Riverina residents will be able to hear from Defence leaders at the Riverina Playhouse. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
National Defence leaders are set to headline an event that will highlight the national and regional importance of defence assets located in the Riverina region and also feature government officials and educators.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and Charles Sturt University will host ‘An Evening with the Australian Defence Force’ on Wednesday 6 August at the Riverina Playhouse.
The event will feature a keynote address from Director of National Security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute John Coyne, a panel discussion with leading Defence representatives and a networking reception.
RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting said the event would highlight the strategic importance of Defence infrastructure in the region and explore how the region’s military bases such as the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Wagga, Kapooka base and the Albury-Wodonga military area contributed to national security.
The event also aims to identify opportunities for collaboration across education, innovation and investment as well as strengthen community and industry partnerships with the defence sector.
“This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from Defence leaders about the national and regional significance of our local bases,” Ms Whiting said.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Group Captain Hollings to the panel and look forward to a powerful discussion on how Defence can continue to support both national security and regional prosperity.”
Other panellists include RAAF Base Wagga Officer Commanding Ground Academy and Senior Military Representative Group Captain Kerry Hollings, Army Logistic Training Centre Commandant Colonel Matthew Freeman, 1st Recruit Training Battalion Commandment Colonel Gerard Kearns, and RDA Riverina chair Dianna Somerville.
The event will open with a Welcome to Country by senior Wiradjuri elder Cheryl Penrith and a welcome address by RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting.
“Defence is a cornerstone of both national security and regional development,” Ms Whiting said.
“This event is about recognising the strategic value of our local bases and exploring how they can continue to support economic growth, workforce development, and innovation across the Riverina-Murray region.
“The Riverina-Murray region is home to some of Australia’s most critical Defence infrastructure.
“By bringing together Defence leaders, educators, and industry stakeholders, we’re creating a platform for collaboration that can unlock new opportunities for regional capability and resilience.”
An Evening with the Australian Defence Force will run from 5:30 to 8 pm on 6 August at the Riverina Playhouse. Tickets are $25 and can be booked here.
