An Evening with the Australian Defence Force: Showcasing the Importance of Defence Infrastructure in the Riverina-Murray
Last week we hosted An Evening with the Australian Defence Force at the CSU Riverina Playhouse.
Thank you to our partners Charles Sturt University and sponsors Riverina Water who helped to bring this event to fruition.
This significant evening brought together senior Defence leaders, government officials, educators, and industry stakeholders to spotlight the national and regional importance of Defence assets located in the Riverina-Murray.
Attendees explored how the region’s major bases—RAAF Base Wagga, Blamey Barracks (Kapooka), and the Albury-Wodonga Military Area—continue to contribute to Australia’s national security while unlocking long-term economic, education, and workforce benefits across our communities.
The event featured a compelling keynote address, an insightful panel discussion with leading Defence representatives, a vibrant networking reception.
Speakers Include:
Dr John Coyne - Australian Strategic Policy Institute
Group Captain Kerry Hollings AM - RAAF Base Wagga Wagga
Colonel Matthew Freeman - Army Logistics Training Centre
Colonel Gerard Kearns CSC - 1st Recruit Training Battalion
Moderator: Dianna Somerville - Chair, RDA Riverina
Event Outcomes:
Highlighted the strategic importance of Defence infrastructure in the Riverina-Murray Identified new opportunities for collaboration across education, innovation, and investment Strengthened community and industry partnerships with the Defence sector.
Image: Rachel Whiting, CEO, RDA Riverina
Image: Dr John Coyne, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
Image: Panel Discussion
Image L to R: Colonel Gerard Kearns - CSC 1 Recruit Training Battalion, Dianna Somerville - Chair RDA Riverina, Colonel Matthew Freeman - Army Logistics Training Centre, Group Captain Kerry Hollings - AM RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Dr John Coyne - Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and Rachel Whiting - CEO RDA Riverina.
Image L to R: Colonel Gerard Kearns - CSC 1 Recruit Training Battalion, Dianna Somerville - Chair RDA Riverina, Group Captain Kerry Hollings - AM RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Kay Hull AO - Former Member for Riverina , David Bardos - Board Member RDA Riverina, and Colonel Matthew Freeman - Army Logistics Training Centre.
Image L to R: David Bardos - Board Member - RDA Riverina, Melissa Boxall - Board Member RDA Riverina, Dianna Somerville - Chair RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting - CEO RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello - Operations Manager RDA Riverina, Sara Johnston - Communications Coordinator RDA Riverina.
