Greater Geelong’s defence industry capability on world stage
The City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University and Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) are joining forces to showcase our region’s defence industry capability to the world at the AVALON 2023 Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition.
The organisations will host a joint stand at Australia’s largest international aviation and aerospace industry exposition in Hall 1 from Tuesday 28 February to Sunday 5 March.
Geelong provides access to a wide range of supply chain capabilities and expertise across a range of sectors including Manufacturing, Engineering and Advanced Materials, Research and Development, Support Services, and Information Communications and Technology.
Our region has ample room to accommodate defence companies with plans for expansion or development in a capable city, offering land for growth, infrastructure, logistics, workforce and an ideal lifestyle.
The City is partnering with Geelong-based industry organisations Air Radiators, XTM, RAPP, CLOS, and McHugh and Eastwood to facilitate conversations and networking with key defence organisations, and provide a platform through which they can promote their defence capability to decision makers globally.
Mark Holland and Michaela Buckle (RAPP Australia), Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan, John Fitzgibbon (CLOS) and Andrew Bakker (McHugh and Eastwood).
Greater Geelong Council and Changwon City in South Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2021 to collaborate on trade, education and cultural exchanges to promote investment and employment opportunities for the two cities. Changwon City is home to global manufacturers including Hanwha Corporation and its subsidiary Hanwha Defense Australia, which will base its $1 billion Land 8116 project in Geelong. Mayor Trent Sullivan said AVALON 2023 would provide an invaluable networking opportunity with industry and government delegations from across the world.
“We’re delighted to be working with, and supporting, a wide range of Geelong-based defence industry firms,” Mayor Sullivan said.
“The team will be showcasing the competitive advantages the region can offer to companies looking to expand or develop opportunities for partnerships between industry, academia and government to deliver future-focused defence technologies.”
“The Airshow is the perfect platform to highlight our strengths and to promote our defence capability to key decision makers from across the globe.”
Geelong Major Events chair, Councillor Ron Nelson, said the joint stand would be fantastic exposure for Geelong, with thousands of attendees expected. “AVALON 2023 will further strengthen our region’s reputation as a strong manufacturing and innovation hub, with a clever and creative workforce,” Cr Nelson said.
“There is immense potential for our presence to facilitate economic, employment and educational outcomes for organisations and institutions in Greater Geelong.”
City Of Greater Geelong. (2023, February). Greater Geelong’s defence industry capability on world stage. https://www.Geelongaustralia.Com.Au/. https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/news/item/8db100df5210f3a.aspx