Ever walked out of a Defence industry event thinking, “That all sounds fantastic, but where on earth do I start?”

You’re not alone! With billions being invested in Defence, plenty of industry events and more acronyms than anyone can remember, it’s easy to get excited about the opportunities without knowing what to do next.

In this episode of the Powerhouse Podcast’s Defence Reality Checkseries, Esther Anderson takes us right back to basics. 

We’re talking 10 practical steps to help small and medium businesses understand where they fit, who to contact, where to register and how to find genuine Defence opportunities.

From ODIS and Defence West to ICN Gateway, AusTender and the major contractors already delivering Defence projects, Esther explains where to start, what these organisations can offer and why registering your business is only the beginning.

And here’s the reality check: Not every business needs a Defence contract, and not every Defence opportunity is worth chasing.

We’ve also put together free downloadable guides covering the practical steps, useful contacts and those never-ending Defence acronyms.

No complicated Defence strategy. Just a straightforward starting point for businesses wondering what to do next.

Follow the Powerhouse Podcast:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/
Facebook: Powerhouse Podcast
Website: https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/

Ever walked out of a Defence industry event thinking, &ldquo;That all sounds fantastic, but where on earth do I start?&rdquo;
You&rsquo;re not alone! With billions being invested in Defence, plenty of industry events and more acronyms than anyone can remember, it&rsquo;s easy to get excited about the opportunities without knowing what to do next.
In this episode of the Powerhouse Podcast&rsquo;s Defence Reality Check series, Esther Anderson takes us right back to basics.&nbsp;
We&rsquo;re talking 10 practical steps to help small and medium businesses understand where they fit, who to contact, where to register and how to find genuine Defence opportunities.
From ODIS and Defence West to ICN Gateway, AusTender and the major contractors already delivering Defence projects, Esther explains where to start, what these organisations can offer and why registering your business is only the beginning.
And here&rsquo;s the reality check: Not every business needs a Defence contract, and not every Defence opportunity is worth chasing.
We&rsquo;ve also put together free downloadable guides covering the practical steps, useful contacts and those never-ending Defence acronyms.
No complicated Defence strategy. Just a straightforward starting point for businesses wondering what to do next.
Follow the Powerhouse Podcast: LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/"> https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571035221459">Powerhouse Podcast</a> Website:<a href="https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/"> https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/</a>

S2Ep6 – Where Do I Start? The 10 steps to get you going to work with Defence

Cyber Security & DISP: Is Your Business Really Secure?

You’ve got an IT provider, antivirus, passwords and hopefully multi-factor authentication. So your business is cyber secure, right?

Well, perhaps there’s a little more to it than that.

In Episode 6 of The Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Riaan Bronkhorst from RSM to talk about cyber security from a business perspective, not just an IT one.

Who actually has access to your systems and information? What happens when an employee leaves? If you’ve outsourced your IT, have you also outsourced responsibility for your cyber security? And how would you know if someone had already gained access to your systems?

We also unpack the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP). What is it, when might your business need it, and what does it really take to meet and maintain the requirements?

Then there’s your wider supply chain. You might have your own house in order, but what about the other businesses and providers connected to your systems?

Riaan shares practical advice on understanding your current cyber security position, identifying gaps and deciding where to start.

Because cyber security isn’t simply about protecting your computers. It’s about protecting your business, your information and your ability to keep operating.

And you certainly don’t want to discover the gaps after you’ve won a Defence contract.

Follow the Powerhouse Podcast:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/
Facebook: Powerhouse Podcast
Website: https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/

Cyber Security &amp; DISP: Is Your Business Really Secure?
You&rsquo;ve got an IT provider, antivirus, passwords and hopefully multi-factor authentication. So your business is cyber secure, right?
Well, perhaps there&rsquo;s a little more to it than that.
In Episode 6 of The Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Riaan Bronkhorst from RSM to talk about cyber security from a business perspective, not just an IT one.
Who actually has access to your systems and information? What happens when an employee leaves? If you&rsquo;ve outsourced your IT, have you also outsourced responsibility for your cyber security? And how would you know if someone had already gained access to your systems?
We also unpack the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP). What is it, when might your business need it, and what does it really take to meet and maintain the requirements?
Then there&rsquo;s your wider supply chain. You might have your own house in order, but what about the other businesses and providers connected to your systems?
Riaan shares practical advice on understanding your current cyber security position, identifying gaps and deciding where to start.
Because cyber security isn&rsquo;t simply about protecting your computers. It&rsquo;s about protecting your business, your information and your ability to keep operating.
And you certainly don&rsquo;t want to discover the gaps after you&rsquo;ve won a Defence contract.
Follow the Powerhouse Podcast: LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/"> https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571035221459">Powerhouse Podcast</a> Website:<a href="https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/"> https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/</a>

S2Ep5 - Cybersecurity Isn’t Just an IT Problem: Is Your Business really Secure?

Having the capability to win Defence work is one thing. Having the people and capacity to actually deliver it is another.

In Episode 4 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Charlene Clarke from Catalyst Central to talk about the workforce side of Defence readiness.

What happens when an opportunity lands and you suddenly need more people? Do you have the right skills already within the business? Can your existing team absorb additional work, and how quickly can you realistically recruit if they can’t?

We look at capability versus capacity, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and why thinking about your people before the work arrives can make a significant difference when it’s time to deliver.

Because capability on paper is only part of the picture.

You still need the people behind it.

Download the Defence Reality Check:
https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/defence-reality-check/

Follow the Powerhouse Podcast:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/
Facebook: Powerhouse Podcast
Website: https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/

Having the capability to win Defence work is one thing. Having the people and capacity to actually deliver it is another.
In Episode 4 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Charlene Clarke from Catalyst Central to talk about the workforce side of Defence readiness.
What happens when an opportunity lands and you suddenly need more people? Do you have the right skills already within the business? Can your existing team absorb additional work, and how quickly can you realistically recruit if they can&rsquo;t?
We look at capability versus capacity, workforce planning, recruitment and retention, and why thinking about your people before the work arrives can make a significant difference when it&rsquo;s time to deliver.
Because capability on paper is only part of the picture.
You still need the people behind it.
Download the Defence Reality Check: <a href="https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/defence-readiness-checklist">https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/defence-reality-check/</a>
Follow the Powerhouse Podcast: LinkedIn:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/"> https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerhouse-podcast/</a> Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571035221459">Powerhouse Podcast</a> Website:<a href="https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/"> https://powerhousepodcast.com.au/</a>

S2Ep4 - Defence Workforce: Do You Have the Capability and Capacity to Deliver?

Winning a Defence contract sounds like a good problem to have. But what happens if delivering that contract puts more pressure on your business than you expected?

In Episode 3 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Tom from RSM to talk about the numbers businesses need to understand before taking on Defence work.

Cash flow, payment terms, upfront costs, additional working capital and the cost of actually winning the work can all look very different once a contract moves from opportunity to delivery.

We also look at the financial questions worth asking before you commit. Can your business fund the work? How long can you carry the costs before getting paid? What happens if the project grows, changes or takes longer than expected? And does a bigger contract necessarily mean a more profitable one?

Because sometimes the biggest financial risk isn’t losing the tender.

It’s winning it without knowing your numbers.

Winning a Defence contract sounds like a good problem to have. But what happens if delivering that contract puts more pressure on your business than you expected?
In Episode 3 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by Tom from RSM to talk about the numbers businesses need to understand before taking on Defence work.
Cash flow, payment terms, upfront costs, additional working capital and the cost of actually winning the work can all look very different once a contract moves from opportunity to delivery.
We also look at the financial questions worth asking before you commit. Can your business fund the work? How long can you carry the costs before getting paid? What happens if the project grows, changes or takes longer than expected? And does a bigger contract necessarily mean a more profitable one?
Because sometimes the biggest financial risk isn&rsquo;t losing the tender.
It&rsquo;s winning it without knowing your numbers.

S2Ep3 - Defence Contracts: Can You Afford to Win the Work?

Finding a Defence tender that looks like a good fit for your business can be exciting. But before you start writing a response, there’s a much more important question to ask: should you bid for it at all?

In Episode 2 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by David Lunn from BidWrite to unpack the tender process from a business perspective.

What should you look for before deciding to bid? Do you really understand what the buyer is asking for? Can you demonstrate your capability rather than simply say you can do the work? And what are some of the common mistakes businesses make before they even get to the submission?

This conversation sets the foundation for the episodes ahead, because once you decide to pursue the work, your finances, people, systems, processes and security all start to matter.

Before you spend the time and money chasing a tender, make sure it’s an opportunity worth chasing.

Finding a Defence tender that looks like a good fit for your business can be exciting. But before you start writing a response, there&rsquo;s a much more important question to ask: should you bid for it at all?
In Episode 2 of the Defence Reality Check, Esther Anderson is joined by David Lunn from BidWrite to unpack the tender process from a business perspective.
What should you look for before deciding to bid? Do you really understand what the buyer is asking for? Can you demonstrate your capability rather than simply say you can do the work? And what are some of the common mistakes businesses make before they even get to the submission?
This conversation sets the foundation for the episodes ahead, because once you decide to pursue the work, your finances, people, systems, processes and security all start to matter.
Before you spend the time and money chasing a tender, make sure it&rsquo;s an opportunity worth chasing.

S2Ep2 Before You Bid: Understanding the Defence Tender Process

Defence opportunities are growing across Western Australia, but hearing about billions of dollars of investment and working out what that actually means for your business are two very different things.

In Episode 1, host Esther Anderson introduces Series 2: The Defence Reality Check and sets the scene for the conversations ahead.

From tendering and finance to people, systems, cyber security and DISP, the coming episodes will bring in people with specialist knowledge to answer the questions businesses are asking and explore some of the realities of working in and around Defence.

Because getting an opportunity is one thing. Being ready when it arrives is something else entirely.

Defence opportunities are growing across Western Australia, but hearing about billions of dollars of investment and working out what that actually means for your business are two very different things.
In Episode 1, host Esther Anderson introduces Series 2: The Defence Reality Check and sets the scene for the conversations ahead.
From tendering and finance to people, systems, cyber security and DISP, the coming episodes will bring in people with specialist knowledge to answer the questions businesses are asking and explore some of the realities of working in and around Defence.
Because getting an opportunity is one thing. Being ready when it arrives is something else entirely.

S2Ep1. Introducing the Defence Reality Check

Thinking about contracting to Defence? Tom Hüberli from RSM Australia joins The Powerhouse Podcast to break down the real costs, compliance essentials like ODINS, and why knowing your numbers is key. Discover whether Defence work is right for your business and how to leverage your strengths for success.

EP 13. Defence Ready with Tom Huberli

In this episode, we’re diving into the world of abrasive blasting and surface preparation with the team from BlastOne—an industry leader with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-performance solutions across mining, oil & gas, defence, and infrastructure.

With over 40 years of experience, BlastOne has been at the forefront of blasting technology, equipment, and abrasives, helping companies improve efficiency, safety, and environmental impact. Today, they’re here to talk about cutting-edge innovations, industry best practices, and what businesses should consider when tackling large-scale surface preparation projects.

Ep 12. BlastOne Abbrasive Blasting

Kwinana’s transformation from a quiet town to an industrial powerhouse didn’t happen overnight. Former Mayor Carol Adams joins The Powerhouse Podcast to discuss the role of local government in industry growth, the importance of collaboration, and what makes a region truly work for business and residents alike.

Ep 11: Carol Adams and the Synergy of Local Govt

The circular economy is more than just recycling—it’s about rethinking how industries work together. In this episode, Stephen McGurk from Circular Ecosystems joins us to explore industrial symbiosis, the role of digital platforms, and WA’s position on the global stage after COP26.

Ep 10. Circular Economy with Stephen McGurk

Welcome to the PowerHouse Podcast, your gateway to exploring the vast opportunities across Western Australia's thriving business and industry sectors.

From defence and shipping to manufacturing, mining, resources, renewable energy, and beyond - this is where innovation and collaboration come together. Whether you're focused on business locally or expanding globally, we bring you the latest insights straight from the heart of the Western Trade Coast, the Pilbara, Goldfields and the Southwest. Tune in and stay ahead with exclusive interviews, industry trends, and expert analysis that will help you unlock the potential of WA's most dynamic regions.

www.powerhousepodcast.com.au

Welcome to the PowerHouse Podcast, your gateway to exploring the vast opportunities across Western Australia's thriving business and industry sectors.
From defence and shipping to manufacturing, mining, resources, renewable energy, and beyond - this is where innovation and collaboration come together. Whether you're focused on business locally or expanding globally, we bring you the latest insights straight from the heart of the Western Trade Coast, the Pilbara, Goldfields and the Southwest. Tune in and stay ahead with exclusive interviews, industry trends, and expert analysis that will help you unlock the potential of WA's most dynamic regions.
www.powerhousepodcast.com.au

The Powerhouse Podcast

Welcome to the PowerHouse Podcast, your gateway to exploring the vast opportunities across Western Australia's thriving business and industry sectors.

From defence and shipping to manufacturing, mining, resources, renewable energy, and beyond - this is where innovation and collaboration come together. Whether you're focused on business locally or expanding globally, we bring you the latest insights straight from the heart of the Western Trade Coast, the Pilbara, Goldfields and the Southwest. Tune in and stay ahead with exclusive interviews, industry trends, and expert analysis that will help you unlock the potential of WA's most dynamic regions.

For full details: PowerhousePodcast.com.au

Welcome to the PowerHouse Podcast, your gateway to exploring the vast opportunities across Western Australia's thriving business and industry sectors.
From defence and shipping to manufacturing, mining, resources, renewable energy, and beyond - this is where innovation and collaboration come together. Whether you're focused on business locally or expanding globally, we bring you the latest insights straight from the heart of the Western Trade Coast, the Pilbara, Goldfields and the Southwest. Tune in and stay ahead with exclusive interviews, industry trends, and expert analysis that will help you unlock the potential of WA's most dynamic regions.
For full details: <a href="https://powerhousepodcast.com.au">PowerhousePodcast.com.au</a>

Powerhouse Podcast

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