Briefcase: Business snippets from a defence research hub to award finalists
In this week’s Briefcase, a university is offering financial support packages for Whyalla students and a multimillion-dollar office has sold in Murray Bridge.
- Defence company opens Lot Fourteen research hub
- University offers financial support to Whyalla
- Modular homes to drive regional housing growth
- Electric vehicle batteries power up again
- Multimillion-dollar office sale in Murray Bridge
- SA Tourism Awards finalists announced
Defence company opens Lot Fourteen research hub
Counter-drone and electronic warfare solutions DroneShield has opened its new research and development hub at Lot Fourteen.
The facility will create about 20 engineering roles to help support DroneShield’s mission to deliver cutting-edge counter-drone technologies.
Lot Fourteen is now host to more than 160 organisations, which include global tech leaders, research institutions, and defence primes.
“We’ve doubled the economic impact of our defence industry in five years, and more and more companies are choosing to be based here,” Defence and Space Industries Minister Chris Picton said.
University offers financial support to Whyalla
Adelaide University is offering a targeted support package for current and prospective students and workers affected by the closure of the Whyalla Steelworks blast furnace.
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Alongside education and upskilling options offered at no cost, the package will offer a wider range of grants and scholarships to help those affected by the blast furnace closure pursue or continue university studies.
Adelaide University will work closely with the Government of South Australia, TAFE SA and other organisations to ensure a coordinated approach that aligns with community needs.
“Our Whyalla Campus has been part of the local community for more than 60 years. We want to play our part for the region as its people navigate this period of significant economic and workforce transition,” Adelaide University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips said.
Modular homes to drive regional housing growth
A range of modern modular homes designed to accelerate housing delivery in regional and remote communities is on display in Adelaide’s north.
The initiative is part of a $3.35 million trial delivered by the state government through Renewal SA’s Office for Regional Housing.
Built off-site, the homes were disassembled and transported to their display location to test whether they could provide affordable, high-quality housing for key workers in small rural communities.
“Attracting and keeping key workers like nurses, teachers and police in country towns depends on there being somewhere decent for them to live,” Housing and Urban Development Minister Nick Champion said.
Electric vehicle batteries power up again
Electric vehicle batteries could soon be given a second life, powering homes, farms and remote communities.
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Flinders University researchers are working with industry partners, including Mitsubishi Motors Australia and ResourceCo, to find commercially viable ways to repurpose batteries that can no longer efficiently power electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The batteries could instead be used for energy storage, lighting and water pumping, while helping remote communities reduce their reliance on diesel generators.
The project is one of 21 industry collaborations showcased at Flinders University’s $19 million Factory of the Future at Tonsley.
“Today’s showcase highlights how the Factory of the Future is bringing industry and research together to accelerate next-generation Australian products and technologies,” Vice Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling said.
Multimillion-dollar office sale in Murray Bridge
The Sturt Centre located in South Australia’s Murray Bridge has sold for $7.5 million following strong investor demand for government-backed regional assets.
The sale was negotiated by Knight Frank’s Harrison Grice in conjunction with Raine & Horne Murraylands’ John DeMichele on behalf of the vendor, Ninox Capital.
It comes amid ongoing development activity in Murray Bridge, including the $7.5 billion Gifford Hill satellite city project, which will ultimately deliver over 17,000 new homes. Gifford Hill will be the largest single development in South Australia since the 1950s.
“The Sturt Centre is underpinned by a predominantly government-based tenant profile, providing secure cash flow in one of South Australia’s fastest-growing regional centres,” Grice said.
SA Tourism Awards finalists announced
The 2026 South Australian Tourism Awards have announced 70 finalists, recognising tourism businesses and individuals across the state.
The finalists span 26 business categories and two individual categories, with industry judges assessing entries and validation reviews.
Public voting for the People’s Choice Awards has opened, and South Australians and visitors can vote for their favourite accommodation provider, tourism experience, or service until October 12.
Winners and medallists will be announced at the South Australian Tourism Awards Gala Dinner at Morphettville Racecourse on November 6.
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