DRONESHIELD, the Australian counter-drone and electronic warfare (EW) solutions designer and manufacturer, has opened its new research and development (R&D) facility in Adelaide.

Now recognised as a global leader in the field, DroneShield chief executive Angus Bean said it would further expand the company’s Australian R&D footprint and reinforce its commitment to South Australia’s rapidly growing defence and technology sector.

The new Adelaide R&D hub expands DroneShield’s national research and development footprint, providing dedicated software development and dry laboratory facilities for engineers working across embedded systems, advanced sensing, communications, software and electronic warfare capabilities. 

“Adelaide has established itself as one of Australia’s leading centres for defence and advanced technology innovation,” he said.

“Opening our Adelaide office strengthens our ability to access exceptional engineering talent and further expand our Australian research and development capabilities.”

South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Chris Picton said the DroneShield expansion reinforced Adelaide’s expanding role as a centre for sovereign defence technology development and advanced engineering.

“DroneShield basing its R&D hub in Adelaide is a huge vote of confidence in our state’s growing defence industry,” Mr Picton said. “The new facility will create highly skilled jobs, boost local innovation and strengthen our national defence.”

Located at one of Adelaide’s nationally recognised innovation precincts, the new R&D hub provides dedicated software development and dry laboratory facilities to support the development of DroneShield’s next generation counter-drone and EW technologies.

Angus Bean said the R&D facility was designed to complement DroneShield’s existing Australian R&D operations in Sydney “and strengthen the company’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled engineering talent in one of Australia’s leading technology and defence hubs”. 

The expansion comes, he said, as increasingly complex drone threats were driving demand for faster technology development and continued innovation across sensing, electronic warfare, software and counter-UAS capabilities. The chief executive said the Adelaide team would contribute to DroneShield’s ongoing development of technologies designed to address both current and emerging operational requirements. 

The Adelaide DroneShield R&D Hub forms part of the company’s continued investment in Australian research, engineering and technology development, strengthening the company’s ability to produce sovereign defence technologies in Australia for customers domestically and internationally.

Publicly listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX:DRO), DroneShield  has headquarters in Australia, the United States, and the Netherlands. DroneShield specialises in counter-UAS technology leveraging RF sensing, AI, sensor fusion, and electronic warfare.

DroneShiled solutions are designed to protect military, government, law enforcement, and critical infrastructure globally, offering both custom and off-the-shelf products for land, sea, and air platforms.

https://www.droneshield.com/

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THE Australian Workers’ Union, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Electrical Trades Union and Maritime Union of Australia have issued a joint statement welcoming the South Australian and Federal Government’s $2 billion support plan for the Whyalla steelworks.

"Today’s announcement provides long overdue certainty to workers and a community that have dealt with disruption and doubt for far too long. This historic investment into a critical manufacturing facility will secure Whyalla’s future after years of reckless mismanagement," the join statement read.

"Workers should never have been sweating on shutdowns and closures as the boss dodged suppliers, sent profits offshore, ran the plant down and never delivered on promises to invest. This package allows them to get back to the business of making the steel this country depends on.

"It can also set the plant up for a bright future -- transforming steelmaking on the Eyre Peninsula from laggard to world leader. 

"GFG’s neglect may have made it hard for some to see, but the plant has all the key ingredients to spearhead the shift to clean green steelmaking: access to magnetite ore, gas, hydrogen and renewables, plus decades of experience and industrial knowhow."

The unions jointly commended the Prime Minister, SA Premier and Ministers for acting decisively and with appropriate ambition. The public interest may demand government retains a stake in the steelworks moving forward, the unions suggested.

"This is what a ‘Future Made in Australia’ means: steering industries through the challenges of today to set them up for the opportunities of tomorrow," the joint statement read.

"The steelworks is precisely what we mean when we talk of vital sovereign capabilities.

"We will work closely with Whyalla management and the South Australian government to ensure that operations continue smoothly at the steelworks in the coming weeks and months. 

"We also welcome the Federal Government’s announcement of the national billion-dollar Green Iron Investment Fund.

"This will provide important support for all Australian steelmakers to manage the shift to new production methods and maximise the benefits of the transition.

AWU national secretary Paul Farrow said, “This announcement shows what real political leadership looks like: turning a challenging situation into a huge shot in the arm for Australia’s sovereign capability. Whyalla supplies three-quarters of Australia’s domestic steel supply. Without it we would be beholden to foreign nations for the building blocks of our society. 

“The Whyalla steelworks is a vital piece of national infrastructure, and yet our members have endured years of anxiety wondering if their jobs would survive administration and restructuring. It's time to get off this merry-go-round. Whyalla's workers perform a vital role for the nation and they deserve certainty and stability.”

AMWU national secretary Steve Murphy said, “Workers now feel a strong sense of hope for the future of Whyalla steel. For the past eight years workers have watched the mines, plant and machines being deliberately run down and neglected, with essential spare parts not being available as the bills haven’t been paid. This announcement today means that the conversations at the workplace have done an about-face. Workers aren’t wondering how long they’ve got, but instead how bright their futures can be. We now have a clearer pathway to green steel and a strong future for their community.

“Workers will not pay the price for the financial mismanagement with their jobs. The brightest news is we will keep making steel in Whyalla. Workers are now thinking about the future, not worried about the past.”

ETU national secretary Michael Wright said, “Australia deserves a steel industry and Whyalla workers deserve a future. This commitment from the PM and Premier gives these workers, this community, and our country a shot at that future. With such massive public investment there needs to be real public oversight and real worker input and control. We can’t see history repeat itself -- the workers of Whyalla need a secure future they can believe in and rely on.”

MUA national secretary Paddy Crumlin said, "The Whyalla steelworks is one of Australia’s great nationbuilding facilities and has provided continuity for our manufacturing sector, strong employment and underpinned our national security for all of its history. It has relied on maritime supply chains for its operations for almost 100 years and in doing so has provided fulfilling and rewarding employment for generations of MUA members and their families.

"The government’s announcement demonstrates their determination to secure this industry’s future in the national interest. Likewise, the MUA is committed to seeing the Whyalla steelworks operated effectively, efficiently and productively for generations to come. 

"We cannot emphasise enough at this time of great international uncertainty and environmental challenge including during the recent pandemic that the retention of sovereign capacity in sectors such as steel manufacturing and Australian coastal shipping is essential for the national interest."

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SINCE INCEPTION, the Ikon Institute of Australia has been passionate about the notion that lifelong learning is at the centre of personal wellbeing, healthy social change and successful societies.

This is why Ikon’s leadership places the institute’s own research and learning at the head of all training and education they provide. What students learn at Ikon is based on the very latest scientifically-proven education hallmarks, right across the institute’s many disciplines.

It was this very focus that attracted the attention of current CEO and managing director, Brad Seaman, who bought into the company and started in the top role with Ikon Institute 11 years ago. 

“I had a background in working with young people in education settings. I wanted to contribute to the sector to specifically build on young people’s skills and bolster employment outcomes,” Mr Seaman said. 

“I was looking for an opportunity that had more leverage than working one-on-one or running groups myself. I felt strongly about education as an agent of social change and I wanted a vehicle to drive this, hence developing the Ikon Institute of Australia.”

Doctor Rafael Locke established the Ikon Institute of Healing Arts in 1988. Since inception, Ikon has been a nationally accredited Registered Training Organisation (RTO), started primarily as an institute to study and educate practitioners in the transpersonal worlds, within a therapeutic framework.

“In the main, the inspiration for the original courses came from Dr Locke’s extensive experience gained in Australia and the US through research, training and practice in anthropology, psychoanalysis, humanistic and transpersonal psychotherapy, holistic and nutritional medicine, behavioural medicine as well as parapsychology and neuroscience,” Mr Seaman said.

In 2005 the South Australian branch was established. In 2008, Brad Seaman bought into the business.

“We were the Ikon Institute of South Australia, an RTO in its own right,” he said. In 2010 the Institute expanded into Queensland and Western Australia, becoming the Ikon Institute of Australia.”

The head office is now located in Adelaide, with training centres in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Northern New South Wales. The Ikon Institute of Australia has also evolved to incorporate training in the areas of Creative Therapies, Psychotherapy, Counselling and Community Services. 

In 2018 the Ikon Institute of Australia became part of the UCW Group, incorporating the Australian Learning Group and 4LIFE education.

“This will help achieve greater scale and accelerate our growth in the international education market,” Mr Seaman said.

KEY POINTS ABOUT IKON

Ikon is fundamentally focused on humanity, “with the goals to facilitate healing, improving wellbeing and achieving our potential” according to Mr Seaman.

“Ikon believes that education and training represents one of the greatest social change agents available. Ikon strives to develop strong partnerships with industry stakeholders including training organisations, universities, research organisations, government, professional associations and service providers.

“Improving knowledge and skill acquisition are not enough, Ikon values quality experiences, relationships and learning,” Mr Seaman said.

“At Ikon we provide education programs that challenge students to grow and develop both as individuals and professionals.

These key points have continued to remain a focus for Ikon and are being carried forward, driving growth and building client loyalty.

“Ikon has continued to deliver high quality, market leading qualifications in the creative therapies and counselling/psychotherapy space,” Mr Seaman said.

This approach has seen Ikon expand operations Australia-wide and is now teaching art therapy in campuses across Australia.

“I am proud to have led Ikon through significant growth and change both internally and within the education sector, from humble beginnings starting with 32 VET students. The organisation has now grown to include campuses across Australia with qualifications spanning both VET and higher education.”

Ikon continues to develop new and meaningful qualifications that address existing and emerging social needs.

Over the past year, Ikon launched a new Advanced Diploma of Transpersonal Therapy, providing an opportunity to specialise in either Transpersonal Counselling or Transpersonal Art Therapy.

“The qualification offers students an integrated psycho-spiritual approach to dealing with issues and matters that arise in a wide range of counselling settings,” Mr Seaman said. “Our Bachelor programs are still new to market and are continuing to evolve and develop with new and exciting subjects being added.

“Ikon will continue to develop partnerships with organisations meeting industry-specific needs in the helping professions and other fields.”

One of Ikon’s signature methods is in the relatively new field of art therapy.

“Art therapy is an emerging field in Australia and there are few organisations providing education in this space,” Mr Seaman said. “We are fortunate to have established ourselves as the leading provider in this field, running qualifications that are domestically and internationally recognised.”

MEETING CHALLENGES

In a field that is providing great public benefits at the innovative edge of education, yet at the same time struggling to be properly acknowledged, Ikon is an organisation that understands how to ‘fly the flag’ for the sector as a whole. Yet, as a business, the institute must also keep building its value for clients. 

“One challenge we face is that the counselling/psychotherapy field is more competitive and distinguishing ourselves and highlighting the value of our products can be challenging,” Mr Seaman said.

“I am passionate about the role of education in social change and have continued to advocate for the integration of research, evidence based practice and education into professional practice.”

The tyranny of distance is often a challenge when managing a small national organization as well, he said.

“We have learnt to effectively leverage emerging technologies while focusing on the people that are the core of our organisation. Supporting students through life’s many challenges while they continue through their education journey is an ongoing challenge.”

Other external flashpoints include changes in political ideology, public policy and regulatory frameworks.

“There provide ongoing challenges and necessitate the implementation of lean methodologies,” Mr Seaman said. It also invites flexibility and innovation.

“We’re focused on increasing student numbers in our existing programs in addition to delivering all programs in all regions. Ikon is developing additional delivery formats that include evenings, weekends and distance opportunities for those not able to study 9am-5pm throughout the week, or for those that are in regional communities.”

Mr Seaman said the culture of innovation ran strong throughout the organisation.

“Ikon’s staff as a whole are very committed to the vision of the organisation and support the ongoing needs of our students,” he said. “I applaud their efforts in overcoming significant challenges and going above and beyond in their service of our students.

“Students at Ikon never feel like a number, they are valued and our staff are genuinely interested in their learning journey.”

CREATING GROWTH

From watching what is happening in society and following the latest research, Ikon has always been able to anticipate what higher education courses and practical training would help equip people to make headway in those areas.

Being accredited as a higher education provider was a major milestone in that journey.

“Becoming a higher education provider was the most significant achievement here at Ikon, and becoming a truly national organization,” Mr Seaman said.

“Ikon will continue to solidify its position in the higher education market and will incorporate new course offerings moving forward,” Mr Seaman said. “This may include Masters of Arts Therapy; Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy; and a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education.

“Ikon is currently developing some other opportunities in partnership with other organisations. We continue to grow our VET business also. Ikon will continue to focus on student engagement and graduate employment opportunities.”

The institute is clearly an innovator, but in many ways it succeeds by sticking to its core motivating principles.

“Ikon delivers a premium education experience with a focus on humanity,” Mr Seaman said. “With campuses in each capital city of Australia, Ikon gives you the freedom to move and continue your study wherever you choose.

“Ikon provides a supportive learning environment, with access to services to make your journey easier. Ikon maintains strong links to industry stakeholders and facilitates placement opportunities that often lead to employment.

“Most importantly, Ikon values quality experiences and is focused on education programs that challenge students to grow and develop both as individuals and professionals. The Ikon Institute of Australia has revolutionised education and recognises the role that education plays in social change.”

Ikon remains aware of key issues in society and business when formulating its prospective courses, tailoring them to suit. Observations of societal concerns about mental health are an example.

“Mental health and wellbeing continue to be significant social issues that we need to address as a society,” Mr Seaman said. “People need more and different opportunities to improve their wellbeing.”

With specialist higher education in creative therapies, psychotherapy and counselling, the Ikon Institute of Australia is focused on seeing graduates have the necessary skills to move forward with rewarding careers as professionals in the mental health and wellness space.

“The future of Ikon is bright and Ikon continues towards its vision ‘to enhance individual and collective wellbeing through education’.

 “The ripples of healing and change are felt long and far from the completion of an Ikon qualification and this is what Ikon is about – transforming individuals to facilitate wellbeing within themselves and within society.” 

Ikon Institute of Australia

Brands: Bachelor of Arts Therapy, Bachelor of Counselling & Psychotherapy

Ikon operates across the fields of higher education, international education, vocational education & training.

Brad Seaman is Chief Executive and Managing Director.

https://ikoninstitute.edu.au/

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