Hunter Manufacturing Awards

Hunter Manufacturing Awards The champion for the region’s manufacturing industry inspires and encourages the Hunter to secure

The 2026 HMA Insights Event brought the manufacturing community together on the Central Coast for an evening of networki...
04/09/2026

The 2026 HMA Insights Event brought the manufacturing community together on the Central Coast for an evening of networking, presentations, industry catchups and learnings.

HMA Chair Chris Kelleher opened the evening with the exciting news that more than 70 applications had been received for this year’s awards before applications closed on 31 August. It was a fantastic result and a strong reflection of the talent, innovation and capability within our region’s manufacturing sector.

Our speakers brought genuine passion, preparation and expertise to the evening:

🔹 Frank Sammut MIE Aus from the Central Coast Industry Connect Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub shared the roadmap behind the new $17 million facility and the vision for its role in supporting food manufacturing across the region.

🔹 Alison Cook and the team from Central Coast Group Training spoke about the impact of the ManufactHER program and the importance of creating more opportunities for women and building a more diverse manufacturing workforce.

🔹 Rebecca Maher and Anthony Cook from Commonwealth Bank presented insights from its 2026 Manufacturing Signals Report, together with practical tools to support sustainability, innovation and business growth.

Guests also had the opportunity to tour the new Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub and see firsthand how it will help manufacturers test ideas, develop new products and packaging, access specialist expertise and pursue new markets.

More than a manufacturing facility, the Hub is designed to bring manufacturers, researchers, educators and students together, creating new opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and innovation across the region’s food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Thank you to our speakers for the preparation, passion and knowledge they brought to the event, to Central Coast Group Training for its generous sponsorship, and to everyone who joined us for the evening.

📸 Follow the link to view the full event gallery.
www.hma.org.au/2026/09/04/2026-insights

Judging is underway.The 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards are officially moving into the next stage!A huge thank you to e...
31/08/2026

Judging is underway.

The 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards are officially moving into the next stage!

A huge thank you to everyone who put forward their people, products, ideas and achievements for this year’s Awards. We’ve been inspired by the stories and the incredible capability being demonstrated across our region.

Now, the countdown is on.
🏆 Finalists will be announced 1 October
🥂 Gala Awards Night – Friday 30 October
📍 NEX Newcastle

We can’t wait to shine a light on the makers, innovators, problem-solvers and leaders who are helping shape the future of manufacturing across our region.

And most importantly, we can’t wait to celebrate you!

Stay tuned. The 2026 finalists are coming soon!

On Friday, we caught up with people and businesses from across the manufacturing community at our "We Make It Here" Inno...
31/08/2026

On Friday, we caught up with people and businesses from across the manufacturing community at our "We Make It Here" Innovators Lunch, delivered in partnership with Hunter iF Limited.

More than 60 people joined us for a great opportunity to have a chat, make new connections and hear from some of the people helping shape the future of manufacturing in the Hunter. It was great to see so many familiar faces alongside plenty of new ones.

Cameron Burns from Hunter iF welcomed everyone to the event, setting the scene for a great couple of hours.

Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board member and Chief Operating Officer at HunterNet Career Connections Nick Couper then kicked things off, sharing an insight into the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards and the opportunity to recognise the people and businesses doing great things across our sector.

HMA 2025 Apprentice of the Year Nicole Clifton joined Emeritus Professor Will Rifkin from the The University of Newcastle, Australia for a conversation about her experience as an apprentice and the importance of mentoring and support for young people starting their careers in manufacturing.

Edwin Higginson from Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists joined Hunter iF CEO Zara Crichton for a conversation about his business and his journey in manufacturing. Australian EVS took home the HMA 2025 Outstanding Start-Up Award, so it was great to hear more about their journey.

We also had the chance to get up close with Design Anthology who shared what they're working on and giving us plenty to talk about over lunch.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable and worthwhile event. It's these conversations, connections and shared experiences that help build a stronger manufacturing community across the Hunter.

Thank you to Hunter iF for partnering with us. We loved bringing everyone together for .

🚨 FINAL CALL — NO MORE EXTENSIONS! 🚨This is it. ⏰ Applications close at midnight tonight, Monday 31 August 2026.This is ...
30/08/2026

🚨 FINAL CALL — NO MORE EXTENSIONS! 🚨

This is it. ⏰ Applications close at midnight tonight, Monday 31 August 2026.

This is the absolute final opportunity to submit your application. There will be no further extensions, and late applications will not be accepted.

Whether you’ve started and need to finish, or you’ve been waiting for the right moment to apply, now is the time.

✅ Complete all required information
✅ Double-check your application
✅ Submit before midnight

Don’t miss your final chance. Get your application in before the clock runs out! 🔥

27/08/2026

We make it here... in Mayfield.

Meet Liam from SAPHI, manufacturing AI imaging systems right here in the Hunter.

Saphi’s AI imaging technology is designed to be deployed on vehicles, forklifts and across manufacturing facilities, helping keep operators safer while making workplaces more efficient.

And it’s already making an impact globally, with Saphi’s systems now distributed across 8 countries, all manufactured right here in Mayfield.

Are you a manufacturer in the Hunter and neighbouring regions? Applications are open across 15 categories, but time is running out.

Applications close Monday at midnight.

Head to hma.org.au to get your application in before the deadline.

The manufacturers leading our industry don’t just build products, they shape capability, create opportunity, strengthen ...
26/08/2026

The manufacturers leading our industry don’t just build products, they shape capability, create opportunity, strengthen communities, and define what we make it here stands for.

The Manufacturer of the Year (50 or more employees) Award recognises large manufacturers demonstrating outstanding performance across innovation, leadership, operational excellence, workforce development, sustainability, and industry impact.

This is the Hunter Manufacturing Awards’ premier recognition for large manufacturing businesses setting the benchmark for excellence, not only within their own operations, but across the wider manufacturing sector.

We’re looking for manufacturers that:
⚙️ Compete at a world-class level through exports or import replacement
⚙️ Invest in innovation, technology, and future growth
⚙️ Build strong cultures focused on safety, engagement, and performance
⚙️ Demonstrate leadership in sustainability and continuous improvement
⚙️ Strengthen manufacturing through collaboration, education, and community contribution

If your business is driving transformation, delivering measurable impact, and helping shape the future of manufacturing, it’s time to share your story.

Proudly sponsored by Downer Group.

For all the details, download the category information guide on the Manufacturer of the Year (50 or more employees) page at hma.org.au. Applying is easy, completed online, and you can get started today.

Some of the most impressive manufacturing businesses have fewer than 50 employees, and every day they show what we make ...
26/08/2026

Some of the most impressive manufacturing businesses have fewer than 50 employees, and every day they show what we make it here stands for.

The Manufacturer of the Year (less than 50 employees) Award recognises outstanding manufacturers demonstrating excellence across business performance, innovation, leadership, people, sustainability, and operational capability.

This award celebrates smaller manufacturers achieving big impact through strong systems, skilled teams, continuous improvement, and a commitment to building stronger businesses and stronger communities.

We’re looking for manufacturers that:
⚙️ Compete through innovation, export success, or import replacement
⚙️ Invest in technology, capability, and future growth
⚙️ Build engaged teams and strong workplace culture
⚙️ Demonstrate environmental responsibility and continuous improvement
⚙️ Contribute to the broader manufacturing sector and community

If your business is setting the benchmark for manufacturing excellence, it’s time to share your story.

Proudly sponsored by Auditco

For all the details, download the category information guide on the Manufacturer of the Year (less than 50 employees) page at hma.org.au. Applying is easy, completed online, and you can get started today.

Our Judges for 2026 | Michael MurrayFew people know the Hunter Manufacturing Awards judging process better than Michael ...
26/08/2026

Our Judges for 2026 | Michael Murray

Few people know the Hunter Manufacturing Awards judging process better than Michael Murray.

A qualified company director with more than 25 years in senior executive roles, Michael has been active in the manufacturing sector for over 20 years. He has served on the HMA judging panel for 15 years, including the past five years as Chief Judge.

HMA is proud to be supported by an independent panel of experienced industry leaders who help recognise and celebrate manufacturing excellence across the Hunter and neighbouring regions.

Read more about Michael and all the judges here. hma.org.au/judging-panel

The best manufacturing outcomes often happen when businesses work together, and that’s part of how we make it here.The C...
25/08/2026

The best manufacturing outcomes often happen when businesses work together, and that’s part of how we make it here.

The Collaboration Partnership Award recognises organisations joining forces to solve challenges, drive innovation, strengthen capability, and create meaningful outcomes through strategic collaboration.

This award celebrates partnerships achieving more together than they could alone, whether through industry, supply chain, research, education, or business collaboration.

We’re looking for partnerships that:
⚙️ Deliver measurable results and shared success
⚙️ Solve complex problems through collaboration
⚙️ Accelerate innovation and industry growth
⚙️ Strengthen capability across organisations or sectors
⚙️ Create long-term value and impact

If your partnership is delivering real outcomes for manufacturing, it’s time to share your story.

Proudly sponsored by Hunter Mla.

For all the details, download the category information guide on the Collaboration Partnership page at hma.org.au. Applying is easy, completed online, and you can get started today.

Our Judges for 2026 | Craig SlavekSupporting skills development and workforce growth across the Hunter gives Craig Slave...
25/08/2026

Our Judges for 2026 | Craig Slavek

Supporting skills development and workforce growth across the Hunter gives Craig Slavek a valuable perspective as a member of the HMA 2026 judging panel.

Craig is an experienced Training Advisor with Training Services in the Hunter region, with a strong background in the VET sector specialising in apprenticeships and traineeships. He is passionate about working with industry to foster productive, compliant workplaces that enable apprentices to succeed and build meaningful careers.

HMA is proud to be supported by an independent panel of experienced industry leaders who help recognise and celebrate manufacturing excellence across the Hunter and neighbouring regions.

Read more about Craig and all the judges here. hma.org.au/judging-panel

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