Month: September 2023

In a historic partnership between ADA NZ and the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), a remarkable transformation in apparel systems for NZDF personnel is set in motion with the opening of the first refurbished store at Trentham Military Camp Clothing Store. This momentous event not only modernises the clothing management system but also elevates the operational readiness of NZDF.

The event, held on Tuesday 26th September 2023, was inaugurated by ADA NZ representatives, Program Director Sarah Pender, and Kate Maloney. Expressing gratitude to ADA NZ and NZDF for entrusting them with the task of transforming the clothing stores as part of the NZDF Wearables Supply and Managed Services contract, Sarah Pender emphasized the commitment to efficiency, precision, and excellence in clothing systems.

“Inaugurating this refurbished store is a testament to our unwavering commitment to better equip our Defence personnel and enhance their operational readiness, ultimately contributing to the safety and security of our nation,” stated Pender. Kate Maloney, who played a pivotal role in the store’s opening, added, “Today, we are not just unveiling a physical structure; we are symbolising our shared vision of a future where our Defence personnel have access to the very best in clothing management.”

ADA CEO, Chris Dixon expressed his pride and support for the project. “This is a monumental moment for ADA and the NZDF. We are committed to modernising our facilities and providing the best possible support to our Defence personnel and the teams who support them,” Dixon said.

John Bird, Clothing Coordinator of the Trentham Military Camp Clothing Store, shared his insights into the significance of the occasion. Bird remarked, “My passion for ensuring that our Defence personnel have the best clothing and gear to carry out their duties is what keeps me going. I find it immensely rewarding to support those who serve our country; every customer is important.” He said.

As part of the Trentham opening event, an exclusive first-look tour of the newly refurbished site was offered, providing attendees with a unique opportunity to witness the state-of-the-art facilities up close.
Tony A. P. McQuillan, Director, Defence Equipment Management Organisation of Defence Logistics Command of NZDF, expressed his excitement about the upgraded Trentham Clothing Store and ADA’s commitment to modernising facilities.

McQuillan stated, “The opening of the upgraded Trentham Clothing Store is an exciting milestone in the partnership between ADA and NZDF. It is a clear demonstration of ADA’s commitment to investing in modernising our facilities to enhance the user experience of our sailors, soldiers, and aviators.”

MAJ James ‘Jim’ Maguire, Officer Commanding Trentham Regional Support Centre, also shared his perspective on the event, highlighting the importance of adapting to the new generations of personnel needs and requirements.
Maguire said, “This shows that we’re prepared to adapt to the new generation of soldiers, sailors and aviators, who bring different skills and expectations to the job. Expectations of the future of new recruits, I believe, will include more support and a more welcoming environment to the job and for a supply store like ours.”

Brigadier Rob Krushka, Chief Joint Defence Services, commented on the partnership, saying, “This opening event marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate our partnership with ADA NZ. Together, we are committed to supporting our service men and women and fostering a thriving community.”

The opening of the refurbished Trentham Military Camp Clothing Store is just the beginning of ADA NZ’s efforts to enhance the clothing management experience for NZDF personnel. Further upgrades and improvements are anticipated across other Camps and Bases in the coming months, reaffirming the commitment to delivering excellence and efficiency.

The Australian defence industry has paid tribute to defence personnel, frontline workers, and the efforts of Legacy Australia as the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 passes through Bendigo in Victoria.

The six-month Legacy Centenary Torch Relay travelled through Bendigo on Thursday, 21 September, with runners attending the Bendigo Legacy Club as one of the 45 Legacy Club locations on the journey before concluding in Melbourne on 13 October this year.

The relay aims to raise more than $10 million to support the families of Australian Defence Force men and women who lost their lives or health in conflict.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) chief executive officer Chris Dixon spoke at the conclusion of the Bendigo leg of the relay.

“We have clothed millions of personnel, and the needs of our frontline workers are at the heart of everything we do,” he said at the event.

“It has been humbling to work with Legacy, who are equally as dedicated to our national heroes and been at the forefront of caring for the families of those who have fallen.

“It is an extremely unique privilege but also seems natural that we have supplied uniforms for each of the 1,500 plus torch bearers participating in the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay.

“Just as we have done for those on the frontlines, we have designed and tailored these uniforms to ensure optimum comfort, style, and performance, as they have been supporting our torch bearers in the 55,000-kilometre journey from France to Australia.”

ADA, a corporate partner of Legacy Australia, has designed, manufactured and supplied the uniforms for over 1,500 torch bearers for the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023. The company’s 5,775-square metre dedicated uniform manufacturing facility in Bendigo produces more than 600,000 garments per year and employs more than 120 textile specialists.

ADA head of design and product development manager Melinda Suares said it originally took around five months from initial design concepts to deliver the Torch Relay uniforms.

“It is a true honour to have personally worn a uniform that I designed alongside ADA CEO Chris Dixon to represent ADA as torch bearers for the Bendigo leg of the relay, at a place where Bendigo holds so much significance for ADA,” Suares said.

“The key element of the design was showcased through a sublimated print. The centenary torch logo was an essential part of this uniform design, incorporating the red and blue hues from the logo.

“The design is then complimented with intertwining strips that emerge upon the Legacy logo on the chest.

“The light green and blue stripes form two helping hands, which touch the end of the torch relay logo. This represents (the) unity and harmonious help both Legacy and Defence Health do to support veterans and their families with stability, guidance, and care.

“It was about capturing the true essence of Legacy and what the foundation was all about. Understanding the meaning behind the 100-year centenary torch relay was important in the initial design concept stage.”

Robert Doherty – Defence Connect