{"id":8816,"date":"2026-09-03T12:05:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:05:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/8816\/"},"modified":"2026-09-03T12:05:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T12:05:17","slug":"2026-aidn-qld-gala-dinner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/8816\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 AIDN QLD Gala Dinner"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Industry Leaders Gather for the 2026 AIDN QLD Gala Dinner and Young Achiever Award<\/p>\n

AIDN and AIDN QLD were delighted to host more than 156 members and guests to Queensland\u2019s premiere Defence Industry event \u2013 the 2026 AIDN QLD Gala Dinner and Young Achiever Award, held at Brisbane\u2019s Stamford Plaza.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Martin Shaw of Wounded Heroes, AIDN\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s focus on Defence and how they were supporting industry to succeed.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

AIDN QLD would like to pay their sincere thanks for our fantastic sponsors and AIDN QLD Chapter Council \u2013 without whom we could not have provided such as wonderful evening:<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf1f Platinum \u2013 J3Seven
\ud83c\udf1f Gold \u2013 NIOA
\ud83c\udf1f Silver \u2013 IntelliDesign
\ud83c\udf1f Bronze \u2013 WorkSec, Queensland Gaskets, OSAAP Australia and Workforce Success
\ud83c\udf1f Pre-Dinner Drinks \u2013 Steyr Motors Australia
\ud83c\udf1f AIDN QLD Young Achiever Award \u2013 Queensland Government
\ud83c\udf1f 2026 AIDN Charity Partner \u2013 Wounded Heroes<\/p>\n

Our fabulous QLD Chapter Council:<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf1f Dr Rodger Manning, CPP APMP
\ud83c\udf1f Shane Sarlin GAICD
\ud83c\udf1f Sandra Simpson
\ud83c\udf1f Brad Geraghty
\ud83c\udf1f Louisa Loveday
\ud83c\udf1f Priyank Menezes
\ud83c\udf1f Michael Clark
\ud83c\udf1f Frank Harrington
\ud83c\udf1f Jake Bostock<\/p>\n

To download the photos from the event, please click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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