Territory positions itself at centre of national defence push: Finocchiaro
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has launched the Northern Territory Defence Strategy 2026 as Defence Week begins in Darwin.. Announced today during a keynote address at the Northern Australia Defence Summit, Chief Minister and Minister for Defence NT Lia Finocchiaro outlined the five key priorities: Maritime sustainment, Army’s Littoral Pivot, Northern Theatre Logistics, Northern Basing and Ranges and Innovation, Test and Evaluation.
Alice project for US defence firm
An American defence contractor, Lockheed Martin Australia, is seeking planning approval for a "global navigation satellite system reference station" in Ilparpa Road, near the popular claypans. The facility is part of a satellite based system pinpointing locations to the accuracy of as little as 10 centimetres, and while it is described as a civilian asset it clearly can have military applications.
A better lifestyle through a stronger economy – Crisafulli Government delivers aviation academy for North Queensland’s defence workforce: Bates
The Crisafulli Government is delivering skilled jobs and long-term training pathways for Queenslanders, with the Townsville Aviation Training Academy opening its doors and welcoming its first group of defence aviation apprentices this week. Delivered through Aviation Australia the academy will provide specialist training to support Boeing Defence Australia’s new maintenance workforce for the Australian Army’s AH-64E Apache helicopters, alongside the expanding CH-47F Chinook program.Â
Missiles made in Port Wakefield
Austinn Lane. A new missile manufacturing facility at Proof Range, south of Port Wakefield, is the only site outside the US authorised to produce the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System ... The facility marks a major step forward in Australia's missile capability, creating around 20 on-site manufacturing jobs and supporting hundreds more ...
HMAS Canberra visit Lord Howe Island
HMAS Canberra visited Lord Howe Island on the 18th and 19th of November. The sailors came ashore in shifts to enjoy the Island, and our school children went aboard the ship to take a glimpse at shipboard life ... Throughout the two-day visit, Navy personnel spent time on the Island and were warmly received by the community.
A Spartan and two Growlers visit Pearce air base for Amarok reach
Originally from Perth, Flight Lieutenant Hayden Krammer was back at Pearce air base this week at the controls of a C-27J Spartan ... The C-27J, which bridges the gap between army helicopters and bigger air force aircraft, was in Perth taking part in flying activities as part of the preparedness and integration exercise Amarok reach ... WGCDR Porche ... said Defence was getting back to pre-Covid 19 coverage.
Mid Murray’s economic growth potential highlighted
Christine Webster. Swan Reach, west of Morgan, plus Truro and Mannum, have been suggested as having the most potential for accommodating development in a draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy for the Mid Murray ... The draft strategy said the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve presented significant economic development opportunities across several industries...
Alistair’s flying visit
Squadron Leader Alistair Smith, from 2 Operational Conversion Unit, has been in Victoria for the past two weeks for the Australian International Airshow held at Avalon as the AIA25 Detachment Commander and one of the F-35 Lightning II pilots ... Alistair is the son of former Birchip residents Eileen and Ian Smith and completed his primary and secondary schooling at Birchip P-12 School.
