Agricultural, energy and supply chain resilience - Unrecognised threats from within?
Australian Spitfire Association
- Australian Spitfire Association hosting Lysle Roberts Memorial Series Luncheon in Sydney on 14 October 2025 focusing on national security and food security issues
- Panel discussion features Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd) and strategic policy specialist Andrew Henderson, with Dr Russell Boyce FAIAA as facilitator
- Event will examine Australia's resilience and preparedness amid Indo-Pacific challenges
- Two-course lunch included with networking opportunities for defence, agriculture, academic and industry professionals
- Takes place at Club York, Sydney, from 12:30-3:00 pm AEDT
Sydney, NSW — The Australian Spitfire Association is honoured to present the Lysle Roberts Memorial Series Luncheon on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm AEDT at Club York, 95–99 York Street, Sydney.
Australia is often regarded as “The Lucky Country,” blessed with abundant resources, fertile agricultural land, and a strong economy. But have we become too reliant on stability, assuming global and domestic systems will continue to function without disruption?
This luncheon will unite professionals from defence, agriculture, academia, and industry for a critical panel discussion on Australia’s security and food security amid evolving Indo‑Pacific challenges.
[Register here] https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1598084476689
Featured speakers
Air Vice‑Marshal John Blackburn AO (Retd) — Former Deputy Chief of Air Force (RAAF), seasoned F/A‑18 fighter and test pilot, strategic planner, and resilience thought‑leader. Since retiring in 2008, he has led a National Resilience Project focusing on Australia’s pandemic readiness, climate change, energy transition, and regional threat resilience.
Andrew Henderson — Strategic policy specialist, Principal of AgSecure, Senior Fellow at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, and author on biosecurity and agricultural supply chains. He champions the pivotal role of rural and regional Australia in national and food security.
Facilitator
Dr Russell Boyce FAIAA — Esteemed for his leadership in defence technology and innovation. He holds roles including DSTO Chair for Hypersonics at UQ, Director at UNSW Canberra Space, and was instrumental in developing Australia’s Space Agency roadmap.
Event highlights
- Two‑course luncheon (smoked salmon or vegetarian entrée; grilled barramundi or sirloin)
- In‑depth panel discussion on strategic and food security
- Networking among academics, professionals, and members of the defence and agriculture communities
About us:
Who was Lysle Roberts?
This event forms part of a series to honour the spirit of Lysle Roberts and support the Spitfire Association’s mission to “Carry the Spirit Forward.”
Lysle Roberts was a Spitfire pilot who flew with RAAF 457 Squadron in the defence of Australia during the Second World War. After the war, Roberts and many of his colleagues continued to serve the nation as members of the Australian Spitfire Association.
Their legacy is most visible in the establishment of the Spitfire Memorial Defence Fellowship (SMDF) in 1998, supporting step-change innovations to enhance Australia’s national security. Lysle’s passion for this work continued until his passing in 2019, and the Spitfire Association proudly continues his and his fellow 457 SQN RAAF pilots’ vision today.
https://www.spitfireassociation.com/articles.php
Contact details:
Karen Paterson
The Boson Group Pty Ltd
0414464256
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The lucky country, or a nation at risk? Powerful discussion about Australia's resilience from Air Vice Marshal John Blackburn, AO (Ret'd) and Andrew Henderson, Senior Fellow, Australian Strategic Policy Institute; facilitated by Dr Russell Boyce.
