Darwin. 16 August 2013. Nominations are now open for the 2013 Defence Support Industry Awards.

The awards recognise local businesses that work hard to support the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Minister Elferink, who launched the awards on behalf of the Minister for Defence Liaison and Defence Industry Support, David Tollner, said the defence support industry is an important contributor to the Territory’s economy.

“Approximately 9.5 per cent of Australia’s Defence personnel living here and in addition to this, more than five per cent of total Defence expenditure occurs in the Territory,” Mr Elferink said.

“This creates significant opportunities for local businesses, which are able to provide a range of services from support for high-tech Defence equipment through to basic repairs and maintenance.”

An example of a local business that has made the most of these opportunities is NT Marine Engineering & Electrical, who recently moved to a new facility in Berrimah which was officially opened today by Mr Elferink.

NT Marine Engineering & Electrical won a Defence Support Industry Award last year and has continued to go from strength-to-strength.

Managing Director Daniel Klein established the businesses in 2008 to provide mechanical and electrical services to the Defence, mining, tourism and oil and gas sectors.

In just two years, Daniel quadrupled his staff from three to 12, formed a sister business – NT Marine Industrial Supplies – and formed a regional branch in Mackay, Queensland.

“This is an excellent example of a successful and agile Territory company looking outside of the square and making inroads into markets external to the Territory,” Mr Elferink said.

After winning a 2012 Defence Support Industry Award, Daniel was sponsored by the Territory Government to undertake the Defence and Industry Study Course.

The course enabled Daniel to gain a detailed knowledge of Defence procurement procedures as well as allowing him to network with high level decision makers from Defence and major prime contractor companies.

In 2013, the business signed a major service level agreement with Millennium Offshore Services (MOS) and is the first Australian company to do so. Under the agreement, the business will provide mechanical and electrical services to offshore accommodation facilities supporting operational oil and gas facilities. The value to the business is in the order of $300,000 per year.

All businesses working in the Defence industry sector are encouraged to consider nominating themselves or another business for this year’s awards. To nominate contact the Australian Industry & Defence Network NT on 08 8947 2033, email xo@aidnnt.com.auor visit www.dob.nt.gov.au