Monday, 2nd November 2026
Chris Picton MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
South Australian defence industry leader and Australian Defence Force veteran Allan Dundas has been named Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
The 9th annual awards, held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra recognised veterans and partners succeeding beyond service, as well as employers supporting veteran and partner employment.
Mr Dundas is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of DEWC Services, a South Australian company delivering sovereign defence capability established in 2011. Under his leadership, DEWC Services has grown from a specialist consultancy into a trusted Defence partner employing more than 100 people and delivering more than
200 Defence projects, contributing to Australia’s capability in emerging critical technologies.
Drawing on his experience in the Royal Australian Air Force, Allan is focused on creating an environment that enables individuals to succeed and empowering technical experts to contribute to mission success. Since 2021, DEWC Services has recruited, trained and deployed more than 50 early-career professionals through graduate programs, internships and recruitment from related industries, with veterans and reservists providing mentoring and technical guidance to the company’s emerging workforce.
The awards also highlighted organisations supporting South Australia’s veteran community and employment, with Soldier On named Champion of Veteran Employment and Boeing Australia recognised for Best Veteran Employment Commitment Initiatives.
South Australian Veteran Employer Network members, Human Quotient Group and Ventia were also recognised among the finalists, together with Soldier On that support South Australian veterans and their families through employment, wellbeing and social connection programs.
Quotes attributable to Chris Picton
Congratulations to Allan Dundas on being named Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year.
This well-deserved national recognition reflects his leadership and commitment to strengthening South Australia’s defence capability while creating opportunities for veterans and the next generation of skilled workers to thrive.
Over the last 15 years he has developed his business to now employ more than 100 people and deliver over 200 projects, becoming a trusted Defence partner.
Photo: Allan Dundas with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the 2026 Prime Minister’s National Veteran Employment Awards.
