Office of the Industry Advocate

Congratulations to Ventia for hosting a successful ‘Indigenous Business Month Deadly Networking’ event at Tauondi Aboriginal College yesterday, attended by Susanne Panagaris, Lead Consultant Aboriginal Business. Aboriginal businesses had the opportunity to meet and pitch a diverse range of goods and services to Ventia buyers across AGFMA, T2D and Defence at this showcase. It was an afternoon of great conversations and meaningful engagement. Well done to all involved, in particular Matthew Rogister.

Did you know that BHP’s Group Procurement Officer, Rashpal Singh Bhatti, has chosen to make Adelaide the base for his role? With more than 20 years experience with BHP, Mr Bhatti has moved from Singapore to our great city. Welcome! What a great opportunity for South Australian businesses to have access to the person who oversees 8500 suppliers to BHP, not only in South Australia, but around the world! Mr Bhatti spoke at an event for the company’s suppliers at the Marriott Hotel last night along with BHP’s Global Chief Commercial Officer Rag Udd and Asset President of Copper for South Australia Anna Wiley. Also in attendance were the SA Treasurer Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP, SA Skills Commissioner Cameron Baker and SA Industry Advocate John Chapman OAM.

🚀 You won't want to miss out on our next event on Friday 1 November at the Factory of the Future! ⭐ Innovating Construction: Advanced Manufacturing and Skills for the Future ⭐ Hear how the Factory of the Future helps businesses of all sizes extend resources, scale capabilities, and build valuable connections with multinational companies—insights that will be crucial given the number of major infrastructure projects underway in South Australia. The T2D Alliance will explore digital engineering, systems integration, and modern construction methods, while TafeSA highlights new and current courses tailored to develop essential skills for South Australia’s major projects, alongside strategies for engaging apprentices and building strategic industry partnerships. At the end of the event, you will have the opportunity to explore the incredible facilities at the Factory of the Future. With spaces limited, register now as this event is not to be missed ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gQDezY5U

Victor Harbor businesses showed up in force today at the Small Business Round Table, opened by The Hon. Andrea Michaels MP, Minister for Small and Family Business. John Chapman OAM, Industry Advocate, emphasised his key role in ensuring South Australian businesses gain fair access to government procurement, maximising the number and diversity of South Australian businesses winning and participating in State-funded projects. Also speaking were Adam Reid, Chief Executive of the Department of State Development, and Nerissa Kilvert, the South Australian Small Business Commissioner. A big thank you to Stephanie Wasley and her team at the Department of State Development for organising this key event. The government is eager to hear from small businesses—don't miss your chance to get involved!

Phillip Dowsett and Susanne Panagaris attended the The Circle First Nations Entrepreneur Hub Business Showcase 2024 today! It was an incredible opportunity to connect and celebrate First Nations businesses. A special highlight was the presence of the Far North Aboriginal Economic Collective (FNAEC), who represented regional Aboriginal businesses from across the Far North. The FNAEC team plays a vital role in promoting economic development for Aboriginal communities, ensuring these businesses have access to valuable opportunities, resources, and networks.

The Office of the Industry Advocate is proud to support Tactic - Connecting Regional Industry and the SA Government at the upcoming Major Project Connect- Whyalla event on Thursday 14 November 2024. This event is designed to inspire Whyalla and surrounding businesses to tap into opportunities with upcoming projects in the Upper Spencer Gulf and beyond. Discover new sectors, expand your network, and explore exciting project opportunities. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, a member of Tactic or not, this is a fantastic opportunity to make valuable connections and gain insights that can propel your business forward. Make sure you also say hello to Phillip Dowsett and Susanne Panagaris who will be at the event representing the Office. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀 Date: Thursday, 14th November 2024 Time: 2pm to 4pm Location: Mint Café Lawns, Uni SA Campus, 111 Nicolson Ave, Whyalla Norrie Why Attend? > Network with Industry Leaders: Meet key decision-makers for an informal chat and learn how your business can fit into larger projects. > Explore Opportunities: Discover new and existing supplier opportunities and increase your knowledge on the largest mining and energy projects in regional SA. > Diversify Your Business: Broaden your business prospects and explore new avenues for growth, no matter your experience level. ➡️ Register now to attend: https://lnkd.in/gprM6TQj

Fantastic visit today by Industry Advocate John Chapman OAM to Bedford Group at Panorama and a big thanks to hosts Natalie Radford - Business Solution Provider and Melinda Rossiter - Head of Sales. Bedford Group collaborate with businesses across South Australia and nationally, offering a diverse range of services. These include kitchen and cabinet manufacturing, commercial joinery and accommodation fit-outs, timber processing and contract cutting, landscape construction, and corporate uniforms and workwear solutions, just to name a few. All of this is made possible by their talented team, who overcome barriers to employment, including disability.

📣Time is Running Out to Register for the Innovating Construction Panel Session! Join us at the Factory of the Future on Friday, 1 November 2024, for a must attend event. Hear directly from experts at the Office of the Industry Advocate, Factory of the Future (Flinders University), T2D Alliance (Torrens to Darlington Project), and TAFE SA as they discuss how advanced manufacturing and skilled apprenticeships are shaping the future of construction. If you're in the construction industry and looking to stay ahead with cutting-edge innovations, this event is a must-attend. Don’t wait—secure your spot today!   Date: Friday, 1 November 2024 Location: Factory of the Future Register here: https://lnkd.in/gQDezY5U

John Chapman OAM, Industry Advocate, is in Port Pirie today for the Tactic - Connecting Regional Industry "Meet the Buyer - Port Pirie Edition"! This event is a fantastic opportunity to network with regional businesses in the Upper Spencer Gulf and explore procurement opportunities with local supply chains. The Office of the Industry Advocate works closely with Tactic - Connecting Regional Industry and supports all the hard work they do in the regions. Make sure you follow Tactic - Connecting Regional Industry to ensure you don't miss out on future events!

Join us at the Factory of the Future on Friday 1 November, for an exclusive panel session on the pivotal role of advanced manufacturing in transforming the construction industry. This event will explore how businesses can utilise advanced technologies and digital innovations to enhance their capabilities in major construction projects. Our expert panel features: John Chapman OAM, Industry Advocate will explain the role of the Industry Advocate, the South Australian Industry Participation Policy and what resources the Office of the Industry Advocate offers to assist South Australian business with government procurement. Stuart Davis, Senior Manager (Industry Programs), will discuss how the Factory of the Future (Flinders University) collaborates with businesses to drive advanced manufacturing solutions and the significance of digitisation in today’s industry. Ron Azzi, General Manager of TEK (Technology, Engineering and Knowledge) Division with T2D Alliance, will share insights into advanced manufacturing systems being applied to construction, with a focus on innovative methods used in their major construction projects. Julie Pisano, Director of Strategic Industry Partnership with TAFE SA, will present on the critical role of skilled apprenticeships and the training and skilling approaches available through TAFE SA.  Spaces are limited, for more information and to register please click the link below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gQDezY5U