In 2009, the Northern Territory Government set up two awards in recognition of the valuable contributions by a wide-ranging number of local companies, who provide support to the ADF. This support comes in many forms, from maintenance of land and maritime kit, to infrastructure and garrison support at the bases throughout the Territory. But all of these services achieve the same outcome for defence, in enabling the serving personnel to get on and do the job for which they are employed.

The two awards are:

·Chief Minister’s Award – recognising best overall contribution to the NT defence support industry.

·Minister for Defence Support Award – recognition of achievements by an emerging defence business that has added to the local industry’s capability to service the needs of Defence.

2011 saw the awards offered for the second year, and NT Government have committed to maintaining the awards in future years. The nomination process requires companies to detail their achievements in areas of workforce development, building business capabilities, profiling and promotion of industry capability, establishment of strategic partnerships, research and development, linking industry to opportunity or development of strategic infrastructure.

This year’s awards were very successful and culminated in 2 very worthy winners being presented with their plaques at the AIDN-NT Gala Dinner on October 25th.

Hydraulink (NT) Pty Ltd was awarded the Chief Minister’s Award and recognised as the most outstanding Northern Territory business supporting Defence for 2011. Hydraulink NT was recently appointed the Australian service partner of Vestdavit, a prime Defence contractor that supplies the davits fitted to the Royal Australian Navy’s Armidale-class Patrol Boats. Hydraulink NT provides through life support for these davits. It has grown its capability in support of Defence through the development of new infrastructure, implementation of quality and safety standards and systems, and the ongoing investment in training and development of its specialist workforce. 

Stuart Kenny accepting the award from the Hon Rob Knight, Minister for Defence Support, on behalf of Hydraulink.

Minister for Defence Support Award

For outstanding emerging Defence business

Territory Surgical Supplies

Territory Surgical Supplies was awarded the Minister for Defence Support Award in recognition of the most outstanding emerging defence support business that has added to local industry capability. Territory Surgical Supplies is contracted by Aspen Medical, a prime contractor to Defence, to provide pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to the Australian Defence Force for local and remote operations in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland. Their reach has also extended in support of Defence operations in Timor Leste and the South Pacific region. It has strategically positioned itself to support Defence with the development of service centre hubs in Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine. Paul Sharp accepted the award on behalf of Territory Surgical Supplies.

Mr Paul Sharp, CEO and Mr Christopher Pyne, accepting the Award from the Hon Rob Knight, Minister for Defence Support on behalf of Territory Surgical Supplies.

Driven and talented young people are the key to the future of the defence industry.  In order to recognise individuals who may be future industry leaders, AIDN has created the AIDN Young Achiever Award. The AIDN-NT Young Achiever Award recognises an outstanding young individual in the defence industry in the Northern Territory.  The winner of the award is eligible to enter the AIDN National Young Achiever Award which will be presented at the ADM Defence Summit Awards Function as part of the ADM Conference in Canberra 21 – 22 February 2012.

 AIDN-NT YOUNG ACHIEVER 2011

David Powling 
DRAKE INTERNATIONAL

 



The winner of the 2011 AIDN-NT is David Powling.  David is a contractor with Drake International who is employed as a Production Clerk for 1^st Armoured Regiment, Robertson Barracks.  In the time David has spent at 1^st Armoured Regiment his knowledge of the Maintenance System has assisted with the implementation of a number of complex procedures and changes to maintenance processes. These include the introduction of Maintenance Schedule Tasks (MST’s), the change over from Military Inventory Management System (MIMS) to MILIS, the introduction of M113AS4 fleet of vehicles (FOV); the change of servicing schedules for the Land Rover, Unimog and Mack fleet of vehicles.

Currently David is supporting 1 ARMD Regt to reduce the servicing frequency of the M1A1 Abrams Tank, by providing evidence of operating statistics and maintenance hours spent on the vehicles.

David has displayed a determined commitment to performing his work tasks to the highest level thereby supporting 1 Armoured Regiment to achieve its maintenance goals and targets in the most efficient and productive manner possible.  David has undertaken numerous courses to develop his knowledge and skills

David Powling, Drake International accepting the Young Achievers Award from Mr Mark Smith, President of AIDN-NT.

It is with regret Australian Industry and Defence Network Northern Territory (AIDN-NT) announces that the long serving President of AIDN-NT, Mr Mark Smith, will not be seeking re-election at the upcoming Annual General Meeting of the Association.  Mark has been a driving force in AIDN-NT, having been a member since AIDN-NT’s inception and serving as President for the last 10 years. During this period he has overseen the development of significant gains and programs for SMEs working in the defence industry in the Northern Territory.  He was instrumental in negotiating the Northern Territory moratorium at the commencement of the current Defence Integrated Distribution System and Land Maintenance contract to ensure the inclusion of local defence industry SMEs .  Other significant achievements include the development and implementation of the Defence Education and Learning (DEAL) program which is the premier training program offered to AIDN-NT members.