Capabilities

The Illawarra Shoalhaven region is a unique place that has a vast array of capabilities to develop defence supported businesses. Below are some of the current businesses that utilise the region as their base of operations.

Contact Details

General Enquiries
admin@aerots.com.au

Aerospace Training Services

www.aerots.com.au

Aerospace Training Service (ATS) is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Maintenance Training Organisation (MTO) and a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering a range of aircraft maintenance engineering courses from the National Aeroskills Training Package. ATS also provides CASA aircraft specific types courses from GA aircraft, such as the Learjet 35/36, to RPT aircraft such as the Boeing 717 and Airbus A320. In addition to this training, ATS is a NSW Smart and Skilled Apprenticeship Training Provider, currently training apprentices across the state.

ATS learners have a wide range of delivery mode choices including face-to-face (F2F) classroom, structured online (real-time webinars), and self-study options. This delivery range allows ATS to customise theory and practical training and assessment to suit each individual client.

Contact Details

Chris Sievers – CEO
114 Albatross Road
South Nowra NSW 2541
csievers@airaffairs.com.au

Air Affairs Australia

www.airaffairs.com.au

Air Affairs Australia is an Air Operations and Engineering based company. Established in 1995 and 100% Australian owned.

They own and operate a fleet of special mission Learjet and Kingair aircraft, providing specialised air training support services to Defence. The aircraft are available for other special mission’s roles.

AAA maintains an extensive manufacturing and engineering facility, providing a complete design through to manufacture and certification capability and are the OEM for several products.

This facility currently supports the manufacture and support for the MTR-101 Target Towing Reeling Machine, AIRPOD 101 Utility Airborne Pod system and an array of airborne tow / drone target systems.

Local Contacts

Rob McNeil
Manager Special Projects – Global Access Program,
Training Solution Architect

robert.mcneil@baesystems.com
+61 419 033 737

BAE Systems

www.baesystems.com

BAE Systems Australia has a long and proud heritage of providing advanced defence technology which protects both people and national security, keeping critical information and infrastructure secure. We search for new ways to provide our customers with a competitive edge across the air, maritime, land and cyber domains.

From air and maritime sustainment to ship building, BAE Systems Australia’s strengths and core capabilities include providing the design, manufacture, upgrade and support services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), cyber intelligence and commercial organisations across the country

Contact Details

Justin Suwart
Business Development Manager

18 Resolution Drive,
Unanderra, NSW, 2526
T: +61 2 4272 0436
M: +61 418 319 097
justin.suwart@bisalloy.com

Bisalloy Steels

www.bisalloy.com.au

Bisalloy Steels is Australia’s only manufacturer of high strength and high
hardness quenched and tempered steel plate used for armour, protection,
structural and wear resistant applications. Applications include naval, submarine, protected vehicle, tank, police and riot squad, emergency response and armoured cars platforms.

US Army qualified manufacturer of armour steel plates. Producer of high strength/ high toughness steel plates for the Australian Collins Class Submarine hull and FFG frigates. Highly consistent and stable production,
capable of both longrun production and small batch specialised
production. Individual plate testing for hardness and mechanical properties,
with certification available per plate. Full ballistic test reporting across a range
of ballistic threats.

Contact Details

Australian Industry Capability Team

bdasupplychain@boeing.com

Boeing

www.boeing.com

Boeing Defence Australia (BDA) is integral to the region’s defence industry. What sets us apart is our entire program lifecycle expertise combined with an enduring commitment to a strong Australian defence industry. We deliver best-for-capability solutions including advanced communication systems, integrated mission systems and sustain more aircraft types than any other defence contractor.

BDA’s world-leading Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) was set up at HMAS Albatross at Nowra, New South Wales to support the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Air Arm 723 Squadron to train generations of Navy and Army aircrew transitioning to Australia’s future combat helicopters.

Along with industry partner, Thales Australia, HATS has ensured all Navy and Army aircrew are trained to the highest standards as they move to their operational units.

Business Illawarra

www.businessillawarra.com

Business Illawarra is the region’s peak business organisation. We’re a not-for-profit advocacy group dedicated to the economic development of the Illawarra.

Business Illawarra supports businesses across the Illawarra-Shoalhaven as well the South Coast and Capital regions. The Illawarra region covers the local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.

On behalf of our members, we develop policy, advocate to all levels of government on issues affecting businesses, undertake research to guide greater public and private sector investment in economic infrastructure, and support the development of workforce capacity and skills in our region.

Contact Details

Dave Hager
Project Director – Defence Support

2/57 Graham St
Nowra NSW 2541
(02) 4424 4935
Dave.Hager@ghd.com

GHD

https://www.ghd.com/en/sectors/defence-and-national-security.aspx

GHD recognises and understands the world is constantly changing. We are committed to solving the world’s biggest challenges in the areas of water, energy and urbanisation.
We are a global professional services company that leads through engineering, construction and architectural expertise. Our forward-looking, innovative approaches connect and sustain communities around the world. Delivering extraordinary social and economic outcomes, we are focused on building lasting relationships with our partners and clients.

Established in 1928, we remain wholly owned by our people. We are 10,000+ diverse and skilled individuals connected by over 200 offices, across five continents – Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America, and the Pacific region.
GHD’s Nowra office is one of many regional offices, supporting Defence and industry with engineers, scientists and project managers on a variety of projects.

Contact Details

Clint Evans – General Manager
11 Bellevue Street,
South Nowra NSW, 2541
Australia
+61 (2) 4423 7959
info@globaldefence.com

Global Defence Solutions (GDS)

www.globaldefence.com

Global Defence Solutions (GDS) is an Australian owned company with headquarters in South Nowra, NSW. GDS supplies a range of deployable infrastructure to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including catering, medical, sanitation, air-conditioners, accommodation and command posts. With deployable capabilities incorporating both hard and soft shelters, every solution is custom-built to meet the militaries specific requirements. GDS has a fully equipped repair and overhaul facility in-house, and also provides on-site maintenance as required. Training is provided both in-house and on-site ensuring the ADF get full ROI from their equipment.

Contact Details

Bianca Perry – Chief Executive Officer

0401 030 023
i3net@i3net.com.au

i3net

https://i3net.com.au/

i3net is one of Australia’s leading independent regional association networks of major manufacturers and industry-based companies.

Founded in the Illawarra 20 years ago, i3net provides access to the region’s vast range of manufacturers, engineering service providers and industrial suppliers. i3net’s members represent some of the largest companies in Australia all the way through to SMEs and supply organisations, totalling over 20,000 employees.

i3net was established to promote the collective capacity of its members, engage partner organisations and ensure successful growth for all parties. The power behind the network is the depth of capability that can be provided by one powerful industry resource.

i3net networks with governments, industry associations, business groups and community advocate groups to provide a proactive approach to the development of the project and ensure that the project is localised, relevant and coordinated.

Contact Details

Phil Guy – Executive Director
11 Bellevue Street
South Nowra NSW, 2541
Australia
+61 (2) 4422 8160
info@mellori.com.au

Mellori Solutions Pty Ltd

www.mellori.com.au

Mellori Solutions is an Australian owned company with headquarters in South Nowra, NSW. Mellori is a provider of Electronic Warfare (EW) testing and training services to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Mellori offers controlled environment, real world and field testing to ensure full capability of critical EW equipment. We provide extensive on-site operational and maintenance support capability across a range of applications. With experienced technicians and engineers delivering training solutions that are immersive, collaborative and fit for purpose to enable operators to work to their full potential maximising ROI.

Contact Details

General Enquiries
2/53 Junction Street
Nowra NSW 2541
T: (02) 4423 2517
M: 0435 775 334
sarops@opstar.com.au

OPSTAR

www.opstar.com.au

OPSTAR provides non-technical support capabilities to government and industry.We have an inherent Military Aviation Support capability utilising specialised vehicles and crew. We are not a body hire company, but rather a provider of turnkey capabilities; well equipped and experienced to provide our service anywhere, anytime.

Contact Details

John McKelvie – Managing Director
1 Bubuk Street
Yerriyong NSW 2540
(02) 4422 2700
John.mckelvie@partechsys.com

Partech Systems

www.partechsys.com

Partech Systems is an Australian leader in the provision of avionics test and repair solutions for the most complex aviation platforms. Partech designs and manufactures automatic test system (ATS) test program sets (TPS) and special to type test equipment (STTE) required to test, repair and qualify avionics components for flight. Partech is a 100% Australian owned ISO9001-2105 and DASR 145 accredited company that has nearly two decades of experience across the most advanced aerospace technologies. Partech’s team has worked on key components of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft and continues to support the MRH-90 aircraft for Airbus Helicopters. With the acquisition of a Lockheed Martin LM-STAR® automated test system Partech operates a Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility for important ADF platforms across air, sea and land. Partech is part of a world-class aerospace and avionics manufacturer in the Leonardo Company. Leonardo provides avionics to many aircraft types for military companies in over 50 countries.

Contact Details

Local Contact Details
Albatross Aviation Technology Park
39 Wugan Street
Yerriyong, NSW, 2540
+61 2 4428 4000
General Enquiries
1800 729 843
Community Relations
corporatecommunications@raytheon.com.au

Raytheon Australia

www.raytheon.com

Raytheon Australia is a capability partner for Australia’s Defence, delivering whole-of-life solutions to the Australian Defence Force. Since its establishment in 1999, Raytheon Australia has committed to developing a truly sovereign workforce and comprehensive defence capability for Australia.

Our team of 1,500 employees, which includes over 700 engineers and technicians, successfully deliver on a range of diverse programs in Joint Battlespace Systems, Mission Systems, Above Water Systems, Under Water Systems and Weapons.
Our commitment to developing Australian Industry Capability is engrained across all of our programs, as is our investment in creating domestic and export opportunities for Australian SMEs.

Raytheon Australia has had a longstanding presence in the Shoalhaven region with our current Joint Adversarial Training & Testing (JATTS) program providing jobs for over 100 people in the region. This team deliver airborne electronic warfare, aerial opposing force, aerial targets, and training and testing services to the ADF.

Contact Details

General Enquiries
81a North Street,
Nowra, NSW, 2541
(02) 4422 9011
admin@rdafsc.com.au

Regional Development Australia Far South Coast

www.rdafsc.com.au

RDA – Far South Coast is a key facilitator for change and development in the NSW South Coast region. We work towards the growth of the economy and the creation of increased job opportunities. As part of our economic development role RDA – Far South Coast places a strong emphasis on the strengthening of infrastructure, including social infrastructure. RDA Far South Coast partners with all levels of government and community to enhance the growth and development of the south coast to build a connected, innovative and sustainable region.

Contact Details

RSL LifeCare Limited
124 Wallace Street
VS Nowra NSW 2541

Wellbeing Centre Manager
M: 0472 761 113
Lesley.Labka@rsllifecare.org.au

RSL LifeCare

https://rsllifecare.org.au/veteran-services/veteran-wellbeing-centres/nowra/

RSL LifeCare is a not-for-profit organisation, serving Australian veterans and their families for over 110 years. The Nowra Veteran Wellbeing Centre offers veterans and their families a variety of support and wellbeing services including DVA claims and advocacy, financial, and employment assistance. The Centre is used by a range of partner organisations and facilitates events and opportunities for social connection amongst the serving and ex-serving veteran community. In 2023, we had over 2,900 veterans or visitors check in to our centres, taking part in more than 160 events with over 6,500 attendees, including social celebrations, fitness sessions, art classes, and more

Contact Details

Andrew Watson – General Manager
+61 407 831 265
Andrew.Watson@schiebel.net

Schiebel Pacific Pty Ltd

www.schiebel.net

Schiebel Pacific Pty Ltd (SPL), the Australian subsidiary of the Vienna-based Schiebel Group, focuses on the development, testing and production of the revolutionary CAMCOPTER® S-100 Unmanned Air System (UAS). SPL is backed by Schiebel’s international reputation for quality defence products and exceptional after-sales services. The Australian base provides the Pacific region with a permanent and comprehensive program, logistics and sales hub, demonstrating a commitment to the local industry.

Contact Details

Wayde Peterson
Executive Director Business Enterprises

Wayde.Peterson@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

(02) 4221 6388
0408 751 199

Shellharbour City Council

www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au

Shellharbour City Council’s excellent model of financial sustainability is closely linked to its implementation of economic strategies that have consistently delivered financial and social benefits for our community.

Council’s Business Enterprise team is focused on increasing economic activity within the region both directly through Council’s business assets and indirectly through advocacy and strategic value creation.

Some of the key opportunities Council is currently assessing include:

  • Shellharbour Airport’s potential role in low cost travel.
  • Expansion of business parks within the Shellharbour Airport to drive economic growth.
  • Creation of tourism and new industries surrounding the Shell Cove Marina including the creation of Boat Maintenance Facility to attract new industries and diversify the regions skills base.
  • Increasing the supply of short term rental accommodation opportunities in the region.

Please reach out to Council’s Strategic City Business Development Officer should you wish to find out more about how Shellharbour City Council can help your business or if you want to join us and invest in Shellharbour.

Contact Details

General Enquiries
Local Business Resources
+61 2 4423 3582

admin@shoalhavenbusiness.com.au

Shoalhaven Business Chamber

www.shoalhavenbusinesschamber.com.au
The Shoalhaven Business Chamber (SBC) is proud to represent members from the business, government, education, and not-for-profit sectors. Our focus is on events, advocacy and opportunity.
We are committed to fostering:
*The networking of business owners and managers
*Representation to the three tiers of Government on issues affecting business sustainability and growth.
*Access to pertinent educational opportunities
We are proud to partner with the defence and manufacturing industries in our region as valued members of our local economy and community.

Contact Details

Economic Development Office, Shoalhaven City Council
+61 2 4429 3388

business@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

Shoalhaven City Council

www.business.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/

Shoalhaven Council established an Economic Development Office in the mid-70’s to stimulate the growth in the local economy. The Economic Development team are investment specialists and can assist prospective investors. We can help with tailor-made investment facilitation and information services including:

  • Delivery of programs to support businesses that are:
    • expanding and developing new market opportunities
    • looking to set up greenfield operations
    • planning to relocate to the Shoalhaven.
  • Guidance on setting up a business in the Shoalhaven
  • Helping potential investors identify and develop commercial opportunities in the area
  • Commercial land sales and potential locations
  • Coordination across key government agencies and regulatory bodies
  • Assistance in identifying business-to-business solutions and opportunities
  • Advice on accessing grants, logistics and supply chain operations.

Contact Details

Shoalhaven Professional Business Association

www.shoalhavenprofessionals.com.au

The Shoalhaven Professional Business Association, (spba), actively drives the growth of the Shoalhaven professional sector; facilitating networking opportunities as well as offering mentoring and development programs.

The spba is the driving force in retaining, developing, and attracting professionals to the region.

It is made up of a diverse range of professional industry members, including; defence, allied health, education, legal, finance, marketing, human resources, government and many more.

Through bespoke programs and initiatives, the spba plays a significant role in developing local professionals, as well as supporting and welcoming those moving to the area.

Contact Details

Malcom Wright – General Manager
+61 2 4424 5317

SikorskyAustralia.Gr@lmco.com

Sikorsky Australia

www.sikorsky.com.au

Headquartered in Nowra, Sikorsky Australia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation, and the Asia-Pacific regional hub of the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. With a 60-year history in supporting rotary wing operators in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, we pride ourselves on providing OEM support solutions to our customers.
Sikorsky Australia’s main MRO facility in Nowra is focused on supporting Australia’s Defence capability for the Royal Australian Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk and the Australian Army’s Black Hawk platforms.

Contact Details

Louise Smeets – Managing Director
 21 Durnabah Drive

Woollamia NSW 2540
(02) 4441 6693
info@smetecservices.com.au

SMETEC Services Pty Ltd

www.smetecservices.com.au

Located in Huskisson on the south coast of NSW, SMETEC Services is a proud veteran owned & run company specialising in material processing and product design services.

SMETEC offers a variety of services including:

Laser & Waterject Cutting, 3D Scanning & Industrial Printing, CMM Part Qualification, Sheet Metal Services including Welding & Drafting Services.

Offering everything from one-off services, to multiple part production, our unique approach to industry allows the team to meet every customer’s needs.

SMETEC is ISO27001 & ISO9001 certified and also has DISP membership.

 

Contact Details

Troy Creighton – Managing Director
22 Norfolk Avenue
South Nowra, NSW, 2541
(02) 4423 1989
troy@stormtech.com.au

Stormtech

stormtech.com.au

Stormtech is a specialist in stainless steel fabrication, with capacity to process 20t of stainless steel per month from sheet/coil/profile and tube to finished product.

Stormtech is an award winning and innovative company and is a world leader in the production grates and drains used in sanitary and civil drainage, from aircraft handling areas to showers. 

  • Compliant to ISO9001 
  • WaterMark 2018
  • CSA (North American equivalent of WaterMark)
  • ASSDA member

Contact Details

Manager TAFE Services
Kate Morris
0428 985 674
TAFE NSW Nowra
60 Beinda St
Bomaderry NSW 2541
PO Box 225
Nowra NSW 2541

Tafe NSW

www.tafensw.edu.au

TAFE NSW has extensive experience in providing industry specific consultancy and training services both internationally and within Australia. These range from operator level practical skills training to senior management and professional programs, and cover all aspects of efficient operations. All programs are delivered by highly qualified staff who have vast industry and business experience.

Think Regional

https://thinkregional.com.au/

Think Regional is designed to elevate the employment brand of Regional Australia by showcasing the career pathways available for Regional Career Builders. Think Regional’s website currently features ‘South Coast’ Employers, their unique value proposition, and open opportunities. It aims to ensure regional career opportunities are as well known, understood, and attractive as those in metro areas, so that regional businesses have the people skills, capabilities and capacity to realise their fullest potential. We invite other Industry Bodies and Regional Employers to partner with us and reinforce the message that you really can have it all in Regional Australia. Get in touch with us today to find out more.

Contact Details

Paul Di Pietro

University of Wollongong
Northfields Avenue,
Wollongong 2522

(02) 4221 4887

dipietro@uow.edu.au
paul@fif.org.au

University of Wollongong - Facility for Intelligent Fabrication

www.uow.edu.au/industry

www.fif.org.au

www.uow.info/industry-4-hub 

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is helping link Defence with industry and academia through its strong presence in Defence-related research and training and maritime security. UOW is a founding member of the Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC).

The Facility for Intelligent Fabrication (FIF) is a collaboration between UOW, TAFE NSW and Weld Australia. To ensure the international competitiveness of the Australian fabrication industry, the FIF was established to be a one-stop-shop where it demonstrates Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics, smart sensors, augmented reality, machine learning and automated offline programming. The FIF also provides training and certification for the manufacturing sector.

UOW forms a critical part of the estimated $1.3 billion contract awarded to Thales Australia on automated robotic solutions for the manufacture of the Bushmaster and Hawkei land vehicles. BlueScope Steel and Bisalloy Steels also draw on the experience of UOW to work on providing steels specifically designed to suit the construction of Australia’s future maritime platforms.

UOW has established an Industry 4.0 Hub in the Shoalhaven to specifically provide access to information, training, technology demonstrations and a link to UOW expertise and capabilities. This ecosystem provides a setting to learn about, workshop and implement Industry 4.0 principles such as (but not limited to) robotics, digital twins, smart systems, augmented and virtual reality. UOW Industry 4.0 Hub is working with local organisations such as Mellori and GDS.

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