Av-Comm pivots: from Dick Smith to defence

On the 2nd of November 2023, Av-Comm marked a significant milestone in its 42-year history, with the official opening of its new office in North Sydney. The event was attended by the Honourable Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield, Mr. James Griffin, Member for Manly, Ms. Felicity Wilson, Member for North Shore, Mr. Dick Smith, Australian entrepreneur and pilot, Mr. Amos Tepi, CEO of Telikom Limited and Mr. Ponabe Yuwa, Consulate-General of Papua, New Guinea. Av-Comm executives and other distinguished guests joined together to commemorate this momentous occasion.

Left to Right: Michael Cratt, CEO, Av-Comm, Hon. Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield, Dick Smith, Australian Entrepreneur & Pilot, Felicity Wilson, Member for North Shore, Garry Cratt, Founding Director, Av-Comm, James Griffin, Member for Manly.

Garry Cratt, Founding Director of Av-Comm, said “there are lots of exciting opportunities in Defence currently,” echoing his son Michael, Chief Executive Officer of Av-Comm, who said, “we’re focusing a lot on the Defence sector, and have some interesting programs running with Lockheed Martin,” in reference to the JP9102 program. Under Defence project JP9102, Lockheed Martin Australia - Space is poised to deliver a sovereign military satellite communications system to the ADF, with Av-Comm playing an important part in developing the technological capability.

Dick Smith, Australian aviator and entrepreneur said, when referring to Av-Comm's growth; “They’ve done incredibly well, I’m very proud because they’re so Australian and that’s important.” “The fact that [Av-Comm] is going to be manufacturing in Australia and exporting to countries like PNG, that’s something I was never able to do, I’m quite jealous,” Dick said.

Left to Right: Garry Cratt, Founding Director, Av-Comm, Mr. Amos Tepi, CEO, Telikom Ltd PNG, Hon. Paul Fletcher, Member for Bradfield, Michael Cratt, CEO, Av-Comm, Felicity Wilson, Member for North Shore, James Griffin, Member for Manly.

“We have secured over half a dozen orders for our first all Aussie made Cassowary satellite ground station and now we’re working on the next generation of Cassowary to support Army’s upcoming Land4140 program” Michael Cratt said. Garry Cratt also thanked Dick Smith for mentoring him and couldn’t believe how much the business has grown.

Av-Comm's journey exemplifies the resilience and innovation inherent in the Australian entrepreneurial spirit. Initially providing satcom solutions, the company has not only played a pivotal role in advancing national communication capabilities but is gearing up to deliver cutting-edge solutions to empower the Australian armed forces.

For more information visit: avcomm.com.au