With the continued growth at NIOA, we welcome the following professionals to our team:

Matthew Hampton – Engineer

Matthew has professional experience in Explosive Ordnance and introduction into service, soldier combat systems and sustainment and was part of QinetiQ’s Graduate Development Program, undertaking training in the area of EO and weapons prior to commencing work with Defence. Matthew has a Bachelor with honours and Masters in Chemical and Material Engineering.

Debra Stevens – Receptionist

Debra has a solid history in administration and the finance sector, most recently at the ANZ bank in mortgage settlements. With these skills she will be able to effectively assist the Finance & Administration team.

Steven Modra - Engineer

Steven brings 8 years of airborne weapons experience from the ARH Tiger and MRH90 Taipan Helicopters. He has been part of the programs to bring the Hellfire Romeo missile and the Laser Guided Rockets onto the Tiger, including live firing at Woomera and working with U.S Government technicians. Steven spent 7 ½ years working in Tiger sustainment and governance of mechanical, structural, ALSE and EO systems so brings to NIOA firsthand experience in dealing with ADF customers from the user unit to Brigade level. Prior to his time in Defence, Steven worked as a project engineer designing and installing energy saving systems, and also as a machinery design engineer.

Steve Sherwood – ICT Manager

Steve has a 30-year career in ICT and has held various technical and management roles in manufacturing, mining, financial services and professional services. Prior to joining NIOA he was Principal Consultant with a Brisbane Management Consultancy firm. Career highlights include regularly travelling to Mongolia over two years to integrate a new mining acquisition with Rio Tinto, delivering an end-user computing transformation at Bank of Queensland, and the opportunities of consulting to look inside many public and private organisations.

Glen Chibnall – Grounds Keeper

Glenn joins NIOA as our Grounds Keeper at Benalla to maintain the new NIOA premises. Prior to joining NIOA, Glenn operated his own small business in Property Services, Building & Property Maintenance and Property Caretaking. Glenn also spent several years in Real Estate locally and before that was employed at the local ADI/Thales site where he was a Team Leader, Training & Administration Coordinator and Advanced Machine Operator.

Fiona Smith – EA/Paralegal to In House Counsel

Fiona has spent the last nine years working for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority initially as Executive Officer to retired Major General Michael “Mick” Slater AO DSC CSC and then in the progress reporting and compliance division. Fiona possesses a law degree and has worked across a variety of sectors including energy, mining and as office manager for the Governor of Queensland.

Jack Rimmer – Project Manager – Major Munitions Contract

Jack brings fourteen years of experience in the Army as an Ammunition Technical Officer to the position. Having served in diverse roles, his expertise spans munitions and weapons acquisition, sustainment, testing and evaluation and disposal. Most recently he was a member of Special Operations Command, where he was responsible for munitions management, governance, and modernisation initiatives supporting the LAND 1508 Project.

Aaron Killham – Project Manager Pistol Breaching (LAND 159)

Aaron served eighteen years within the Australian Army including eleven within Special Air Service Regiment. He has deployed on multiple combat tours throughout his career and has extensive technical and instructional experience in sniping, close quarter battle and assault breaching. Aaron has an MBA from UNSW business school and has recently consulted to Defence contractors and private security industry leaders.

Helen Stapleton – Technical Sales Coordinator

Helen brings over 10 years’ experience working in Supply Chain, Logistics and Technical Support within the Australian Defence Force and Boeing Defence Australia. Her time in the ADF saw her deploy on overseas operations, coordinating the supply and logistical functions that underpin operational activities. Helen was awarded a Unit Commendation for her role on deployment, as well as Unit and State Soldier of the Year awards. Helen's time in Boeing Defence Australia on the Currawong Program saw her work on both the Acquisition and Sustainment contracts, including managing all customer spares and repairs.

Olivia O’Connor – Receptionist (Melbourne)

Olivia O’Connor joins the NIOA Melbourne Office as our new Receptionist. Originally from New Zealand, Olivia moved over to Australia 3 years ago and now calls Melbourne home. Olivia has an extensive hospitality background as well as corporate reception/administration experience.

Benson Behan – Store Person

Benson joins NIOA Warehouse team and brings 17 years’ experience within Warehousing/Logistics and Systems as a Manager, Supervisor and Store Person.

Andrew Elms – ICT Support Specialist

Andrew joins NIOA with over 20 years’ experience in the IT sector. He has spent the last 16 with a professional services firm, and prior to that working in IT across various industries including manufacturing, finance and telecommunications.