Bret Barton: HunterNet Senior Business Advisor

In this episode of Engineering in the Hunter, NTP Talent’s Melinda Sietsma sits down with Bret Barton, HunterNet Senior Business Advisor and University of Newcastle Defence & Aerospace BD Lead, to pull back the curtain on the booming industrial landscape of Newcastle. A seasoned aeronautical engineer, Bret shares his journey from the Canadian military to the frontline of flight testing in Florida, before settling in Australia and working with firms like Nova Systems.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break into defence contracting, Bret provides a reality check on the patience required and the payoff that awaits those who survive the long game. He and Mel discuss the ecosystem driving the region’s future — from the AUKUS submarine program and hypersonics to the transition into new energy — and how local collaboration and a “dual-use” technology strategy can turn regional challenges into a competitive advantage.

About the show

Engineering in the Hunter (formerly Engineering Success) is hosted by Melinda Sietsma with NTP Talent founder James MacDonald. It is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the team that helped build Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts.