Western Australians can now step into Australia's nuclear-powered submarine future, with the official opening of the Submarine Discovery Centre in Rockingham.
Featuring interactive exhibits, immersive displays and educational resources, the Centre offers visitors a hands-on look at how Australia's nuclear-powered submarine program under AUKUS will strengthen national security and deliver long-term economic benefits.
The Centre was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, who said(Opens in a new tab/window) the initiative will help Australians better understand one of the nation's most significant defence investments.
'Western Australia is already the home of Australia's submarines, and is now at the forefront of the AUKUS Pathway playing a vital role in Australia becoming sovereign ready to own and operate our own fleet of nuclear-powered submarine,' said Deputy Prime Minister Marles.
'A submarine is more complex than a space station, it is more complex than a space shuttle. Submarines are the most complex machines that humanity have ever built. And right here you can learn all about that at the west Australian submarine discovery centre.
'The new Discovery Centre will be a valuable resource for Rockingham - providing a space for locals and visitors to explore what our investments in AUKUS mean for them, and learn about how we are transitioning to this game changing capability.'
Located at 19 Kent Street, opposite the Rockingham Visitor Centre, the facility is free to enter and open to the public from Tuesday to Thursday. It will also host community events and education programs designed to build awareness and inspire the next generation workforce.
The Federal Member for Brand, The Hon Madeleine King MP, said Rockingham has a long and proud history of supporting the Royal Australian Navy for over 45 years.
'AUKUS represents a generational opportunity for Western Australia and for workers and families in Rockingham,' Minister King said.
The Australian Government is investing up to $8 billion over the next decade to expand HMAS Stirling as part of Submarine Rotational Force - West , creating around 3,000 direct jobs in Western Australia. Thousands more roles will be supported through sustainment work, including depot-level maintenance at the Henderson Defence Precinct.
Head of the Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, said the Centre will play a key role in connecting the community with this once-in-a-generation program.
'The Submarine Discovery Centre will give locals a front-row seat to one of the most important capability developments in Australia's history,' said Vice Admiral Mead.
'Rockingham is already seeing AUKUS in action. The Discovery Centre will help the local community stay up-to-date as preparations for Submarine Rotational Force - West ramp up throughout 2026.'
With its strong focus on education, industry pathways and community engagement, the Submarine Discovery Centre highlights the central role Western Australia will play in delivering Australia's future nuclear-powered submarine capability.
To learn more about the WA Submarine Discovery Centre, please click here .
