Industry Leaders Gather for the 2026 AIDN QLD Gala Dinner and Young Achiever Award
AIDN and AIDN QLD were delighted to host more than 156 members and guests to Queensland’s premiere Defence Industry event – the 2026 AIDN QLD Gala Dinner and Young Achiever Award, held at Brisbane’s Stamford Plaza.
The evening started with a warm welcome to by AIDN QLD President, Dr Rodger Manning who welcomed dignitaries and guests and provided an acknowledgement to current and emerging serving personnel. Dr Manning also provided an update on AIDN QLD and the activities of the local Chapter.
Martin Shaw of Wounded Heroes, AIDN’s 2026 Charity Partner spoke passionately about the work they do to assist Veterans and their families in times of need and their move into the Townsville region and the success they were having in the community.
Guests then heard a lively update from Queensland Deputy Premier, the Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP who announced the transition of Defence Jobs Queensland to their new brand, Defence Q. The Deputy Premier also spoke about Queensland’s focus on Defence and how they were supporting industry to succeed.
AIDN CEO Mike Johnson took to the stage and praised the AIDN QLD Chapter for their passion for Defence and labelled them a benchmark standard within AIDN. He also spoke about the progress AIDN has made this year through providing detailed feedback to government that lead to seeing real change within defence industry policy.
Platinum speaker, Mr Gareth Molnar of J3Seven spoke open and honestly about the journey of starting and maintaining a small defence industry business in Far North Queensland and the twists and turns he experienced along the way.
Special guest speaker RADM Sonya Bennett AM RAN rounded out the evening with a moving discussion of her journey through defence to reach the Surgeon General and Commander Joint Health within the Australian Defence Force.
A highlight of the evening, as it is every year, was the announcement of the 2026 AIDN QLD Young Achiever of the Year Award, proudly presented by the Queensland Government. Now in its 20th year, the Young Achiever Award showcases Australia’s leading Defence Industry professionals under the age of 30. This year, we are proud to announce the winner for the 2026 AIDN QLD Young Achiever of the Year Award is Louise Robert of Airbus Pacific Australia. Louise will go on to represent Queensland on the national stage in 2027, and will also become an honourary member of the AIDN QLD Committee.
AIDN QLD would like to pay their sincere thanks for our fantastic sponsors and AIDN QLD Chapter Council – without whom we could not have provided such as wonderful evening:
🌟 Platinum – J3Seven
🌟 Gold – NIOA
🌟 Silver – IntelliDesign
🌟 Bronze – WorkSec, Queensland Gaskets, OSAAP Australia and Workforce Success
🌟 Pre-Dinner Drinks – Steyr Motors Australia
🌟 AIDN QLD Young Achiever Award – Queensland Government
🌟 2026 AIDN Charity Partner – Wounded Heroes
Our fabulous QLD Chapter Council:
🌟 Dr Rodger Manning, CPP APMP
🌟 Shane Sarlin GAICD
🌟 Sandra Simpson
🌟 Brad Geraghty
🌟 Louisa Loveday
🌟 Priyank Menezes
🌟 Michael Clark
🌟 Frank Harrington
🌟 Jake Bostock
To download the photos from the event, please click here.
