Events
De Stefano & Co regularly sponsor and support defence industry events, including collaborating with industry associations to present on topics of interest to their members. If you would like to speak with us about supporting an event, please call our team on 1300 438 347 or email enquiry@destefanoandco.com.au.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AIDN Queensland Defence Industry Capability Edge (DICE) Micro-Credentialling Program
Module 4: Security and DISP
ONLINE OR IN-PERSON - 1pm to 5pm on Thursday 10 April 2025 at Toowoomba Golf Club
The team at De Stefano & Co is excited to join forces with AIDN QLD, BidWrite and Buzzworks to deliver the latest round of the AIDN Queensland Defence Industry Capability Edge (DICE) Micro-Credentialling Program in partnership with the Queensland Government.
The program offers a range of micro-credentialling courses to enhance defence industry's capabilities, competitiveness, resilience, business processes and security maturity.
De Stefano & Co is proud to be delivering the "Defence Security and DISP" course, with our Head of Protective Security Services, Jeremy Watkinson presenting. The in-person course covers Defence security requirements, the DISP program, key ICT security concepts and a range of other security topics including Australian versus international security standards, AUKUS, security grants available and more. Full course details are available here.
Courses are free to AIDN members (using the discount codes provided via email) and just $400+gst for non-members.
Future course dates are planned for Maryborough and Townsville. Please stay tuned for further information, or check the Events page of the AIDN website.
PAST EVENTS
WEBINAR
Maintaining DISP Compliance: Updates, insights and key takeaways
Held on Thursday 20 March
De Stefano & Co proudly partnered with the Henderson Alliance to present this one-hour webinar on the latest changes to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
In late 2024, a number of changes were made to the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF), adding to the already complex DISP membership requirements. Governance, auditing and reporting requirements have changed, with perhaps the most daunting update being the elevation from Maturity Level 1 of the Essential Eight to Maturity Level 2.
On Thursday 20 March, presenters Jeremy Watkinson and David Kameniar covered:
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A brief introduction to the DISP program
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Details of the latest changes, including:
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cyber security requirements
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physical security requirements
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governance requirements
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annual reporting and audit updates
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An overview of incident response plans
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Advice to save you time and money when going to market for support
Tracy Pierce also provided information on the Security stream of the Defence Industry Development Grants (DIDG) Program for those who want to access funding to uplift their organisation's security.
AIDN Queensland Defence Industry Capability Edge (DICE) Micro-Credentialling Program
Module 4: Security and DISP
Held on Thursday 27 February 2025 at TAFE Queensland Mooloolaba Campus
The team at De Stefano & Co was excited to join forces with AIDN QLD, BidWrite and Buzzworks to deliver the AIDN Queensland Defence Industry Capability Edge (DICE) Micro-Credentialling Program in partnership with the Queensland Government.
The program offers a range of micro-credentialling courses to enhance defence industry's capabilities, competitiveness, resilience, business processes and security maturity.
De Stefano & Co is proud to be delivering the Defence Security and DISP course, with our Head of Protective Security Services, Jeremy Watkinson presenting. The in-person course covers Defence security requirements, the DISP program, key ICT security concepts and a range of other security topics including Australian versus international security standards, AUKUS, security grants available and more. Full course details are available here.
Courses are free to AIDN members (using the discount codes provided via email) and $400+gst for non-members.
Stay tuned for future course dates as they come available.
WEBINAR
Navigating the latest DISP changes: Compliance tips and expert insights
Held on Thursday 12 December 2024
De Stefano & Co was proud to partner with the Defence Teaming Centre to present a one-hour webinar on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
Recent changes to the Defence Security Principles Framework (DSPF) have foreshadowed large impacts for new and existing DISP members. From upgrading to the Essential Eight at Maturity Level 2, through to revised audit and reporting requirements, there are numerous changes that organisations need to comply with in order to either attain or maintain their membership.
Presenters Jeremy Watkinson and David Kameniar covered:
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A brief overview of the DISP program
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An explanation of the recent changes, including the new cyber security requirements, physical security requirements, annual reporting and audit updates, as well as an introduction to incident response plans
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Tips and tricks to save you time and money when going to market for support
De Stefano & Co were proud to partner with the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) to present this webinar.
WEBINAR
DISP: Attaining membership, maintaining compliance and what the future holds
Held on Wednesday 10 July 2024
On Wednesday the 10th of July, De Stefano & Co's Jeremy Watkinson and David Kameniar had the pleasure of presenting a webinar on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), covering:
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An introduction to DISP and upcoming changes to the program
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The expected impacts of AUKUS
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The latest word from the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB)
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Ongoing membership obligations and how to maintain compliance
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Lessons learned, including insights gained from De Stefano & Co’s DISP clients
The team were thrilled to receive over 250 registrations for the event, which ran for just over 1 hour to include time for attendees to ask questions.
De Stefano & Co are proud to have partnered with AIDN to present this event.
WEBINAR
The future of DISP: Upcoming changes and the impact of AUKUS
Held on Thursday 23 May 2024
On Thursday the 23rd of May, De Stefano & Co's Jeremy Watkinson and David Kameniar presented a webinar on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), covering:
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The current state of play
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Upcoming changes to the program
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DISP in the AUKUS era – What to expect
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The latest news from the Defence Industry Security Branch (DISB)
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Best practices when applying for membership and maintaining compliance
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Lessons learned – Including insights gained from De Stefano & Co’s DISP clients
The session ran for approx. 1 hour and included time for attendees to ask questions.
De Stefano & Co are proud to have partnered with the Henderson Alliance to present this event.
Presentation | DISP changes, best practices and lessons learned
Held on Wednesday 8 May 2024
The 2024 Annual Export Controls Training & Conference, proudly presented by International Trade Advisors Pty Ltd and SAHR came to Adelaide for the first time in May 2024.
Our very own David Kameniar and Jeremy Watkinson presented as part of the three-day event, which boasted some amazing presenters and panellists from across the Australian defence industry and abroad - and we were stoked to be part of it!
David and Jeremy presented on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), covering recent changes, best practices and lessons learned, not only from our team, but from the many clients we've supported with DISP membership attainment and our Ongoing Compliance Assurance (OCA™) Program.
WEBINAR
How to win and work in Defence
Held on Wednesday 29 November 2023
To celebrate our partnership with BidWrite, we ran a webinar that was co-presented by BidWrite’s Principal Consultant and Defence Industry Lead, Rodger Manning and our own Director & Principal, Emilio De Stefano.
Rodger and Emilio offered their knowledge and expertise to answer all of the burning questions about “breaking into” the complex defence sector and Defence tendering.
They also explained the complementary services our partnership can offer to help organisations stand out from the crowd.
Hybrid event | DISP Update Seminar
Held on Wednesday 6 December 2023
The Defence Teaming Centre and De Stefano & Co proudly presented a hybrid event on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), including an update on the ‘DISP pause’ and an intro to the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) Essential Eight.
De Stefano & Co's Head of Protective Security Services Brian McAvoy, and Associate, David Kameniar shared their unique insights gained from supporting over 80 businesses across Australia to achieve DISP membership and Essential Eight compliance.
Topics included:
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DISP basics and the membership application process
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The launch of the new DISP Membership System (DMS)
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How to simplify ongoing compliance
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An update on the ‘DISP pause’
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Lessons learned along the way
Attendees were also given the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session.
If you would like access to a recording of the seminar, please get in touch via the form on our Contact us page.
De Stefano & Co are proud to have partnered with the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC) to offer this hybrid event.
In-person | ICN SA and De Stefano & Co Essential Eight workshop
Held on Wednesday 6 September 2023
De Stefano & Co partnered with ICN South Australia to deliver a workshop on the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) Essential Eight.
Our Head of Protective Security Services Brian McAvoy, and Associate David Kameniar, presented on the day, covering:
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Cyber security standards currently in use, both in Australia and overseas
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An in-depth look at the ACSC’s Essential Eight
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The importance of protecting your business
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Real-world cyber crime case studies, and
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Valuable knowledge and insights to help you get started on implementing the Essential Eight in your business.
In-person masterclass | The Essential Eight in Cyber Security
Held on Thursday 17 August 2023 at the National Wine Centre of Australia
With cybersecurity being one of the most significant issues facing businesses today, it's important for businesses to protect themselves, reducing the risk of financial loss, business disruption, and damage to their reputation.
De Stefano & Co were proud to partner with Business SA to present a masterclass on the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) Essential Eight, a collection of mitigation strategies designed to reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats.
The two hour masterclass had over 50 attendees and covered:
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Cyber security threats and real-world case studies
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The importance of protecting your business
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An in-depth look at the ACSC’s Essential Eight
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How to get started on implementing the Essential Eight in your business
WEBINAR
Are you and your supply chain DISP ready?
This webinar was repeated over three dates: 3 May, 9 May and 18 May 2023.
De Stefano & Co were once again proud to partner with AIDN to present a new webinar on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
Our Head of Protective Security Services Brian McAvoy, and Principal Security Consultant Marty Di Palma, shared their unique insights gained from supporting businesses across Australia to achieve DISP membership, as well as over 60 active DISP clients they’re currently working with.
Topics included:
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DISP basics
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The membership process
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Changes to DISP
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Lessons learned
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An introduction to supply chain security
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What lies beyond DISP
In-person and online 2-hour masterclass | The Essential Eight in Cyber Security
Held on Tuesday 8 November 2022 at The University of Adelaide
Attendees learnt how to protect their business from cyber threats with the 'Essential Eight'.
As occurrences of cyber crimes increase, it's becoming more and more important for businesses to protect themselves, reducing the risk of financial loss, business interruption and reputational harm.
The 'Essential Eight' is a collection of mitigation strategies designed to reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats. Implementing these strategies can not only help to protect businesses, but it is fast becoming a requirement for those working with Government or Defence.
This 2-hour masterclass was designed for senior executives, providing an introduction to the Essential Eight in Cyber Security - including real world case studies - and how to implement the recommended strategies within businesses.
Presenter: Brian McAvoy, Head of Protective Security Services at De Stefano & Co
In-person workshop | The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP): Your key to working with Defence
Held on Wednesday 19 October 2022 at DC TWO, Bibra Lake WA
It’s fast becoming a requirement for businesses in the defence sector to hold an appropriate level of DISP membership in order to win work with Defence.
This half-day workshop demystified Defence security, highlighting the need-to-know areas and looking at the DISP, including why businesses should consider it and how to go about obtaining membership.
The workshop covered:
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Governance, Personnel Security and Physical Security requirements;
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ICT/Cyber security requirements, including a review of the Essential Eight;
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Process before formal DISP application;
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The DISP application process;
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Process after formal DISP application;
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How to fulfil obligations as a DISP member;
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Common mistakes and challenges along the way;
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How to access security information and grants; and
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An introduction to the external agencies that work alongside Defence.
In-person workshop | Defence Industry Security Program (DISP)
Held on Thursday 9 June 2022 at the Gary Holland Community Centre, Rockingham WA
De Stefano & Co were proud to support the local business community in Rockingham WA when the City of Rockingham rolled out a series of free workshops to assist businesses to become Defence ready.
The Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) workshop was presented by our Head of Protective Security Services, Brian McAvoy, and covered the following areas of DISP:
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Governance, Personnel Security and Physical Security requirements;
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ICT/Cyber security requirements, including a review of the Essential 8;
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Process before formal DISP application;
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The DISP application process;
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Process after formal DISP application;
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How to fulfill your obligations as a DISP member;
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Common mistakes and challenges along the way;
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How to access security information and grants; and
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External agencies that work alongside Defence.
WEBINAR
Demystifying the DISP
This webinar was repeated over two dates: 24 and 25 May 2022
De Stefano & Co teamed up with the Henderson Alliance to offer two free webinars to demystify the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).
While the program appears simple in concept, there is more than meets the eye once the journey to DISP membership begins. In the end, many applicants end up in a tailspin of questions and delays.
Brian McAvoy, Head of Protective Security Services at De Stefano & Co provided attendees with an overview of the DISP program, the reasons why businesses should consider it, and the common places where applicants get side-tracked along the way.
De Stefano & Co are proud to have partnered with the Henderson Alliance to offer these free webinars.
Indo Pacific 2022 | DISP presentations at the Vault stand
Held on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May 2022 at the International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sydney
De Stefano & Co were invited to present on the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) at the Vault stand at the Indo Pacific 2022 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Our team talked about why businesses should consider becoming a DISP member, how to go about attaining membership, and options for establishing secure, cloud-based environments.
De Stefano & Co are proud to have partnered with Vault to offer these presentations to attendees of Indo Pacific 2022.
In-person and online | Defence security and DISP – are you ready?
Held on Thursday 24 March 2022 at Allan Scott Auditorium (UniSA City West campus) and online
Live-streamed across the country and the globe, this event brought together representatives from Defence Primes, the Defence Industry Security Office (DISO), cyber specialists and more, and was well attended by a broad range of organisations.
Attendees gained new insights and understanding of the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), as well as relevant Defence security requirements and how to best prepare their businesses to work with Defence and Primes.
Our impressive group of speakers/panellists included:
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Jason Brown - Principal Adviser, Security and Risk, Board of Thales Australia, and New Zealand
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Margot Forster - Fellow, Providence Consulting
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Matt Inglis - Owner, IPau Technologies
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Margaret Law - Chief Technology Officer, Naval Group Pacific
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Brian McAvoy - Head of Protective Security Services, De Stefano & Co
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Matt Opie - Director, Defence & Space, University of South Australia
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Brendan Pratt - Defence Industry Security Office (DISO)
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Brett Sander - Cyber Security Manager, BAE Systems Maritime Australia
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Jason Savage - Executive Director, Defence Industry Security Office (DISO)
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Michael Slattery - President, Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) SA
De Stefano & Co partnered with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) to offer this hybrid event.
WEBINAR
Are you ready for DISP?
This webinar was repeated over three dates: 25 February, 9 March and 22 March 2022.
De Stefano & Co's Head of Protective Security Services, Brian McAvoy, presented three webinars that focused on demystifying the pathway to DISP membership.
Using his real-world experience of working with dozens of businesses that are seeking to attain DISP membership, Brian provided attendees with an overview of the program, the reasons why businesses should consider it, and sharing the common places where applicants get side-tracked along the way.
De Stefano & Co partnered with the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) to offer these free webinars exclusively to AIDN members and friends of De Stefano & Co.
De Stefano & Co's 5th Anniversary Celebration
This event was held on Friday 12 March 2021 at the Naval, Military & Air Force Club of South Australia.
After having to postpone this celebration due to the Covid situation in South Australia at the end of 2020, we were thrilled to be able to hold the event in March 2021.
Friends, family, long-term clients and supporters gathered to help Emilio and his team celebrate a fantastic milestone as De Stefano & Co turned 5.
We are extremely grateful to the individuals and organisations who have supported De Stefano & Co along the way, and we can't wait to see what comes next....
