Geelong to show off its defence industry capability

GEELONG’S strengths and potential in the defence industry will be on show through a three-way partnership at next week’s AVALON 2023.

The City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University and Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) will jointly present a stand at the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence Exposition in Hall 1 from Tuesday, February 28 to March 5.

 

Geelong provides access to a wide range of supply chain capabilities and expertise across several sectors, including manufacturing, engineering and advanced materials, research and development, support services, and information communications and technology.

The region is being touted as having 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 companies 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 global decision-makers.

 

The City of Greater Geelong and Changwon City in South Korea also 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 at the Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence to be built at the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct.

 

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.

“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.”