Media Release

AIDN Announces the Election of the 2024 Board Members and Appointment of Board Positions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18 November 2024

National:

The membership of AIDN has re-elected current Directors Sarah Cullens and Alexander Robinson for an additional two-year period, they have also elected a new board Director, Demi Stefanova for a two-year period at the AIDN National AGM held Thursday 28 November 2024.

The newest AIDN Director, Demi Stefanova, is currently serving as the interim CEO of the Quickstep Group, Demi brings with her a wealth of experience and will be a valuable advocate for Australia’s Defence Industry.

The board continues to represent the diversity of AIDNs membership with members from QLD, Vic, WA, NSW and the ACT.

Carl Quarterman as re-elected unopposed Chair of AIDN National as was Sarah Pavillard as the Deputy Chair, Alexander Robinson as treasurer and Nathalie Sarlin as the company secretary.
“I want to thank Peter Freed who stepped down from the board who has made a valuable contribution in his tenure. Peter’s drive and passion for the SME community is unwavering and he will continue to serve as a member of the AIDN NSW committee. I personally wish to thank Peter for all his efforts, volunteering takes real time and effort and look forward to working with him into the future.” Chair Carl Quarterman said.

The board looks forward to the continuing to work with the outgoing CEO and staff of AIDN during these challenging times for Australia’s Defence Industry. There is an ongoing recruitment activity to replace our current CEO, and the board looks forward to announcing, in due course, the replacement CEO.
AIDN remains committed to ensuring that Australian owned or controlled companies, with an emphasis on the SME sector, can compete in a fair and equitable manner to secure significant work share to support the ADF and create a truly sovereign and resilient Australian Defence Industry.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT
Mr Brent Clark, CEO, Australian Industry & Defence Network.
M: 0409 445 145

ABOUT AIDN

The Australian Industry & Defence Network Incorporated (AIDN) is the peak industry association for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) who support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Defence (DoD).

AIDN represents almost 1000 Australian SMEs, who employ approximately 61,000 of Australian workers across the country.

At a time of national economic and geopolitical uncertainty, our hardworking middle Australians contributed $10.6 billion to the Australian economy in the 2021-22 financial year, through our sovereign supply chains; modern manufacturing practices; research and innovation; skills development; and regional and veteran employment.

AIDN’s nationwide membership is agile and can pivot to support the Australian Government to deliver its urgent needs requirements, but we need clarity on specific capability priorities.

Established in 1995, AIDN represents the interests of Australian SMEs in the Defence and security industry sectors through advocacy, representation and member services. AIDN is committed to supporting the Australian Government in delivering a self-reliant Australia through the development of a sovereign, onshore defence industrial capability, guided by what the ADF requires.