Building SME capability in defence: workshop series launch

Add to calendar

7-9.30am

Thursday, 28 August 2025

Accessible Features

Social Media Share Links below open in a new window

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin

Cockburn Live events

About the event

The City of Cockburn, in partnership with the Henderson Alliance, is launching a series of focused workshops designed to equip small and medium sized enterprises (SME's) with the skills needed to enter and grow within the defence supply chain. 

This event features two interactive sessions delivered by industry-recognised training providers: 

• Improving Conflict Resolution Skills, with Aveling.
• ​Safe Minds, Safe Work: Managing Psychosocial Hazards, with Future Institute  

Attendees will gain practical strategies to navigate current workforce challenges and build safer, more resilient teams that drive performance and wellbeing. 

The City of Cockburn is home to one of Australia’s most significant maritime and defence precincts and has a strong and growing community of small to medium enterprises supporting the wider defence ecosystem.  

It also supports a $15 billion cluster of marine infrastructure and major industry including Austal, BAE Systems, Civmec, and Luerssen Australia. The region hosts the Australian Marine Complex, a vital sustainment hub for the Royal Australian Navy’s operations in Western Australia. 
 
This workshop offers an important opportunity for SMEs to align with a strategically critical industry and take the first step toward defence sector readiness. 
 
Whether you're an established SME or just beginning your journey into the defence sector, this session is designed to help you build capability, confidence, and connection with industry expectations.