The ANI runs a number of events of interest to the naval and maritime community. The ANI’s two flagship events are:
- the ANI Annual Dinner during which the McNeil Prize is awarded and the Vernon Parker Oration is delivered by an eminent Australian; and
- the Goldrick Seminar in which an issue of particular interest of the Chief of Navy is explored.
2025 ANI Goldrick Seminar
The Maritime Element of National Resilience
The Australian Naval Institute invites abstracts for presentation at the 2026 Goldrick Seminar, to be held in Canberra on 4 November 2026.
This year’s theme, Maritime Power and National Resilience, will explore the challenges facing Australia’s maritime security and the role of naval power in building resilience across an increasingly contested strategic environment. We welcome submissions from defence professionals, academics, policy makers, industry and practitioners, as well as members of the broader community with expertise in maritime affairs.
Presenters selected by the program committee will have the opportunity to contribute to one of Australia’s leading maritime strategy forums and may be invited to publish their work in the Australian Naval Review or the ANI Policy Paper Series.
Abstracts of up to 300 words are due by 15 August 2026.
Full details on the Call for papers can be found HERE
Save the Date; 4 November 2026 – Hotel Realm, Barton ACT
Tickets released in August
ANI Vernon Parker Oration and Dinner and 2026 McNeil Prize
19 May 2026
2026 Vernon Parker Orator
Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN – Chief of Navy
The Australian Naval Institute held its flagship event of the year, the 2026 Vernon Parker Oration and Annual Dinner, on 19 May 2026 at the National Ballroom, Hotel Realm, Canberra.
The event brought together representatives from defence, industry, academia and government for an evening of discussion, networking and professional engagement. The 2026 Vernon Parker Oration was delivered by Vice Admiral Mark Hammond AO RAN, Chief of Navy, who reflected on his four years leading the Royal Australian Navy and shared his perspectives on Australia’s evolving strategic environment. His address explored the nation’s enduring reliance on maritime security, the importance of diplomacy, deterrence and defence in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific, and the need for continued investment in naval capability and international partnerships as Australia prepares for future security challenges.
As one of the Institute’s premier events, the Vernon Parker Oration continued its tradition of fostering informed discussion and strengthening connections across Australia’s naval and maritime community.
The evening also included the presentation of the 2026 McNeil Prize, recognising an individual or group who had made an outstanding contribution to the operational capability of the Royal Australian Navy.
2026 ANI McNeil Prize
