From Open Days and Q&As, to career expos, industry events, and even a football game, ASA staff have been busily engaging with the public across the state to help Western Australians make the most of a once-in-a-generation national endeavour.
Local communities across Western Australia are increasingly engaging with the nuclear-powered submarine enterprise as momentum builds towards the commencement of the first major AUKUS milestone.
March and April saw ASA staff at 10 events across the state engaging with the public about what AUKUS will mean for their communities and how they can get involved.
Engagements centred around the beginning of Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF-West), due to commence in 2027, which will see submarines from the United States and United Kingdom rotating out of HMAS Stirling.
Community information sessions
Two information sessions in Perth and Rockingham hosted by ASA in late March connected more than 200 community members with Defence leaders, technical experts and Local Government representatives to ask questions, voice concerns, and gain a greater understanding of the program.
Head of Strategy and Policy at ASA, Ms Mikaela James, said that the agency had dedicated teams in WA and South Australia to foster deeper relationships and community understanding.
‘Talking directly with local communities is an important part of our work. The community information sessions give us the chance to share updates on the AUKUS program, and hear local views, questions and perspectives,’ said Ms James.
‘Western Australia plays a vital role in Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and the strong interest we saw highlighted the value of ongoing, open engagement as the work continues.’
The latest round of sessions follows similar events in September and December 2025, with more gatherings planned for later in the year.
‘We appreciate this is a big program with lots of moving parts, so we highly value the insights and feedback provided by local communities.
‘We’ll be back in the middle of the year to provide further updates on how things are progressing and look forwarded to listening, learning, and answering any questions community members might have.’
From Albany to Comet Bay – AUKUS opportunities abound
Recent months have also seen ASA staff at numerous community events and career expos promoting the role of AUKUS, the NPS program, and the vast career and industry opportunities.
Events included the AUKUS SRF-West Sustainment Industry Seminar (12 March); Irwin Barracks Open Day (14 March); University of Western Australia Career Fair (17 March); Comet Bay College Defence Industries Career Expo (24 March); Big Meet Careers Fair in Perth (1 April); Port of Albany’s bicentenary celebrations (11 April); Rockingham Jobs Fair (22 April) and Business News’ Sector Briefing: Future of Defence Infrastructure event (22 April).
Speaking at the Future of Defence Infrastructure event, ASA’s WA State Manager Dr Kate O'Shaughnessy highlighted the scale of the transformation underway.
‘Major infrastructure is only one part of the program. A skilled workforce is essential to building and sustaining capability, and there are significant opportunities for Western Australians to contribute,’ said Dr O’Shaughnessy.
Up to 3,000 direct jobs are expected to be created to support SSN maintenance in Western Australia over the next 30 years. These roles will span a range of disciplines, including engineering, trades, project management and advanced technologies.
‘These engagements are an important part of ensuring Western Australians are informed and positioned to take advantage of emerging opportunities,’ said Dr O’Shaughnessy.
‘Clear pathways across education, training and industry will be critical to meeting the workforce requirements of this program.’
Kicking goals above and below the surface
February saw the arrival of the Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarine, HMS Anson, for a Submarine Maintenance Period at HMAS Stirling. The extended port visit was historic – marking the first‑ever maintenance activity on a British nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia and demonstrating a significant uplift in the capacity and capability of HMAS Stirling and of Australian personnel.
Fifty maintenance and demonstration activities were delivered trilaterally, reflecting considerable progress ahead of the establishment of SRF-West next year. Australian companies provided critical support to the maintenance activity, with a number of local businesses manufacturing components specifically designed to be installed on the submarine. In total, Australian industry delivered more than 2,500 hours of support as part of HMS Anson’s visit to Perth – industry’s most significant contribution to a port visit ever.
On their days off, the crew of HMS Anson made the most of the summer sunshine: visiting local beaches, taking in iconic Perth sunsets, and seeing the quokkas on Rottnest Island. They also met with local students, joined Port Kennedy Soccer Club for a friendly football match and played a game of tag rugby with the Cockburn Rugby Club. The events celebrated the strong and growing relationship between Australia and the United Kingdom, highlighting the people to people connections underpinning the AUKUS partnership, with sport providing a shared space for friendship, cooperation and community engagement.
Taskforce survey
The WA Government has established an AUKUS Community Taskforce(Opens in a new tab/window) to engage with residents in Rockingham and surrounding areas as AUKUS is implemented. Supported by the ASA, the Taskforce will focus on community priorities including transport, housing, health, education, and service capacity, and develop recommendations to help the region prepare for and benefit from increased defence activity linked to AUKUS. It will report its findings to the WA Government in late 2026.
Discovery on the horizon
Rockingham will soon host a new WA Submarine Discovery Centre, giving the local community a permanent place to learn about Australia’s nuclear‑powered submarine future and the long‑term investment AUKUS will deliver for WA. Opening in the first half of 2026, the centre will feature interactive exhibits and educational resources explaining the AUKUS submarine program and its impact on regional jobs, infrastructure and national security as preparations for SRF-West.
The WA Quarterly Update is a digital newsletter showcasing major announcements on the AUKUS optimal pathway in Western Australia — including key statements, news and highlights from local engagement activities. Released every three months, it offers quick links to learn more about the Agency, AUKUS, and ways to get involved in this national endeavour.