Defence is a key part of the history and future of Fishermans Bend. Once a hub of manufacturing efforts that were crucial during World War II, today Fishermans Bend is home to the Defence, Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and a range of small to large Australian defence companies.

To foster innovation and create a vibrant thriving industry that Defence and adjacent industries can rely on, it is important to strengthen the viability of the SME community for whom the costs of doing business and barriers to entry to the Defence market are often too great to overcome. There is a need to strengthen networks and develop new ways for SMEs to leverage shared expertise and technologies to jointly respond to emerging opportunities and Defence needs.

Drawing inspiration from SOFWERX in the USA, VICWORX aims to fill this critical gap by creating a collaboration facility in Fishermans Bend that is specific to the Defence and Space sector, that can provide affordable warehouse and office space, cutting-edge infrastructure, and platforms and networks to support collaboration in a secure environment. By establishing a chartered organisation that facilitates government-industry collaboration while sidestepping bureaucratic constraints, the aim is to enable partners to solve novel issues rapidly.

The long term vision is to build a vibrant, industry-led innovation hub at Fishermans Bend that brings together defence SMEs, research institutions, and strategic partners to support Victoria's growth in advanced manufacturing and defence technologies. Bringing together a range of defence partners and providing a secure platform and access to shared facilities, it will enable SMEs in particular to complete rapid prototyping to confirm viability at low cost. By fostering non-partisan, agile, and inclusive partnerships, the VICWORX model aims to strengthen Victoria’s position as a hub for defence capability, contributing to national security and economic resilience. 

To build the foundation and strengthen the industry connections to support this vision, Anywise will undertake a program of industry consultation and engagement to shape what is needed for the future. Through a series of industry events and discussions they will refine the approach, strengthen collaborative networks and develop a roadmap towards a tangible demonstration project.