Austability plays key role in establishment of SAME Australia
10 Sep
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Austability plays key role in establishment of SAME Australia

Austability is deeply honoured to be playing a key role in the establishment of Australia’s first chapter of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), a global organisation that brings together government, military, and industry to solve engineering challenges related to national security. 

 The SAME Australia Chapter was formalised in [month] under the inaugural presidency of Ben Khandan, Managing Director of Austability Australia, a leading provider of base operational support services to defence and national security organisations worldwide. 

“It’s an honour to help bring SAME to Australia,” said Ben Khandan. “This chapter will connect Australia’s deep engineering and defence expertise to global conversations, while supporting efforts that promote peace and security across the Indo-Pacific.” 

The announcement of the new Australian chapter was made during the SAME Indo-Pacific Regional Summit in Honolulu, which is focusing on shaping the future of a free and open region through engineering, technology, and partnerships. 

The Australian chapter will work closely with SAME’s Hawaiian post and other regional partners to strengthen collaboration across the Pacific. 

SAME National President Michael Huffstetler welcomed the expansion of the organisation to Australia. 

“This is a landmark step in building engineering and security partnerships across the Pacific—essential to the success of defence operations and regional stability.” 

The founding board of the SAME Australia Chapter includes: 

  • President: Ben Khandan (Austability Australia)  

  • Vice President & Communications: Lt. Cmdr. Bradford Garrigues (US Navy)  

  • Secretary: Brad Stapleton (GHD)  

  • Programs: Judd McCann (Ocebile)  

  • Membership: Brad Richardson (The Palladium Group)  

  • Recognition & Relationships: Oliver Crowther (AECOM) 

The first official event of the Australian Chapter is expected to take place during the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition in Sydney, 4–6 November, and will kick off a year of regional forums, membership growth, and strategic initiatives.