Global growth potential in new Steber relationship
by John Bulmer 29 Nov 2018 16:07 AEDT
Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie joined Graham Gilkison and Alan Steber at the launch of Austability's regional office in Taree © East-Coast-Photography
Leading Australian fibreglass boat manufacturer, Steber International has joined with global defence service supplier, Austability in a partnership that could further boost regional employment opportunities.
In opening Austability's regional office in Taree, relationships manager, Graham Gilkison said: "the partnership stands to help boost local employment and I give ex-servicemen and women, law enforcement and emergency service personnel a platform to reintegrate back into local communities and use their skills on worldwide projects".
Steber's flexibility in composite fibreglass vessel construction and extensive overseas customer network, puts it in a unique position to expand its global reach through this partnership.
Mr Gilkison, was born in the Manning Great Lakes region and has returned to establish the office, from where he contributes to Austability's global operations as well as supporting national projects such as the US Marine deployment in Darwin and working on the Australian Defence Force Defence Support Services (DSS) Panel.
Commenting on the announcement, Steber general manager, Alan Steber said: " Many countries around the world are concerned with security, border protection and defence and our unique range of commercial vessels are second to none in supporting these areas of concern in harbours, bays and surrounding oceans.
"The opportunities are endless and the potential for expansion is great".
By way of background, Mr Gilkison joined the RAAF at the age of 18 and for the past 30 years has served and worked in over 60 countries including East Timor, Sudan, Iraq (and other Middle East countries), Chad, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Pakistan with Austability, the United Nations and Australian Defence Force.
Austability, 100% Australian-owned, aims to foster improved security through advice and knowledge transfer, resource acquisition and sustainment, counter terrorism training and by offering support from the company's women and child protection division.