About The Hunter Manufacturing Awards

Forging Our Future, Together

Celebrating 21 years of regional manufacturing excellence

Founded in 2005, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) has stood as a proud champion of vibrant and enduring manufacturing across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast regions.


For over two decades, HMA has celebrated the innovation, resilience, and collaboration that define our region’s manufacturers. From honouring our rich industrial heritage to supporting a high-skill, high-tech future, we are here to inspire, connect, and recognise.

Meet the HMA Board

2026 Judging Panel

Committed to shaping the future

Our Vision

To position the Hunter and surrounding regions as a globally recognised centre of manufacturing excellence, powered by innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to shaping the future.

Our Mission

To recognise and promote outstanding achievements in manufacturing, while fostering a dynamic and sustainable industry through education, connection, and celebration.

Our Purpose

To celebrate the achievements of manufacturers at all stages of their journey.

To inspire innovation, resilience, and leadership across the sector.

To connect businesses, people, and ideas for shared growth.

To advocate for the importance and impact of manufacturing in our region’s economy.

Manufacturing: The hunter's future

With over a century of industrial heritage, the Hunter region is home to one of Australia’s most highly skilled workforces. Our manufacturers are:

Innovators leading the charge with advanced technologies and smart strategies.

Collaborators, building strong networks and resilient supply chains.

Global thinkers, focused on sustainable, agile, and future-ready business models.

Transforming with the Industry

Like the sector we represent, HMA is evolving.

Our awards are now streamlined, reflecting contemporary priorities and focusing on what matters most.

We offer more opportunities for education, connection, and collaboration, helping businesses not only celebrate success but also grow and thrive.

With strong support from our partners and sponsors, we continue to advocate for a manufacturing sector that is fit for the future.

our MOtivations

The Hunter Manufacturing Awards are driven by the belief that manufacturing is key to the ongoing prosperity of our region. We are dedicated to:

Strengthening the regional economy

Leading innovation & shaping the future

Honouring the Hunter’s proud industrial heritage

Competing on the global stage

Creating skilled, rewarding jobs

Building pathways for youth and career development

Governance and Growth

HMA operates as an independent, not-for-profit organisation, with a vision shared by a dedicated board of regional leaders.

As we grow, so too does our commitment to building a diverse, dynamic, and sustainable manufacturing base in the Hunter and surrounding regions.

Is your business part of Our region?

If you’re based in the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, or Mid-North Coast, and actively engaged in manufacturing, this is your time to shine.

Whether you’re a start-up or an established leader, HMA is about recognising businesses of all sizes, celebrating your impact, and helping you forge new pathways.


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

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.

Want to nominate someone for HMA 2026?

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