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Real work, shared purpose: DMTC stands with Indigenous businesses

A cyber security contract with Willyama Services is the first major DMTC undertaking with the Indigenous sector since a Memorandum of Understanding between DMTC and the Indigenous Defence & Infrastructure Consortium (IDIC) was signed at DMTC’s Annual Conference in March.

“At our Conference, I made the point that collaboration isn’t just about signing MoUs or keeping lists of organisations you’ve spoken to,” DMTC Chief Executive Mark Hodge said.

“It’s doing real work together with a shared purpose. That is true of DMTC’s collaborations with all our partners and it’s certainly true of our involvement with IDIC, so much so that we put it on ourselves not to publicise the MoU until there was something real to show for it,” he said.

In addition to direct contracts with Indigenous businesses like Willyama, who are also an iDiC strategic partner, the MoU with IDIC will explore ways DMTC and the IDIC can work together to build sovereign industrial capability in the Australian defence sector.

“We already work with small businesses across Australia to introduce them to opportunities in the defence sector and to undertake technology transfer to build up regional clusters of capability,” Dr Hodge said.

“Opening up opportunities for the IDIC and its member companies is something we’re delighted to do.”

Founded in 2016, the IDIC’s key aim is to develop sustainable Indigenous-owned Australian businesses and take advantage of substantial investments in Australia’s defence sector. The IDIC is led by Chief Executive Officer, Adam Goodes.

“We have already had opportunities to engage with DMTC through our strategic partner BAE Systems Australia, and also with DMTC’s industrial and research partners,” Mr Goodes said.

“This contract is great news for Willyama, but with the leadership and drive that Mark and the team at DMTC are showing, we are really confident that it’s just the first of many for our partners,” Mr Goodes said.

“We are excited about working alongside DMTC to identify opportunities to demonstrate the expertise and breadth of the Indigenous business sector in Australia.”

DMTC is working towards the release of its first Reconciliation Action Plan later this year.