having been Communications Manager for rail operators FreightCorp and Countrylink from the early 1990s.
He is also Secretary and Public Officer of the Australia-Japan Society of NSW and President of his local Australia-Japan Sister City relationship.
Lisa Cameron is an Australian Certified Economic Developer (ACEcD) with fifteen years’ experience across the public and private sectors. She is passionate about creating thriving regional economies and is an advocate for business and investment in the region. Connect with Lisa to discuss opportunities to partner and build workforce capabilities and supply chain industries, with a focus on advanced manufacturing in Maitland.
Gary is an urban planner with over 20 years’ experience in the fields of statutory and strategic planning. He is a certified planner and is qualified in urban planning, project management and property and has worked across several local Councils in NSW. His current role is with Maitland City Council as the Principal Strategic Planning with a focus on the delivery of planning proposals to unlock future community and economic development within the LGA. He has a passion for the emerging industries within the renewable energy, education and innovation space.
The following organisations are represented on the Hunter Defence Task Force.
Investment NSW is the NSW Government’s economic development and attraction agency, with a mandate to reinforce NSW as the most desirable place in the world to visit, study, invest and do business. The agency is helping to drive the state’s economic recovery and transformation by showcasing NSW business, events, tourism and international study for new markets and investors in Australia and around the world.
HunterNet drives growth and success in industry by bringing individuals, SMEs, multinational primes, academia and government to the same table. We build the right relationships, open opportunities, and facilitate education and idea-sharing to deliver tangible benefits to members.
Uniquely co-located with RAAF Base Williamtown and Newcastle Airport, Astra Aerolab is Australia’s newest defence and aerospace precinct. A one-of-a-kind place, enhancing Australia’s ability to deliver world class sustainment and manufacturing capability to the Defence sector.
Business Hunter is the largest regional peak business group in Australia, representing members across all business and industry sectors. Business Hunter is a not-for-profit member organisation dedicated to promoting the interests of business and connecting people in business with what they need to succeed.
Dedicated to our core values of equity, excellence, engagement and sustainability, the University of Newcastle is a globally recognised education institution, ranked in the world’s top 200 universities, committed to solving the world’s greatest problems.
Maitland City Council is a proactive local government organisation committed to collaborating with the community and partners to deliver long term strategic outcomes. Covering 396km², Maitland is home to over 95,000 residents living in town centres, new and expanding suburbs, and tranquil rural areas. With the population projected to reach 145,000 by 2041, Maitland is poised to strengthen its position as a key driver of regional development.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) is guided by its purpose—building a brighter future for all.
Their strategy, to build tomorrow’s bank today for their customers, reflects their commitment to using the strength of CBA to support customers, invest in communities, and provide strength and stability for the broader economy.
As one of the leading banks in Australia, CBA serves more than 17 million customers. They focus on providing retail and commercial banking services predominantly in Australia and in New Zealand through their subsidiary, ASB.
CBA’s products and services are offered through their divisions: Retail Banking Services, Business Banking, Institutional Banking and Markets, and ASB New Zealand.
Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA) is engaged in the integration and sustainment of advanced systems, products, and services across space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains.
Their technologies have contributed to the realisation of Australia’s national interests for over 70 years, and their vision for the future of security aims to continue this legacy for decades to come.
The latest intelligence on events, announcements, trends and developments in the Hunter Region and in Australia’s defence industry.
Applications are now open for the 2026 DINAMIC Commercialisation Bootcamps, a two-day program supporting researchers and innovators to engage with the defence sector.
Delivered in Adelaide, Canberra and online, the bootcamps are designed for participants with limited commercialisation experience who are developing a product or service for defence applications. The program focuses on engagement with the defence market, development of a value proposition, and consideration of pathways to market.
The Hunter Defence Conference attracts over 280+ delegates and keynote speakers from the defence sector nationally. It is unique within regional Australia and key to promoting regional defence industry capability – presenting a strong and unified voice that is heard throughout NSW industry, the NSW Government, nationally, and importantly, by Federal Government representatives.
Innovators across Australia’s defence ecosystem are invited to put their ideas forward, with submissions now open for the Land Forces 2026 Innovation Showcase.
Held as part of the Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, the Innovation Showcase including the Innovation Pitchfest and Awards provides a national platform for both research projects and commercial innovations. It is an opportunity to present leading-edge ideas to an audience of potential partners, investors and customers, while competing for significant cash prizes.
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