HMA 2026
We Make It Here
2026 Award Winners
Apprentice of the Year: Jayden Edmonds – Downer
Jayden Edmonds was recognised for his resilience, persistence and commitment to learning. The judging panel praised his technical capability, initiative and maturity, including his willingness to support fellow apprentices and contribute to the development of others.
Outstanding Start-Up: Circular Organics
Circular Organics was recognised for its innovative approach to organic waste recovery, transforming commercial food waste into valuable agricultural products. Judges highlighted the strength of its vertically integrated model, strong early traction and the potential to meet growing demand for practical, cost-effective waste solutions.
Excellence in Export & Global Supply Chains: Pitcrew AI - Exporting autonomous vehicle inspection
Pitcrew AI was recognised for its outstanding export growth and successful expansion into international markets. Supported by a clear international strategy and disciplined execution, the company has built a strong foundation for sustained global growth while showcasing the region's advanced manufacturing capability.
Rising Star: Amanda Bloom - VanHomes
Amanda Bloom was recognised for embracing significant responsibility early in her career while consistently demonstrating initiative, professionalism and a commitment to continuous learning. Her proactive approach to customer service, safety and professional development, combined with her industry involvement, highlights her potential as a future manufacturing leader.
Excellence in Marketing: Grolia - Flush By Grolia: How a Kickstarter Campaign Funded a Hunter Manufacturing Line
Grolia was recognised for its Flush by Grolia campaign, which successfully validated market demand, attracted early customers and supported the establishment of local manufacturing capability. Judges praised the campaign's clear strategy, strong results and genuine manufacturing impact.
Excellence in Product Design: Novecom – SureWaste - Smart waste accounting and analytics platform
Novecom was recognised for the SureWaste platform, an innovative solution designed to help hospitals better measure, track and manage medical waste. Judges praised its combination of systems thinking, user-centred design and practical functionality to address a complex healthcare challenge.
Excellence in Innovation: Pitcrew AI - Continuous autonomous vehicle inspection
Pitcrew AI was recognised for its continuous autonomous vehicle inspection technology, developed to improve fleet visibility and identify issues before they become more serious. Judges recognised the solution as an outstanding example of applied innovation, delivering measurable operational benefits for customers.
Excellence in Manufacturing Capability: Omnia Wheel
Omnia Wheel was recognised for transforming a production bottleneck through targeted automation and process improvement. By creating a scalable solution that integrated existing assets, the business strengthened manufacturing capability, productivity and long-term competitiveness.
Collaboration Partnership Award: Downer & Sydney Trains - Tangara Fleet Life Extension Program
Downer and Sydney Trains were recognised for the Tangara Fleet Life Extension Program, a partnership demonstrating strong governance, coordinated delivery and technical expertise. Judges highlighted the scale and sophistication of the collaboration and its contribution to local manufacturing capability and skills development.
Diversity in Manufacturing: Protective Fencing - Building Women’s Pathways in Manufacturing
Protective Fencing was recognised for its commitment to creating career pathways and broadening participation in manufacturing. Through inclusive recruitment, workforce development and flexible workplace practices, the business is helping build a stronger, more diverse manufacturing workforce.
Excellence in Sustainability: Apollo Engineering - Manufacturing with Long-Term Purpose
Apollo Engineering was recognised for embedding sustainability into everyday business operations through responsible manufacturing practices, workforce development and continuous improvement. Judges praised its practical, whole-of-business approach, demonstrating how sustainability can create lasting value for business, customers and the broader manufacturing sector.
Digital Transformation: Elecbrakes Pty Ltd
Elecbrakes was recognised for transforming its braking technology into a connected platform that delivers ongoing operational insights and customer value. Judges praised the practical application of data across production, customer service and engineering, generating measurable business benefits and supporting future growth.
Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership: Samantha Swain – Protective Fencing
Samantha Swain was recognised for her exceptional leadership and commitment to workplace culture, safety and workforce development. Through championing career pathways, leadership capability and broader participation in manufacturing, she is helping develop the next generation of industry leaders.
Manufacturer of the Year (under 50 employees): Elecbrakes
Elecbrakes was recognised for successfully evolving from a hardware brake-controller manufacturer into a software-enabled towing technology business. Through connected technology, over-the-air updates and ongoing manufacturing improvements, the company has enhanced customer value while building capability across its operations. Judges recognised Elecbrakes' ability to combine product innovation, manufacturing excellence and digital transformation, creating a strong platform for sustained growth in a competitive global market.
Manufacturer of the Year (50 or more employees): Apollo Engineering
Apollo Engineering was recognised for demonstrating sustained growth, innovation and manufacturing excellence while expanding its reach into international markets. Operating a fully integrated model spanning engineering, production, testing and lifecycle support, the business continues to strengthen capability, invest in continuous improvement and deliver outstanding customer outcomes. Judges recognised Apollo Engineering's ability to combine growth, innovation and operational excellence while maintaining strong regional foundations and a long-term vision for the future of manufacturing.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Ian Hedley - HEDWELD
GALLERY
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