Keynote Presenter: The Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC
Overview
Southern Strength are excited to invite you to our May Event at Bradfield Development Authority. Sponsored by Downer Group.
📆 Date: Wednesday, 20th May 2026
🕑 Time: 12.30 – 2.30 pm
🏢 Location: Bradfield Development Authority – Bradfield First Building, Bradfield City.
✏️ Register now
The Honourable Courtney Houssos MLC, NSW Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, will lead a high-level briefing at The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) hosted by the Southern Strength Agile Manufacturing Network.
Minister Houssos will be joined by experts from the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) to provide a comprehensive roadmap for local manufacturers to access government contracts and cutting-edge technology.
Featured Presenter: Hon. Courtney Houssos MLC
Minister Houssos will outline the NSW Government’s “manufacturing renaissance” strategy, specifically focusing on how her department is leveraging the state’s $42 billion annual procurement spend to support local jobs.
- Local Content Targets: Insights into the 50% local content mandate for future transport rolling stock and other sovereign capability projects.
- Procurement Reform: Updates on removing “red tape” to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to bid for government work.
Strategic Partnership & Sponsorship
The event integrates technical and operational support to bridge the gap between policy and practical manufacturing growth:
Downer (Event Sponsor), Daniel Chaplin, General Manager – NSW Projects & Contracts: Getting the NSW Future Fleet program right starts with listening early and building the supply chain relationships that will carry the work for decades to come.
Future Fleet is a generational opportunity for New South Wales. Suppliers aren’t an add‑on for Downer, they’re part of delivery from day one. That means real work across the supply chain, and real opportunities for local businesses and workers. In FY25 Downerspent $1.5 billion with suppliers across NSW, and that scale and capability is exactly what Future Fleet needs to succeed.
Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF):
Learn how to access $200 million in advanced equipment (robotics, AI, and precision machining) at the Bradfield City Centre without the high capital expenditure.
Event Details & Registration
The briefing at The Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF) serves as a critical connection point for the 100+ businesses within the Southern Strength Network.
Venue: Bradfield Development Authority – Bradfield First Building, 215 Badgerys Creek Rd, Bradfield NSW 2556
Registration for this event is essential. Priority will be given to network members.
Get in quick to secure your spot. Members, please use your 2026 Southern Strength Members code at checkout to register.
Check the Southern Strength LinkedIn page for live updates and additional networking breakfast opportunities in the South West.
For any event enquiries, please contact Southern Strength at info@southernstrength.com.au
Registration for this Event is essential. Registrations close on 15th May 2026.