OH WHAT A NIGHT
The photos are HERE and we absolutely lovE reliving the night through these snaps!
HMA 2025
AWARD GALA NIGHT
Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2025
For 21 years, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) has championed the bold, the innovative, and the resilient, the manufacturers who not only uphold our region’s proud industrial heritage but push it into the future.
In 2025, we celebrate Forging Our Future, as we spotlight the people and businesses driving transformation across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast regions. From traditional roots to a globally recognised hub of innovation, our manufacturers are shaping what comes next, and we’re here to celebrate it.
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HMA 2025 timeline
HMA 2025 Launch Event Wednesday, 7th May
HMA 2025 Applications Open 7th May
Applications Close
"Hall of Fame" 15th August
Applications CloseD 20th August
Finalists Announced 1st October
2025 Gala Event Thursday, 30th OCtober
WAYS WE ARE IMPROVING THE AWARD EXPERIENCE
National Recognition – Bigger Opportunities
As of 2025, HMA winners will automatically advance as finalists in the inaugural Australian Manufacturing Awards, thanks to our partnership with Industry Update. Regional excellence, now recognised nationwide.
AwardForce – A Smarter Entry Experience
We use Australia’s leading awards software - AwardForce for entries, to bring you a seamless and trusted entry process.
- Easy, efficient submissions
- Built-in guidance to help you shine
- Multilingual support
- Secure access
Entrant experience matters—AwardForce helps make it simple, accessible, and rewarding.
Streamlined Criteria - less is more
We've simplified the entry process, making it quicker and more accessible for businesses of all sizes. With fewer questions, clearer criteria, and a stronger focus on what really matters, now it’s easier than ever to tell your story.
new AWARD
categories
Digital Transformation Award – Recognising outstanding use of digital technologies to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
Diversity in Manufacturing Award – Celebrating businesses that foster inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplaces.
New website, new systems, better HMA
In 2025 we launched a new website, adopted a CRM, and implemented a project management system, helping us deliver a more responsive, connected, and tech-savvy experience for everyone involved.
Telling manufacturing stories further
We’re amplifying the voice of local manufacturing through targeted PR, media partnerships, and the NTP Engineering Success podcast. With stories featured in The Herald, Hunter Business Review, Industry Update, and other national platforms, HMA is helping to showcase your success to the audiences that matter.
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.
Celebrating 21 years of excellence
Twenty-one years ago, our region’s manufacturing was defined by traditional methods and strong industrial roots. Our first winners, like Varley, OneSteel, and Cowan Manufacturing set the benchmark for excellence.
Since then, the manufacturing sector has evolved, embracing technology, sustainability, and global thinking. Today, the Hunter region is recognised worldwide for productivity, innovation, and leadership in manufacturing.
Latest HMA News
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.
Be part of forging our future
There’s never been a better time to celebrate your achievements and show the world what regional manufacturing can do.
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