News

The Defence Industry Study Course (DISC 2024) promotes collaboration and engagement between Defence and Industry to: 

- Enhance defence capability outcomes 

 - Contribute to national security objectives 

The course aims to improve the skills of current leaders, project managers, and senior executives working within businesses that supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF).  

Applications to attend DISC 2024 have opened 

Course details, requirements and costs are outlined at the following Defence webpage: Defence and Industry Study Course 2024 

Companies interested in sponsoring the attendance of staff must apply directly to Defence. 

Applicants can apply using the AF117 nomination form available on the Defence website's DISC Course page. 

Please note, that applications must be submittedno later than5pm AEST Friday 1 March 2024.  

Queries about the course can be directed to Defence at the following email: casg.disc@defence.gov.au

Digital Jobs for Manufacturing is an upskilling program that provides Victorian manufacturing businesses access to digital skills training for their staff.

Training courses are fully subsidised and valued at up to $5,000 each. Online training is delivered by leading training providers, on a part-time basis over 12 weeks - allowing staff to continue to work whilst studying.

To read more about the upskilling program guidelines, frequently asked questions & case studies click here.

New Courses Commencing in March 2024

VDSN event a huge success.

We are thrilled to share the overwhelming success of our first VDSN event! 

Held recently at the Novotel on Collins, the energy in the room was really high as we welcomed an incredible turnout of 150 company representative.

A heartfelt thank you to the Victorian Government and AIDN executives for their support in making this event a resounding success. It's truly a testament to the strength and passion of our Victorian Defence and Space community that we had such a fantastic response.

The information evening and program showcase gave us the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities in the Defence and Space industries as well as get a little more insight to what the program has in store. The VDSN is a Victorian Government endorsed initiative and is unique in its design, membership model and collaborative approach. The enthusiasm and engagement from everyone in attendance were inspiring, and we are excited about the potential collaborations and partnerships that will emerge from this event.

Stay tuned for more updates on future events and initiatives as we continue to build a vibrant and thriving community within the VDSN network. We couldn't have achieved this without your support, and we're incredibly grateful for each and every one of you who joined us at the event. We can't stop there though, it is through growing membership that we are able to truly scale this brand new and innovative program around the state.

We have had some great initial feedback and we are right now designing the initial member forum zone, refining our events calendar and designing more great features already suggested by members (Stay tuned, most of the ideas proposed have already been resourced!).

It is easy and free to join the VDSN, so please refer someone in your network today. We encourage SME to bring project partners, suppliers and clients into the network for greater situational awareness, collaboration support and visibility.

Due to overwhelming demand, the event on 24 Aug is sold out. We have increased capacity twice but are now at the capacity limit of the venue. 

We have received a number of emails asking about a wait list and we have started a list. Is you missed out on tickets please email manager@vdsn.org to be added.

We will contact everyone by COB Thursday 17th if we have any tickets available.

Thank you for the support.

VDSN Manager

The Victorian Government has opened applications for the Victorian Land Systems Fund - Supply Chain Uplift Program. The program will build businesses’ capabilities so they can help Hanwha deliver the Commonwealth Government’s $1 billion Land 8116 Self-Propelled Howitzer program.

Eligible businesses can apply for funding of between $2,000 and $100,000 (exc. GST) to undertake a range of business improvement activities.

To apply and for more information visit the Business Victoria website.

Non-Victorian businesses that are interested in establishing operations in Victoria to participate in the Land 8116 program and are seeking investment facilitation support can apply for funding via the Victorian Land Systems Fund - Supply Chain Investment Program stream, by contacting us at defence@ecodev.vic.gov.au. 

Defence has released the expected standards for ethical conduct and probity?

The Defence and the Private Sector: Working with Integrity document advocates that all engagement between Defence and the private sector be conducted in a way that fosters public confidence.

The document covers a range of ethical and integrity-related issues including:

· Declaration and management of conflicts of interest;

· Management of Defence post separation and secondary employment (including that of reservists);

· Promoting integrity in Defence procurement processes; and

· Protecting ‘Official’ information.

To find out more

You are invited to attend the ‘Victorian Defence & Space Network (VDSN) Information evening’.

The VDSN is an exciting and innovative Victorian Government initiative that establishes a new and unique Victorian defence and space industry networking group.

Membership to the VDSN is free for all Victorian defence and space businesses.

You are not required to be a member of AIDN to register.

Date & Time
Thu, 24 Aug 2023
5:45 PM - 8:00 PM AEST

Location
Novotel Melbourne

Cost
Free - Register to reserve a spot

The Victorian Government Pavilion hosts around 32 local businesses at each major domestic defence trade show (Avalon Airshow, Indo Pacific and Land Forces). The Pavilions offer a large, high profile exhibition space for the Victorian defence industry to showcase its capabilities to key decision makers.

To find out how you can exhibit in the Victorian Government Pavilion at the next trade show, visit Victorian Defence Events.

Overview of Victorian Government defence industry support

The defence sector is a priority industry for Victoria. The Victorian Government seeks to grow and strengthen the industry with a focus on:

• small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• research and development (R&D) capabilities
• highly skilled engineering workforce.

The Victorian Government provides ongoing support for a range of key initiatives including:

• industry development programs
• subsidised attendance at major trade shows
• financial support.

These initiatives ensure that the state’s defence sector capabilities continue to grow.

Find out more at the Defence Excellence site here 

Recently many members of the Victorian Defence and Space Network community attended the Land Environment Working Group in Canberra. 

The messages from Army were clear. 

Speed to capability and speed to contract is a key focus.

Agility, scalability and depth is required in the supply chain.

Copies of the presentations are available here.