The veteran owned and operated engineering and technology company has designed and implemented multiple training programs to address the skills shortage in the defence industry.

According to the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC), these courses have resulted in more than 20 university graduates receiving more targeted training which aligns with the requirements of the Australian Defence Force.

DTC CEO Libby Day said the Skilling Award was new to the group’s award line-up, but very relevant considering the industry’s current skilled workforce shortage.

“We were impressed by the high calibre of applications, and on behalf of the DTC I would like to congratulate this year’s winners and thank all finalists and nominees who entered this year,” Day said.

“This is the first year we have had a Skilling Award, and it is great to see so many companies investing in their people and implementing programs to address the workforce challenges.”

This year, the DTC Chair Award was renamed to the Tony Martin Defence Industry Achievement Award to pay tribute to the late Tony Martin and honour one of the great advocates of Australia’s defence industry.

“Tony was larger than life and a proud advocate of the defence industry,” said DTC Chair Mike Hartas.

The award went to Jim Whalley, Deputy Chair and Executive Director at Nova Systems.

Nova Systems’ Jim Whalley wins Tony Martin Defence Industry Achievement Award. Photo: supplied

“It was an honour to award Jim Whalley the first Tony Martin Defence Industry Achievement Award,” Hartas said.

“He has championed the growth of numerous businesses here in South Australia, Jim epitomizes the very essence of what this award represents.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close highlighted the AUKUS opportunities for South Australian businesses.

“Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s DTC Defence Industry Awards which recognise the significant contributions and achievements of defence industry members,” Close said.

“Underpinned by world-class advanced manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge research and technology development and a highly skilled workforce, South Australia is recognised internationally as the nation’s shipbuilding capital.

“Events like this enable these innovations and capabilities to take centre stage and recognise the long-standing efforts and expertise of our defence industry in delivering sovereign defence capabilities for our nation.”

DTC Award Winners 2023

Innovation Award: Neumann Space

Skilling Award: DEWC Services

Teaming Award: Leidos Australia and Acacia Systems

Tony Martin Defence Industry Achievement Award: Jim Whalley, Chair and Executive Director at Nova Systems