Avalon 2023

Avalon 2022

Defence Jobs Queensland at Avalon 2023

28 February- 5 March, Avalon Airport, Geelong, Victoria

Queensland’s aerospace and air defence organisations were on show to record-breaking exhibitor numbers and trade day crowds at the Australian International Aerospace and Defence Exposition—Avalon 2023.

The Queensland Government, through Defence Jobs Queensland, exhibited at the event along with leading Queensland aerospace and space companies.

In addition to hosting industry partners on our stand, DJQ co-hosted—with Boeing Australia—a targeted business networking reception and provided support for other Queensland organisations represented at Avalon 2023.

Industry partners joining us on the Queensland Government stand included:

  • Asia Pacific Aerospace (APA) is an Australian company offering gas turbine maintenance, repair and overhaul for the GE-T700 series engines, as well as the Rolls Royce M250 and 300 series engines. APA is contracted to the US Navy for the T700 engines flown in the ROMEO helicopters by the Australian Navy. APA has facilities in Australia and Singapore.

  • Athena Artificial Intelligence aims to improve combat capability for Defence by driving efficiencies and delivering decision superiority, whilst mitigating risk to personnel. Athena AI achieves this by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) across intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) applications to automate the data to intelligence process and create accelerated and more robust decision cycles. Athena AI is one of the only vision-based AI systems on the market that combines AI computer vision, AI enabled decision support, and display of the AI information in a user interface. Athena AI optimises both speed and accuracy of its AI models by creating bespoke hierarchical neural networks for each specific decision support use case. Athena AI combines all these features by design to provide the game changing capability of an AI enhanced callsign, able to operate with legal considerations and drive operational tempo.

  • Black Sky Aerospace (BSA) is AS9100D certified and operates the only licenced explosives manufacturing facility dedicated to solid rocket propellant in the Southern Hemisphere. BSA provides sovereign capability to the defence and space industries with guided weapons and explosive ordnance energetics, precursor chemicals, hypersonic boosters, high-tech rocket components and launch vehicles. BSA operates the world’s largest private launch range (3 million acres) and is 100 percent Australian and Veteran owned and operated.

  • Black6 is an Australian company that specialises in developing Integrated Learning Environments (ILE) utilising adaptive, self-directed learning and Extended Reality Environments (XR) in line with the Total Learning Architecture (TLA). Using the TLA and a combination of intelligence analytics and machine learning, to implement actionable insights from behavioural data, enables an integrated and blended learning environment that allows the complete tracking of learners’ behaviours, activities and outcomes throughout their careers.

  • Flying Colours (FCA) is a leading aircraft repainting provider in the Australasia region, servicing the repaint and corrosion control requirements of civil and defence aircraft and operators. With the capability to strip and repaint aircraft up to Boeing 757-200 over the company’s two facilities, FCA has a proven track record, providing a full suite of high quality, innovative and environmentally sustainable services that ensures all aircraft are repainted to meet or exceed customer expectations.

  • Gilmour Space Technologies is one of Australia's leading space manufacturers, focusing on orbital launch vehicles and satellite platforms, launching initially into low/mid-inclination orbits from the Bowen Orbital Spaceport in Queensland. From 2023, the Eris rocket will provide dedicated and responsive space access to commercial, civil and Defence customers with a launch capacity of up to 1000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Payload customers can consider the 100-kg-class G-Sat, a modular, scalable and launch-agnostic satellite bus/platform.

  • HeliMods is a progressive aerospace technology company with world leading capability in advanced digital design, engineering and manufacturing. The company provides innovative aerospace products and technologies that enable customers to perform a range of complex missions including special operations, aerial policing, search and rescue, and emergency medical retrieval. Backed by a foundation in digital engineering, connected systems, vertically integrated infrastructure and an innovation culture, HeliMods is the only mission systems integrator that can truly offer dynamic capability assurance.

    HeliMods quad chart ( 251.3 KB)

  • Hetech is an established electronics design and manufacturing company in Australia. Hetech is ISO9001:2015 and AS9100 accredited and builds to J-STD-001/IPC-A-610 class 3. The company has significant experience supplying high-quality electronics manufacturing solutions to the defence industry, including clients such as Boeing Defence Australia, Saab Defence Australia and EOS. Hetech provides the industry with an innovative, efficient and quality electronics manufacturing option. Hetech is proudly Australian owned and operated. It’s success is built on the combination of more than 30 years’ experience and 40 experienced and highly skilled resources, who design and manufacture integrated electronic systems for various industries, including but not limited to defence, mining and space.

    Hetech quad chart ( 216.9 KB)

  • IntelliDesign is an electronic design and manufacturing company based in Brisbane. IntelliDesign’s capabilities include electronic product design, printed circuit manufacturing, and final assembly and testing. The company is certified to AS9100D for both design and manufacturing and has been in business for 27 years, providing smart solutions to defence, mining, medical and transportation markets.

  • Jet Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) with some 4,000 employees and 50 locations worldwide. Jet Aviation’s offerings include aircraft management, aircraft sales, charter, completions, defence, FBO, maintenance and staffing. Customers and their assets are Jet Aviation’s top priority, looking after every detail to make aircraft ownership simple. From technical skill and regulatory knowledge to maintenance, planning and crewing, Jet Aviation has the experience, knowledge and network to provide comprehensive turn-key solutions, each designed with the customer and the customer’s safety in mind. Wherever you want to be, Jet Aviation gets you there — seamlessly.

  • L3Harris is the partner of choice providing resilient C5ISR solutions in a contested multi domain environment enabling the Joint Force. L3Harris is a leading supplier of Defence systems and a preferred mission solutions partner that will help protect Australia’s national interest and those of our allies by offering an effective mix of next-generation technology, innovative capability and cost-effective solutions.

    L3Harris quad chart ( 232.1 KB)

  • Next Level Racing® is a global leading manufacturer for racing and flight simulation products. The company’s range of sim racing, flight simulators, and motion products are sold in more than 53 countries and stocked by major retailers around the world. Next Level Racing® is proud to have supplied some of the world’s leading institutions with its products for training and research purposes. Next Level Racing® is also a proud global partner of The Boeing Company, Ferrari, Ford, and Sony.

  • Orion Solar has been helping customers mitigate risk and meet the day-to-day challenges of airfield and obstruction lighting operations since 2004. The company provides LED aviation, marine, and general lighting products and services to assist with operations and quick deployment of aviation lighting. Orion Solar is also working with Defence to develop advance aviation lighting systems that can be deployed efficiently with either Case Kit or Trailer systems for all airfield operations.

  • Pacific Turbine Brisbane has Part 145 MRO, P&W PT6A and Honeywell TPE331 workshops for turbine modification, repair and overhaul. The company offers turbine engine solutions including engine management programs, engine exchange and outright sales; rental and leasing; and in-field repairs. Extensive parts stock (LRU’s, accessories, parts and hardware) are held at the Brisbane facility and supported by a highly experienced team of engineers and sales and technical representatives. The company’s Part 145 holds multiple NAA authorisations including CASA, FAA and EASA.

  • Praxis Aerospace provides aerospace and space professional services in support of Australian defence and civil programs. The company’s experienced and trusted staff deliver aerospace engineering and project management in support of new aircraft acquisitions, aircraft in-service support, upgrade programs and space launch license applications.

  • Protonautics specialises in the manufacture, assembly and testing of precision components and assemblies for defence, law enforcement, medical and aerospace organisations. Protonautics’ AS9100D scope includes machined components, chemical surface treatments and assembly services. The company’s verified network of subcontractors provide a one-stop mechanical solution from prototype to volume production and sustainment. Protonautics is 100% Australian owned and operated and proudly manufactures components for LAND 400 Phase 2, LAND 129 and other defence programs.

  • Revolution Aerospace’s technical services and research & development offerings help clients break down complex autonomous systems problems. The company’s expertise includes systems engineering, policy & regulation, artificial intelligence, advanced sensing and uncrewed traffic management (UTM). Revolution Aerospace’s techniques and solutions are applicable across multiple domains – air, space, land and sea. The company has been able to successfully enable solutions across aerospace, mining and Defence sectors, to name a few.

  • SDI Plastics is a high performing, customer driven plastics manufacturer. SDI’s team provides long term sovereign capability products for the defence industry to design and manufacture injection moulded components for mission critical defence applications. SDI Plastics specialises in providing end to end solutions in product design and innovation, prototyping, toolmaking, injection moulding, manufacturing and packaging, and the distribution of high-quality products across a wide variety of industry sectors within Australia and globally.

  • Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is the gateway airport for Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and provides interstate, intrastate and international connectivity for the region. Toowoomba is set to become the global epicentre of aerospace and defence development and advanced manufacturing with the new Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct.

  • Upton Engineering and Manufacturing (UEM) is a regional advanced manufacturer based in central Queensland. UEM specialises in complex projects and exotic materials, offering a first-class CNC machine shop, extensive medium to heavy fabrication, prototyping and assembly services. Established in 2017, UEM has grown into a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with a certified AS9100 quality management system, employing more than 35 local employees, investing in some the latest technologies Australia has to offer, and training the next generation of skilled workers.

Photo gallery

Avalon 2023 – Boeing Australia and Queensland Government business leaders’ reception

On Wednesday 1 March 2023, DJQ partnered with Boeing Australia to host a networking reception for Defence, aerospace and space business leaders attending Avalon 2023, at Crown Towers in Melbourne.

The reception was attended by 150 representatives from industry, Defence and government, with Boeing Australia’s Vice-President and Managing Director Scott Carpendale delivering the Keynote address, after a welcome speech from Deputy-Director-General Michele Bauer. The Queensland Government’s Strategic Defence Advisor for Aerospace Air Vice-Marshal Neil Hart (Ret’d) MC’d the event.

Queensland Aerospace Roadmap

The Queensland Aerospace 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan identifies new opportunities and solutions to continue to accelerate growth in both the civilian and defence aerospace sectors and to create sustainable jobs well in the future.

Click here for further information and to link to our Aerospace Roadmap.

Queensland Space Industry Strategy

The goal of the Queensland Space Industry Strategy is for Queensland’s space industry to be recognised as a leading centre in Australasia for launch activities, ground systems, Earth observation, niche manufacturing, robotics and automation for space by 2025. With opportunities growing across the globe in space capabilities and systems, Queensland is well-positioned to further harness our enormous potential.

Click here for further information and to link to our Space Strategy.

For further information

Keep up to date by following us @DefenceJobsQld

Alternatively, contact us on 07 3452 7100 or email DJQ@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.

Last updated: 08 Apr 2024