The Henderson Alliance Inc
Overview
The Henderson Alliance was established to strengthen Western Australia’s defence industry by improving connectivity, capability and visibility across the sector. Since its inception, the Alliance has focused on supporting small and medium enterprises to engage more effectively with defence opportunities, recognising the critical role SMEs play in delivering innovation, agility and sovereign capability within Australia’s defence supply chain. Operating from the Henderson industrial precinct, a key hub for naval sustainment and shipbuilding, the Alliance has grown rapidly alongside the expanding strategic importance of Western Australia to national defence priorities. It has built a diverse membership base of more than 500 organisations, including SMEs, national primes and government stakeholders, creating a collaborative ecosystem that reflects the full breadth of the defence industry. Through its work, the Henderson Alliance has consistently prioritised practical outcomes. It facilitates direct engagement between industry, primes and government through targeted introductions, capability mapping and structured events designed to unlock procurement pathways. The organisation also plays an active role in supporting member participation in major national trade shows, ensuring Western Australian capability is well represented on the broader Australian and international stage. In parallel, the Alliance has developed a strong advocacy role, working closely with Defence West, ODIS and regional partners to promote the interests of its members and highlight opportunities arising from major national programs such as AUKUS. By combining industry intelligence, engagement and on the ground support, the Henderson Alliance continues to contribute to the growth of a resilient, competitive and sovereign defence industrial base in Western Australia and across Australia.
Capabilities
The Henderson Alliance delivers practical capabilities that support defence industry growth, with a strong focus on SME engagement, capability development and supply chain connectivity. We specialise in facilitating direct pathways between SMEs, primes and government through targeted introductions, industry briefings and structured networking events that enable meaningful commercial outcomes.
Our advocacy and industry intelligence services ensure members are informed of emerging opportunities, policy changes and national programs such as AUKUS. We actively promote member capability through curated events, trade show representation and targeted communications that raise visibility across the defence ecosystem.
Recent examples include delivering large scale defence industry events at Henderson and Optus Stadium, connecting hundreds of SMEs with primes and government stakeholders. We have supported members to access procurement pathways by coordinating introductions aligned to project requirements and capability needs. The Alliance also works closely with Defence West, ODIS and AIDN to align initiatives and strengthen Western Australia’s position in national defence programs.
Through capability mapping, member promotion and ongoing engagement, we help businesses identify where they fit within the defence supply chain and how to position for success. Our approach is practical, outcomes focused and tailored to the needs of SMEs, ensuring they are equipped to pursue defence contracts, build partnerships and contribute to a resilient, sovereign industrial base.
Discriminators
• Peak WA defence industry body with a unique, SME‑focused model that directly connects small businesses to primes and government through structured, outcome‑driven engagement
• Network of 500+ members spanning SMEs, primes and agencies, providing broad, ready access to capability across the defence supply chain
• Strong, trusted relationships with Defence West, ODIS and regional partners, enabling alignment with state and national defence priorities
• Proven delivery of high‑profile industry events and targeted introductions that generate real procurement and collaboration opportunities
• Active national presence, supporting member visibility at major trade shows and positioning WA capability within broader Australian defence programs
• Independent, not‑for‑profit organisation focused on member outcomes rather than commercial gain, ensuring impartial advocacy and support
• Deep understanding of the Henderson precinct and WA’s strategic role in naval sustainment, shipbuilding and emerging AUKUS opportunities
• Practical, hands‑on support including capability mapping, promotion and tailored connections to help businesses enter and grow within defence supply chains
• Recognised industry voice contributing intelligence, insights and advocacy that strengthen a resilient, sovereign defence industrial base