Hunter Defence: a force to be reckoned with

Our defence cluster – Hunter Defence – was formed through a partnership with the Hunter Business Chamber back in 2011. In 2019, the Hunter Defence Task Force was established to enhance defence understanding, cooperation, supply chain need and support.

We’re well-known and respected for our advocacy and work in the defence space and have connections in the aerospace, maritime, land and cyber domains. Our experts are driving growth in this high investment area and facilitate many project opportunities.

Our Defence cluster goals

• Articulate to government and the major global defence primes the value proposition of the industrial capability of the SME base within the Hunter and surrounding regions
• To educate and prepare regional industry within the Hunter catchment to compete for defence contracts in their own right or as subcontractors to the major primes
• Develop working groups engaged in supply chain participation projects
• Engage new and defence providers and members

Our Defence Cluster Participants

Attend our upcoming Defence event’s

To facilitate our work, we hold a range of events including forums – which include a presentation, a review of major project opportunities, and networking – as well as dinners, awards nights and conferences.

Our Defence cluster at work

Defence Ready Seminar Series

Government-funded virtual seminar program designed to help Hunter-based SME’s improve their business capabilities and explore new opportunities in the defence sector. Learn more

Development of Astra Aerolab Precinct

A defence, aerospace and innovation precinct, with direct airside access, adjoining RAAF Base Williamtown, with the potential to create up to 5,500 jobs in the region. Learn more

Establishment of the Hunter Simulation Alliance

The Hunter Simulation Alliance is a consortium of industry organisations established in the Hunter Region covering software, hardware, services, research, marketing, integration and training functions in synthetic support of Australian Defence Force (ADF) capability program requirements and general industry requirements. It has been established to enhance the overall opportunities and reputation of the Hunter Region as a leading simulation and synthetic environment node across Australia for Government, Prime Defence industry stakeholders and SMEs and to engage with, and for, simulation/training capabilities and services and greatly enhance supply chain opportunities. Learn more

Annual Hunter Defence Conference (HDC)

The continuing development and delivery of the HDC, which attracts delegates and keynote speakers from the defence sector nationally, including primes and government. Learn more

Meet our Defence Industry Advisor