Skip to Main Content

Speakers

PARARI 2026 will include keynote speakers from across the Australian EO enterprise and international EO community, presentations, workshops and a range of networking events and opportunities. This year invited keynote speakers will address current Explosive Ordnance Safety challenges focusing on the theme of 'Proportional Safety - From Competition to Conflict'.

Plenary Speakers

  • Glen Braz AM CSC DSM

    Air Marshal Glen Braz AM CSC DSM

    Chief of Joint Capabilities

    Air Marshal Glen Braz joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1987 and is currently the Chief of Joint Capabilities, where he leads space and cyber domains, Defence logistics and National Support functions.
    A pilot by background, he graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science (Physics) and completed pilot training in 1991.

    He began his operational career flying the F‑111C with No. 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, later qualifying as a Flying Instructor on the PC‑9 and Macchi. Returning to No. 1 Squadron and graduating as a Fighter Combat Instructor, he served as Weapons and Reconnaissance Flight Commander and deployed to the Combined Air Operations Centre in support of Middle East operations.

    Air Marshal Braz has held key command and capability roles, including Commanding Officer No. 1 Squadron, where he led the introduction of the Super Hornet into Australian service, and leadership of the EA‑18G Growler capability transition. In 2015, he deployed as Commander Australian Air Task Group – Middle East Region, earning the Distinguished Service Medal, and later commanded No. 82 Wing.

    His senior appointments include Deputy Director Air-Land Integration; Air Staff Officer Plans and Operations at the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C; Commander Air Force Training Group, where he oversaw major training reforms including the introduction of the PC‑21 and establishment of Air and Ground Academies; Director General Military Strategic Commitments; and as the senior ranking Australian Defence Force Officer at the Australian Signals Directorate. He subsequently served as Deputy Chief of Air Force and Air Commander Australia.

    Air Marshal Braz holds a Bachelor of Science, Advanced Diploma of Aviation, and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies. He is a Vincent Fairfax Fellow, completed the Australian and Command staff college in 2006, and later completed the Senior Managers Program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Advanced Management Program.

    The Air Marshal is married to Charnie and has two wonderful daughters.

  • Nigel Smith CSC, RAN

    Rear Admiral Nigel Smith CSC, RAN

    Head GWEO Systems Division

    Rear Admiral Nigel Smith joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1991. He graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.

    His sea postings included the guided missile destroyers HMAS HOBART and HMAS PERTH. He also posted as the Weapons Engineering Officer of the ANZAC frigate HMAS STUART.

    Staffing posts have included Directorate of Navy Weapon Systems, Director Ordnance Safety, Director of the Land Explosive Ordnance Systems Program Office, Director General GWEO Manufacturing Development, and Director General GWEO Maritime & Maintenance.

    Nigel has enjoyed overseas postings including two years as the Naval Attaché's staff in Washington DC. He spent three years on exchange to the United Kingdom Defence Ordnance Safety Group. During the UK posting, he represented Australia on the steering committee for the NATO Munitions Safety Information and Analysis Centre and the NATO Ammunition Safety Group.

    Rear Admiral Smith has a Master of Science in Explosive Ordnance Engineering, a Master of Engineering Science in Project Management and a Master of Business Administration. He completed the Defence and Strategic Studies Course in 2020.

    Rear Admiral Smith is married and has two adult children. One of his true passions is maintaining and driving an Australian-assembled 1964 MGB. He also enjoys watching football and skiing.

  • Adam Spinks

    Air Commodore Adam Spinks

    Director General Explosive Ordnance
    Joint Logistics Command
    Joint Capabilities Group

    Air Commodore Spinks joined the Air Force in 1997 as part of the Undergraduate Scheme, while studying at Queensland University of Technology to complete a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Avionics).

    Throughout the early period of his career, Air Commodore Spinks had a number of technical postings with Air Combat Group, Aircraft Stores Integration and in the USA. He also deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation FALCONER.

    On completion of Australian Command and Staff Course in 2010, Air Commodore Spinks returned to RAAF Edinburgh on promotion to Wing Commander as Commanding Officer Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron where he established an international agreement to support USAF and RAAF collaborative F 35A Joint Strike Fighter aircraft stores compatibility activities.

    From 2014 through to the end of 2021, Air Commodore Spinks held a variety of positions in support of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler capabilities. This included headquarters staff positions at number 82 Wing Headquarters, as the F/A-18 Senior Technical Liaison Officer to the US Navy Air Systems Command in the USA and commanding the Air Combat and Electronic Attack Systems Program Office. There, in partnership with Defence Industry he was responsible for the sustainment, upgrade and acquisition of the F/A-18F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler capabilities, strengthening the Air Combat capability through collaboration and cooperation.

    From December 2021 to December 2024, Air Commodore Spinks was Australia's Defence Adviser to Singapore where he worked with the other Government agencies at the Australian High Commission to further Australia's strategic Defence relationship with Singapore. Upon return from Singapore in January 2025, Air Commodore Spinks was posted as the Chief of Staff for Headquarters Joint Capabilities Group, before assuming the role of Director General Explosive Ordnance.

  • Paul Yow, RAN

    Captain Paul Yow, RAN

    Director, Ordnance Safety
    Explosive Ordnance Branch
    Joint Capabilities Group

    CAPT Yow joined the RAN in 1997 as Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer.
    He trained in the FFG HMAS Melbourne, and DDG HMAS Hobart, before becoming a submariner. On completion of training on HMAS Collins, he served as Weapons Electrical Engineering Officer (WEEO) in Submarines HMAS Farncomb (2000-2001), and HMAS Waller (2002-2003), before being selected to study for a Masters of Explosive Ordnance Engineering at Canfield University in Shrivenham, UK. On completion of studies, he returned to Australia and performed Explosive Ordnance roles for four years before returning to sea as WEEO in the Warship HMAS Darwin (2008-10). He has held a range of positions within Navy Engineering, Career Management, the RIZZO Reform Program, Joint System, and the Destroyer Group. In 2020, he was promoted to CAPT and took on the duties of Director of the Land Explosive Ordnance System Program Office (LEOSPO), and was responsible for the acquisition and sustainment of all guided weapons and explosive ordnance for the Australian Army. In January 2023, he posted to the role of Director Professional Engineering and Governance within the Navy Engineering Branch before taking up his current posting as Director Ordnance Safety (DOS) in Jul 2024.

    He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Microelectronic Engineering (1996), and Masters Degrees in Explosive Ordnance Engineering (2004) and Military Studies (2012). He is a graduate of the Australian Command and Staff College (2012) and a member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers - UK, the Australian Safety Critical Systems Association, and Chartered, Engineering Executive and Fellow status within the Institute of Engineers Australia.

    CAPT Yow is married to Jackie and has one son, Max. In his spare time, CAPT Yow enjoys running, cycling (road, mountain and gravel), making apple cider, and fixing/tinkering with old cars, watches and bicycles.

  • Simon Bird

    Air Commodore Simon Bird

    Director-General GWEO Air, GWEO Group Systems Division

    Air Commodore Simon Bird is the Director General Guided Weapons & Explosive Ordnance - Air Branch, responsible for the acquisition, sustainment, disposal of air domain explosive ordnance, while leading the capability development of key investments that support Australia's Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Enterprise. Since joining the Royal Australian Air Force in 1998, he has built extensive experience as an Armament Engineer across weapons engineering, aircraft integration, capability management and program delivery, including service within Number 92 Wing, the Air Warfare Centre, the United States Air Force Armament Directorate, and Defence Delivery Group. His senior leadership appointments have included Commanding Officer of the Defence Explosive Ordnance Training School, Deputy Commander Air Warfare Centre, and Officer Commanding Surveillance & Response Systems Program Office. Air Commodore Bird holds a Master of Science in Guided Weapon Systems from Cranfield University, a Master of Military and Defence Studies from the Australian National University, is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

  • Andrew Shipton

    Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Shipton

    Commanding Officer, Joint Proof and Experimental Unit

    Since appointment to the Royal Military College - Duntroon in 2006 and commissioning into the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Shipton has fulfilled appointments across the spectrum of regimental, staff and instructional postings as a generalist officer, logistician, and specialist (Ammunition Technical Officer) in barracks, on exercise and on operations.

    At the rank of Lieutenant, he was a Platoon Commander at the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion and subsequently a Squadron Operations Officer at 1st Aviation Regiment. He completed the Ammunition Technical Officer Course in 2010 and was posted on promotion to the Proof and Experimental Establishment – Port Wakefield in 2011. Throughout this posting, he was responsible for the conduct of static trials in support of introduction to service and through life management of explosive ordnance and weapon systems for the Australian Defence Force.

    Subsequent postings included Headquarters 17th Sustainment Brigade as the Brigade Ammunition Technical Officer and Staff Officer Grade 3 - Combat Supplies, and in 2015 as the Lead Instructor of the Subject 2 Warrant Officer (Combat Service Support) course at the Army School of Logistic Operations. Lieutenant Colonel Shipton was awarded an Army Bronze Commendation for his work integrating staff planning serials of the Subject 2 Warrant Officer and Logistic Officer Intermediate courses to better reflect contemporary staff duties and workplace interaction at unit and formation level.

    On promotion to Major, he returned to the 1st Combat Service Support Battalion in 2017 as the Officer Commanding, 1st Field Supply Company, responsible for the provision of close supply support to the 1st Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Shipton was subsequently selected for École de Guerre – Paris in place of attendance at Australian Command and Staff Course in 2019 that also comprised an intensive French language module. On return to Australia in mid-2021, Lieutenant Colonel Shipton assumed the appointment of Staff Officer Grade 2 – Post at the Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army. Subsequently on promotion to Lieutenant Colonel he was Deputy Director – Joint Explosive Ordnance Support in Joint Logistics Command, commanding the sole ADF unit responsible for Explosive Ordnance Disposal within Australia in support of the states and territories.

    Lieutenant Colonel Shipton has deployed on two occasions; to Timor Leste to conduct disposal of explosive ordnance prior to the completion of Operation ASTUTE in 2012, and again in 2014 as the Senior Ammunition Technical Representative and Operations Captain as part of Force Support Unit – Nine to Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates (Operations SLIPPER and ACCORDION). He oversaw the provision of explosive ordnance support to deployed forces and facilitated the re-positioning of the Australian logistic commitment to the Middle East Region as part of those operations.

    Lieutenant Colonel Shipton's tertiary studies to date comprise the awards of a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Business Law (Macquarie University), a Master of Systems Engineering in Explosive Ordnance (University of New South Wales), and a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism (Macquarie University). He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia.

    Lieutenant Colonel Shipton is married to Petrina, a retired Major, and they are parents to Bernadette (8 years old) and Jack (3 years old). They enjoy travel, orienteering and alpine skiing, as well as the challenge of continuing their French language learning.

    He is currently the Commanding Officer of the Joint Proof and Experimental Unit.

  • Gilles Belley

    Mr Gilles Belley

    Director, Ammunition and Explosives Regulation
    Department of National Defence / Government of Canada

    Mr. Gilles Belley is a 1992 graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science. During his military career, he served as an Aerospace Engineering Officer in a variety of technical and leadership roles within the Royal Canadian Air Force. After completing the Ammunition Technical Officer course in the United Kingdom in 1999, he became one of the Canadian Armed Forces' recognized specialists in ammunition and explosives management. His military appointments included Ammunition Technical Services Officer supporting Air Force and Navy munitions, Armament Officer at 3 Wing Bagotville, Deputy Commanding Officer of a second line operational fighter squadron, and Weapon System Manager and Senior Technical Engineering Officer for the CF-188 Hornet fleet. These assignments provided him with extensive experience in weapons engineering, airworthiness, operational support, munitions safety, and the lifecycle management of complex defence capabilities.

    Following more than 21 years of service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Mr. Belley transferred to the federal public service in 2008. He subsequently managed the Department of National Defence's Unexploded Explosive Ordnance and Legacy Sites Program, overseeing initiatives related to the identification, assessment, and remediation of historical explosives hazards across Canada. In 2015, Mr. Belley was appointed Director, Ammunition and Explosives Regulation. In this capacity, he serves as the Department of National Defence's functional authority for ammunition and explosives regulation and safety, responsible for establishing regulatory policy, oversight, and compliance programs that govern the safe management of ammunition and explosives across the Defence Team. Through this role, he provides strategic leadership on national and international ammunition and explosives safety matters and represents Canada in various NATO and allied forums dedicated to advancing munitions safety, interoperability, and standardization.

  • Ryan Esam

    Mr Ryan Esam

    CEO, Rurex

    NARRATIVE:
    Ryan is the Founder / Sole owner and Managing Director of Rurex Pty Ltd and leads the management and development of the Byrock Explosives Test & Evaluation Centre (BETEC) in regional New South Wales. He is focused on translating high-risk explosives, explosive ordnance, and dangerous goods capability into practical, lawful, and commercially sustainable outcomes for Defence, government, industry, and research partners.

    With more than eight years building Rurex as an independent sovereign capability, Ryan operates at the intersection of explosives safety, regulatory compliance, test and evaluation, disposal, infrastructure development, and Defence capability transition. His work is grounded in practical range operations and the need to turn complex requirements into evidence,
    confidence, and usable pathways.

    Ryan has led Rurex through the establishment and growth of BETEC as a SafeWork NSW and EPA licensed facility for explosives handling, storage, testing, research, and disposal. The facility supports UN Manual of Tests and Criteria work, defence-relevant T&E, disposal programs, cast-melt, demonstration activity, range operations, evidence collection, and collaboration with Defence, primes, SMEs, universities, and regulators.

    His background includes senior leadership, technical consulting, and practical field delivery across the explosives sector. As General Manager of Davey Bickford Australia, a small entity grew into the largest provider of electronic initiation in its market. He has also worked in technical, consulting, and management roles with major explosives organisations Dyno Consult and Orica, supporting customers across commercial, civil, mining, and specialist explosives applications. His practical experience includes blasting and explosives operations in very remote locations with limited resources through to urban close-proximity environments, giving him a grounded understanding of how explosives capability must be delivered safely,
    commercially, relationally, and within real operational constraints.

    Ryan is known for building capability from the ground up: licences, approvals, plant, facilities, people, procedures, test methods, evidence systems, and trusted relationships. His approach is direct and safety-led, combining operational realism with commercial discipline and the regulatory and technical detail required to give Defence confidence.

    CAPABILITY:
    Ryan's focus is simple and outcomes-driven:

    • Provide Australia with a credible, sovereign (and commercially operated) explosives test, evaluation, disposal, and training ecosystem, that
    • Reduces risk, improves evidence quality, and
    • Gives Defence and industry a trusted pathway from concept to authorised outcome.
  • Stephen Gillström McLean

    Mr Stephen Gillström McLean

    Team Leader, Defence Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Safety Regulator
    UK Ministry of Defence

    Steve leads the UK Defence Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives Safety Regulator (DOSR), within the Defence Safety Authority, with DOSR's area of responsibility covering: Acquisition of OME, Explosives Safety, Range Safety and Major Accident Control.

    His career started at the Royal Navy Armament Depot (RNAD), in Plymouth in 1984, undertaking many explosives activities on a wide range of conventional munitions, Steve has remained in explosives safety for his entire career.

    Steve has also held positions responsible for producing Technical Processing documents and the MOD's Explosives Regulations (JSP 482). He has also led the Explosives Storage and Transport Committee (ESTC) who were the UK Competent Authority for the classification of 'Military Explosives'; this was a role that followed him to DOSR, where he has been since its establishment. Before his promotion Steve was responsible for providing Assurance through the undertaking of inspections and audits and restoring compliance through the application of appropriate enforcement action. Steve has been the UK Representative at a number of NATO Ammunition Safety Committees and is currently the UK rep to NATO CASG AC326 Main Group.

    Steve is married with 3 children. He loves sport, particularly playing golf, and avidly follows Plymouth Argyle FC.

  • Christopher Hollands

    Mr Christopher Hollands

    Project Manager, Munitions Safety Information Analysis Center (MSIAC)

    Chris (UK) joined MSIAC on 3 August 2020 as the Energetic Materials TSO and took on the post of Project Manager in November 2024. He has a Master's Degree in Chemistry from the University of Birmingham in the UK, obtained in 2007.

    Prior to MSIAC Chris spent 13 years in UK MOD, principally with the Defence Ordnance Safety Group (DOSG) as an Energetic Material Scientist; he provided specialist scientific advice on munition and weapon safety to UK MOD, Industry and International Partners.

  • Greg Mathams

    Mr Greg Mathams

    Chief Engineer Future Programs, Northrop Grumman Australia

Concurrent Speakers

Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

DG Air Freight

Karagozian & Case

Rurex

Bronze Sponsors

ADCO Constructions

University of New South Wales

Dinner Sponsor

Lockheed Martin Australia

Name Card & Lanyard Sponsor

Ascent

Media Partners

Asia Pacific Defence Reporter (APDR)

Australian Defence Magazine (ADM)

Defence Connect

Skip to Top of Page