Category: Corporate

Melbourne, Thursday, 16th October 2025 – The Australian Good Design Awards, one of the world’s longest-running international design award programs, has announced this year’s Australian Good Design Award Winners as part of the Official Good Design Awards Week – Rewarding, Defining, and Celebrating Good Design. 

This year’s theme, “Design for Better”, underscores the vital role design plays in shaping a more balanced, inclusive, and sustainable world. From reimagining products and services to reshaping cities and systems, the Awards showcase how design has the power to drive positive change for people, planet, and prosperity. 

Among the Winners was ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. X, recognised with a prestigious Australian Good Design Award Winner accolade in the Product Design category. 

The ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. X carrier is a revolutionary load-carriage system featuring innovative built-in microclimate-regulating padding, a pioneering patent-pending laser-cut vertical and horizontal MOLLE system, and a modular architecture. Its ergonomic, lightweight design is constructed from a combination of durable, flame-resistant hybrid materials. It offers gender-specific customisation and advanced safety through Soft Armour Panel (SAP) and Hard Armour Plate (HAP) integration. 

Project Title: ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. X
Designed in: Australia
Designed by: ADA (Australian Defence Apparel PTY LTD) 

Jury Comments:
“The ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. X carrier is a revolutionary load-carriage system designed for law enforcement personnel. Clever modularity and laser cutting to achieve a greater levels of functionality. Good to see that it offers customisable inserts for different body types. This is a highly specialised design solution that incorporates a smart, adaptable architecture and clever use of high-end materials. A brilliant showcase of innovation and design impact.” 

“By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in product design, the H.A.L.O. X advances the discipline and sets a higher standard for the global military and law enforcement industry.” said Christopher Luong, Lead Tactical Designer at Australian Defence Apparel. 

“When industry, academia and end-users come together to solve wearables challenges, the result is faster iteration, better ergonomics, and solutions that perform in real-world conditions. This collaborative approach shortens the path from prototype to deployment, improves compliance and adoption, and ensures life-critical equipment like ballistic carriers deliver measurable gains in comfort, protection, and operational effectiveness.” said Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel.  

Celebrating Good Design, Innovation and Impact 

The 2025 Australian Good Design Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday 17 October, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, where more than 1,000 distinguished guests from design, architecture, engineering, and business sectors will come together to celebrate the transformational power of good design. 

At the Ceremony, Winners will receive their official Good Design Tick Trophy. The Best in Class Winners, along with recipients of the Special Accolades, the Good Design Award for Sustainability, and the Australian Good Design Award of the Year – the nation’s highest design honour, will all be announced exclusively at the Awards Ceremony. 

Record-Breaking Year for Design Excellence 

Rachel Wye, Managing Director of Good Design Australia, reflects on the calibre of this year’s entries: “The standard of Award Winners in this year’s Australian Good Design Awards was the highest on record, with game-changing projects that push the envelope of good design, design innovation and design impact. These Awards clearly demonstrate the transformational power of design to create a better and more sustainable future.” 

She added: “The projects honoured this year show how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change – from the way we live and work to how we care for our planet. The Australian Good Design Awards are proud to recognise these world-class examples of design excellence, which not only enhance human experience, but also make a profound contribution to creating a more balanced and sustainable world.” 

 Discover More: enforcr.ada.com.au/products/h-a-l-o-x/ 

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) proudly announces that the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. (Highly Adaptable, Load-Optimised) carrier has been recognised with the prestigious 2025 NAUMD Innovation Award for Safety. This accolade underscores ADA’s dedication to advancing safety, efficiency, and comfort through cutting-edge design and innovation for Australia’s law enforcement personnel.

This recognition celebrates the game-changing features of the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. Carrier and reflects the vital work that ADA’s Innovation Cell undertakes to ensure that its products meet the demanding needs of modern policing.

The ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. was developed with one clear purpose: to address the real-world challenges faced by law enforcement personnel. Extensive research, rigorous testing, and close collaboration with officers in the field have produced a carrier system that balances protection, comfort, and adaptability like never before.

Key Innovations of the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. include:

1. Modular Architecture for Customisable Protection
   The H.A.L.O.’s modular design empowers users to tailor their gear to the mission at hand. With three adaptable modes to choose from, officers can scale protection to match operational needs, whether requiring lightweight mobility or full-body coverage.
2. Microclimate-Regulating Padding
   To optimise comfort in all conditions, the H.A.L.O. integrates advanced materials that regulate body temperature. The padding helps keep officers cool during high-temperature operations and warm in colder climates, reducing physical strain and fatigue over long durations.
3. Lightweight, Low-Profile Construction
   Designed for agility, the carrier’s low-profile construction minimises bulk while delivering superior ballistic protection when paired with soft armour panels or hard armour plates. This ensures that officers remain agile and unrestricted in high-pressure situations.
4. Seamless Gear Integration
   With vertical and horizontal MOLLE systems, the H.A.L.O. seamlessly integrates operational equipment for ease of access and organisation. Additional features like smart waistband adjustments enhance usability and improve overall efficiency.

The 2025 NAUMD Innovation Award for Safety is a testament to the ADA’s continuous drive for excellence in protective apparel. ADA’s ongoing collaboration with end-users and academia has resulted in the evolution of ADA’s load carriage equipment and modular wearables, allowing the ADA’s design team to push boundaries and deliver innovative solution that directly meets the needs of law enforcement personnel,” stated Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel.

For enquiries about the ENFORCR® H.A.L.O. Carrier or ADA’s product offerings, please contact our Contracts team on sales@ada.com.au directly.

ADA (AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE APPAREL PTY LTD) has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Award for “Leader in Textile, Clothing, and Footwear”. This is a remarkable achievement for the company as VMHOFA celebrates its 22nd year.

Award winners were announced at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards gala dinner on Wednesday, 9 October.

The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards recognises excellence in manufacturing and acknowledges leaders in innovation, sustainability, and industry advancement. Out of 129 distinguished nominees, ADA was selected for this award, highlighting the company’s outstanding capabilities at its Bendigo Manufacturing plant.

This recognition reaffirms ADA’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and ethical practices, which are the foundations of the company’s success. It also showcases the critical importance of sovereign capability and a resilient local supply chain in ensuring long-term success in the manufacturing industry.

Victoria’s $33.5 billion manufacturing sector is a driving force of the state’s economy and is made up of more than 23,000 businesses, supporting more than 260,000 jobs and exporting $25.7 billion worth of goods.

Celebrating Victoria’s Manufacturing Champions

Individual Awards

Honour Roll Service to Industry – John Krueger, Krueger Transport Equipment

Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year – Hannah Dillimore, Newform Steel Fabrication and Levi Konnerth, A.W. Bell Machinery

Young Manufacturer of the Year – Afnan Siddique, Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions

Woman Manufacturer of the Year – Latinka Cubitt, Catten Industries

Company Awards

Leader in Construction Technologies – Modscape

Leader in Gender Equality and Inclusion – Alstom Transport Australia

Leader in Health Technologies – CSL

Leader in Textile, Clothing and Footwear – Australian Defence Apparel

Leader in Transport and Rail – Alstom Transport Australia

Leader in Manufacturing – Stahl Metall

Manufacturer of the Year – Regional Business – Farm Foods

Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business – Assembled Threads

Manufacturer of the Year – Medium Business – Hanlon Industries

Manufacturer of the Year – Large Business – CSL

Today, ADA proudly announces a unique collaboration with the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation (AKKF), an organisation committed to empowering young people to thrive beyond the impacts of family mental illness; together, they are set to unveil and welcome ‘DIGGER’, the Plushie Pup with a Purpose.

DIGGER represents the commitment of ADA and AKKF to support the mental health and well-being of young individuals across Australia. With every plushie purchased, all proceeds will directly support the AKKF programs which supports the unique needs of young people from current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) families. Through ADA’s longstanding partnership with AKKF, this initiative marks a significant stride in recognising the invaluable service of both human and four-legged heroes.

ADA is a proud founding partner of the Kookaburra Kids program. ADA’s contributions help Kookaburra Kids support young people who have family members protecting and serving our community on the front line.

Renée Coffey, CEO of Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are so excited to continue our partnership with Australian Defence Apparel. To date, ADA has generously contributed $75,000 to Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation programs, providing crucial support to young people in families impacted by mental illness. Along with ADA’s unwavering support of Kookaburra Kids, this initiative marks a significant step forward in recognising the invaluable service of our heroic four-legged soldiers, who stand alongside their courageous human counterparts. We have eagerly anticipated the launch of this new endeavour in 2024, envisioning DIGGER, a beloved mascot, bringing joy to the hearts of many fortunate young people.”

Chris Dixon, CEO of Australian Defence Apparel echoed these sentiments, stating, “DIGGER embodies ADA’s commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals across Australia and this initiative is a testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting young people from defence families facing adversity. Through the DIGGER Plushie Program and our partnership with AKKF, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these courageous individuals and provide a beacon of hope for children navigating difficult circumstances. We are proud to be a founding partner of the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation, and honoured to present DIGGER as a conduit for raising funds that empower young individuals.” remarked Chris Dixon.

ADA’s Jason Semple remarked “Early intervention with a focus on the provision of psychological and resilience measures, are essential tools for emotional regulation, which in turn provide proven cognitive avenues that allow our kids to transform post traumatic events into ‘post traumatic growth’.

Teaching our kids to harness the effects of adversity in a manner which promotes positivity and long term healthy psychological pathways, will promote resilience & happiness now and as they transition into adulthood.” he says.

The launch of DIGGER the Plushie German Shepherd marks the beginning of a journey filled with compassion and solidarity. ADA and AKKF remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) proudly announces an industry-first collaboration with Indigenous Design Labs (IDL), marking a significant milestone set to champion and showcase Indigenous youth creativity and community engagement.

Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA, emphasised the significance of this collaboration within the Defence and manufacturing sectors, stating, “This pioneering partnership not only represents a groundbreaking endeavour in crafting new apparel, but also underscores ADA and IDL’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering cultural appreciation within Australia’s apparel manufacturing landscape, aligning closely with ADA’s Reconciliation Action Plan. Through innovative design, community engagement, and social responsibility, ADA and IDL are poised to set new standards for inclusive practices.”

Phase one of the collaboration will see IDL creating modern and contemporary print artwork applicable to uniforms , bringing a fresh aesthetic to ADA’s warehousing and manufacturing operational crew .

Phase two of the collaboration will launch an 8-week training program, integrated into a real-world uniform development project, where IDL youth will collaborate with ADA designers to develop a new clothing range from concept to prototype and manufacturing. The launch will coincide with Closing the Gap Day on 21 March 2024, amplifying the initiative’s significance and sparking conversation around social cohesion and economic empowerment.

Leigh Harris, Indigenous business owner of ingeous studios and IDL Founder highlighted, “Indigenous Design Labs consist of a team of young creatives focusing on abstract and contemporary designs that reflect a diverse representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We view every opportunity as a chance to contribute to and expand upon the ongoing narrative of Indigenous design.”

Sheree Jacobs, IDL Torres Strait Mentor, added, “We are passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for individuals in regional areas. Partnering with a significant organisation such as ADA, not only grants access to urban opportunities but also empowers us to showcase what is possible. This collaboration enables regional youth to access opportunities previously out of reach, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a brighter future.”

Casey Demko, Designer at ADA, who is leading the partnership, shared her insights: “Growing up in rural Victoria, I was really excited about this partnership with IDL. I understand, first-hand, the difficulties faced by young Australians wishing to pursue creative career paths and the lack of industry partnerships available to remote communities, which can be really empowering for young people . This program will be a platform to connect indigenous and non-indigenous communities through clothing and art, representing ADA’s commitment to driving meaningful change and nurture diversity and inclusion amongst the wider community whilst representing ADA’s values and commitment to meaningful change.”

Mel Suares, Lead Design Manager at ADA, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The ADA and Indigenous Design Labs partnership connects our shared desire to shake up the clothing industry while amplifying the voices of young and diverse Indigenous creators. We are thrilled that these talented designers will be recognised for their exceptional work, which will soon be available for all of our local makers, teams, and broader community. This collaboration represents an exciting new frontier for young artists, opening up conversations that support Indigenous youth and create a world of possibilities for their future.”

Chris Dixon, CEO of ADA, says, “This initiative not only provides valuable paid creative work and mentorship opportunities for young First Nations people but also injects funding into creating real-world opportunities for them to activate their creativity and upskill in the digital and creative design space.”

Sizing collation and fitting for ADA team members are set to occur in mid-May 2024, with final orders set for delivery to ADA HQ by mid-August 2024. The eagerly awaited launch event to celebrate this transformative collaboration will see the Indigenous youth creatives and mentors being flown down to Melbourne from Far North Queensland at the end of August 2024.

At ADA, we understand that modern slavery is a complex and evolving challenge that requires our proactive engagement. This statement reflects the efforts we have made to prevent, identify, and mitigate the risks of modern slavery within our business and throughout our supply chain. It also highlights the areas we have identified where we can make improvements and have an impact within our industry.

The exploitation of human beings for financial gain continues to persist in various forms and across diverse industries. ADA recognises the risks within our industry and the significance of our role in combatting Modern Slavery. This Modern Slavery Statement is our fourth under the Australian Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and sets out the actions ADA has taken to understand and mitigate our modern slavery risks during our 2022 – 2023 financial year from 1st June 2022 to 31st May 2023. It is a reflection of our dedication to addressing modern slavery risks within our operations and supply chains, as well as our commitment to fostering a society where every individual can live a life of freedom and dignity.

There has been little change to the company structure, our operations and our supply chains during this reporting period. Therefore, these sections of this statement closely resemble those from the FY 21-22 Statement, with updates to numbers and statistics as required.

In this Modern Slavery Statement, we have outlined the steps we have taken, the progress we have achieved, and our ambitions for the future. We commit to regularly reviewing and enhancing our strategies, practices, and outcomes as we continue to develop our ethical sourcing program and modern slavery framework to combat modern slavery within our supply chain.

There is still much work to be done.

➡️ Click here to view our latest Modern Slavery Statement: ada.com.au/our-responsibilities/

Chris Dixon

CEO, Australian Defence Apparel

Palmerston North’s building its case as our Defence Force capital — along with nearby bases, it now has a new warehouse home to the nation’s military uniforms.

After 31 years in the Air Force, Shar Carson knows all the tips and tricks to putting together a tidy uniform. Now she’s using her experience to help kit out the front lines.

Today, she showed 1News around the new warehouse, storing nearly 300,000 items to support around 12,000 Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

“Some get eight pairs, some get five. They’re very well catered for, there’s a shoe for every purpose,” quality and compliance manager Carson said.

The new distribution centre is bringing in dozens of extra jobs and mayor Grant Smith said it was a boost for the city.

“It’s pretty huge. Fifty-five jobs but also the multimillion-dollar build and possibly more to come,” Smith said.

Australia Defence Apparel New Zealand chief executive Chris Dixon said “conversations are underway” with emergency services about storing their uniforms at the Palmerston North hub too.

“We won’t be stopping here. We see opportunities in law and healthcare, fire and other first responder sectors in the industry,” Dixon said.

But for former Air Force personnel like Carson, her new job is a chance to continue serving the country.

“The thing is, when you join the military you are in it for life. It’s something about being part of a family and a camaraderie built within that. This job enables me to be connected, and still close to that.”

By: 1news.co.nz

All the kit a New Zealand soldier, sailor or aviator can wear or carry has started passing through Palmerston North’s newest distribution centre.

ADA NZ’s leased warehouse near Milson Airport has been officially opened and is fully operational with room to grow the business.

The 3000 square metre warehouse and offices are the centre for receiving and distributing some 2000 different pieces of uniform and gear for more than 12,000 personnel in the NZ Defence Force.

Chief executive of parent company Australian Defence Apparel, Chris Dixon, said he was delighted with the purpose-built facility, which was more than just a warehouse.
“The site will allow NZDF personnel to receive the highest quality care and service, complemented by high-tech apparel systems to enable them to perform their duties comfortably and efficiently, taking less time away from training and fieldwork.”

The bulk of the centre is made up of the warehouse, with storage racks designed for seismic strength, and pick and pack areas arranged with highest-demand items in the most accessible areas.

There is no paper, and clever layouts enable staff to quickly and efficiently collect 120 items an hour.

The orders include combat clothing and service dress, boots, socks, gloves and badges, packs and bags and everything that goes in them, including water bottles and laundry bags.

Outside the main warehouse, a full canopy enables under-cover drop-offs and pick-ups from 70 trucks a week.

The facility is also home base for ADA NZ’s procurement, contract management, demand planning and quality control staff, and for research and development.

One of the development projects in the final stages of validation is the Bodd 3D scanner, which promises to take all the tape measures and personal preferences out of dressing service men and women.

In charge is development manager for wearable systems Graham Fordy, a scientist with a background in physiology.

The portable scanner equipped with a series of cameras and lenses created a 3D image of the person who stood on the rotating base for about a minute.

From there, it calculated the correct sizing for the complete set of garments from head to toe.

Fordy said it would ensure every person was dressed to the standard uniform fit, nothing looser or tighter, and it would save time.

Using traditional systems, it could take two days to measure up a batch of 120 recruits. With three scanners operating, the work could be done in three hours.

The orders came to the Palmerston North centre for dispatch to Defence clothing stores run by ADA NZ at each base through the wearables supply and managed services contract.

Last week, the first refurbished army clothing store was opened at Trentham, with upgrades planned for the remaining bases.

Chief Joint Defence Services Brigadier Rob Krushka said the facility would provide employment – 25 staff are based there – and other economic opportunities that would bring “a positive impact to the community in which we live and work”.

The facility was close to bases at Ohakea and Linton, and to convenient national transport links to other bases.

Dixon said Palmerston North’s industrial and distribution cluster provided an ideal location for distribution to New Zealand’s defence bases, and the project had been well supported by the city council and Central Economic Development Agency.

There was capacity within the centre to take on uniform supply contracts for other customers in future.

By Janine Rankin – Stuff.co.nz

Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) subsidiary ADA New Zealand announced it has opened its multi-function logistics hub in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The 3,000 square metre facility will serve as a hub for design and development, data-driven wearable systems, logistics, and warehousing, catering to the needs of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

ADA New Zealand secured a significant clothing contract in 2022, aiming to provide high-quality apparel services to over 12,000 NZDF personnel. This strategic move to Palmerston North was made possible through a collaborative partnership between ADA, Palmerston North City Council, and The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA).

ADA CEO Chris Dixon said, “The strategic move to Palmerston North was a collaborative partnership with ADA, Palmerston North City Council, and The Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) to create employment opportunities across the Manawatu region.”

“The grand opening of the new ADA Headquarters and Logistics Hub demonstrates a significant commitment in the partnership with NZDF by ADA NZ. This facility will provide a logistics hub and R&D facility enabling ADA to service the needs of soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the NZDF. The construction and ongoing operation of the facility has, and will, continue to provide an economic impact through employment, supply chain, and services opportunities in the Manawatu region and beyond. The NZDF is proud to see our partnership with ADA NZ bring a positive impact to the community, in which we live and work,” said Brigadier Rob Krushka, Chief Joint Defence Services.

Palmerston North was chosen as the location due to its strategic position as a central logistics hub in the Lower North Island, facilitating efficient national distribution. The city’s forward-looking, large-scale infrastructure program aligns with the goal of delivering supply chain efficiencies and proximity to a substantial portion of the NZDF’s personnel.

ADA NZ Program Director, Sarah Pender, emphasized the facility’s role in enhancing apparel management efficiency, stating, “This facility furthers ADA NZ’s ability to provide greater efficiencies in total apparel management for 12,000+ personnel within the NZDF. We anticipate that in the future, the site will be used as an advanced distribution hub across a multitude of clients.”

Tony A. P. McQuillan, Director – Defence Equipment Management Organisation – Defence Logistics Command New Zealand Defence Force, added, “The completion of the new ADA NZ headquarters and logistics facility in Palmerston North is a fantastic milestone for ADA NZ as the newest NZDF Strategic Partner. It enhances the industrial base of the Manawatu Region and provides state-of-the-art and resilient wearables supply, and design and development capability within the geographic centre of mass of the NZDF.”

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.