Latest News from HMA
A Note from the Outgoing Chair
After nine years on the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board, including the past three as Chair, it is time for me to hand the baton to the next leader. Serving this industry has been both a privilege and a genuine joy. Over the past decade I have had the opportunity to visit extraordinary manufacturing facilities, witness […]
A New Chapter For HMA
Hunter Manufacturing Awards Announce New Chair and Board Appointments at AGM The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) has today announced a significant leadership transition following its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 18 March 2026, with outgoing Chair Jacqui Daley concluding her tenure after nine years on the Board, including the past three as Chair. Jacqui Daley, […]
Varley Group inducted into the Hall of Fame
A legacy of innovation nearly 140 years in the making has been honoured at the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards, with Varley Group inducted into the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Hall of Fame for its contribution to the region’s industrial and manufacturing landscape. Founded in 1886, Varley is one of the Hunter’s oldest and most respected companies, […]
Local manufacturers prove the future is Hunter made
From start-ups and apprentices to global exporters and century-old innovators, the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have celebrated a sector on the rise, one that’s building the industries, technologies, and jobs of Australia’s future. Now in its 21st year, the awards drew a record number of entries, more than 50% up on last year, showcasing […]
Why Technical Excellence Doesn’t Guarantee Revenue Predictability
Why do manufacturing companies with the strongest technical capabilities often struggle most with revenue predictability? The answer reveals a fundamental misalignment between how manufacturers operate and how they generate revenue. A single client can account for 15% of annual revenue for mid-sized manufacturers. Three major prospects in final negotiations can swing quarterly results, depending on […]
Taking food manufacturing up a notch
Central Coast Industry Connect is creating a new future for regional manufacturing through training programs, facilities and network opportunities. Not a single food and beverage business is immune to manufacturing problems or challenges. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) face a mixed bag of pain points from regulations operational costs, and access to a modern facility, […]
Why Smart Manufacturers Embrace Marketing Budget Constraints
What if a smaller marketing budget could become your most significant competitive advantage? Most businesses facing budget cuts assume they're at a disadvantage. The conversation always follows the same pattern: cut the "nice-to-haves," focus on essentials, and hope that word of mouth carries the load. But here's a counterintuitive truth: tight budgets don't just force […]
The Day Has Arrived – Meet Our 2025 HMA Finalists!
Finalists announced for the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards The Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) have announced the finalists for 2025, recognising the breadth and capability of the manufacturing sector across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and surrounding regions. A record number of entries were received this year, reflecting a strong mix of first-time entrants, […]
Hunter manufacturing embraces innovation and growth
Manufacturing in the Hunter is undergoing a quiet resurgence, with $26 billion in annual output and a growing number of businesses embracing clean energy, digital transformation and inclusive practices. That shift is reflected in a record number of applications for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, with a 44% increase in applications, including 11 first-time entrants. The […]
How Positioning Transforms Your RFP Success Rate
Let's address the elephant in the procurement room: large manufacturers often win RFPs for legitimate reasons. Economies of scale, established relationships, comprehensive capabilities, and superior resources create genuine competitive advantages that positioning alone cannot overcome. But here's what the data reveals: positioning still matters in the margins of decision-making. And for SME manufacturers, those margins […]
What a night at the 2025 HMA Insights Event!
Manufacturing leaders, innovators, partners, and supporters came together at Helloworld Travel HTG's incredible Hunter Street venue, The Explorer Lounge, for an evening of catchups, networking and valuable industry updates. We heard from HMA Chair, Jacqui Daley on how the Hunter Manufacturing Awards 2025 program is progressing as we draw closer to the end of the […]
Hunter manufacturing Australia’s clean energy future
Hunter manufacturing Australia’s clean energy future The Hunter Region is leading Australia’s shift to clean energy and local manufacturers are at the heart of the transformation. From building the components that keep renewable energy projects moving to exporting critical technologies around the world, manufacturers across the Hunter are helping to rewire the nation’s energy future. […]
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