Congratulations
TO the winners of the 2026
Hunter manufacturing Awards
Oh What a night!
The photos are here, and we absolutely love reliving the night through these snaps.
Congratulations to the
2026 Hall of Fame Inductee
Ian Hedley - HEDWELD
Mining safety innovator and engineering entrepreneur Ian Hedley has been inducted into the Hunter Manufacturing Hall of Fame for a career spanning more than 45 years of innovation, leadership, and contribution to Australian manufacturing.
Mr Hedley, founder of the Hedweld Group of Companies, was inducted in recognition of a legacy that has helped improve safety standards across the global mining industry while creating opportunities for generations of regional workers, tradespeople and engineers.
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Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2026
For more than two decades, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards has celebrated the strength, skill, and determination of the manufacturers who build our region from the ground up.
In 2026, we proudly declare We Make It Here. It is a statement of capability, commitment, and confidence. It speaks to the businesses that design, engineer, fabricate, and produce locally, backing their people, their supply chains, and their communities.
Across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast, manufacturers are proving that world-class outcomes do not have to come from somewhere else. They are made here, through hard-won expertise, advanced technology and a deep understanding of place.
We Make It Here is about more than location. It is about ownership, resilience, and pride in building something that lasts. In 2026, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards shines a spotlight on the people and businesses who continue to invest locally, compete globally, and shape the future of Australian manufacturing.
Why Enter the HUnter manufacturing awards?
This is more than an awards night, it’s your chance to stand out, grow, and shape your future.
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Is your business part of Our region?
If you’re located in the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, or Mid-North Coast and actively engaged in manufacturing, whether directly producing goods or playing a key role in the supply chain, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards are for you.
From ambitious start-ups to long-established leaders, HMA exists to recognise the breadth and depth of manufacturing talent in our region. We celebrate your achievements, spotlight your impact, and help connect you to new opportunities through recognition, visibility, and industry engagement.
HMA LGA's include:
- Central Coast
- Cessnock
- Dungog
- Lake Macquarie
- Maitland
- Mid Coast
- Muswellbrook
- Tamworth Region
- Newcastle
- Port Macquarie - Hastings
- Port Stephens
- Singleton
- Upper Hunter
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