Latest News from HMA
2026 FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT
WE MAKE IT HERE. AND THESE ARE THE PEOPLE AND ORGANISATIONS MAKING IT HAPPEN. The wait is over! We are excited to announce the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Finalists. From the factory floor to the workshop, from big ideas to bold innovation, the Hunter makes things happen. This year’s finalists represent the incredible people and […]
A shoutout to manufacturing marketers
Our former Chair, Jacqui Daley, has been busy. After nine years on the Board of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, including the past three years as Chair, Jacqui has turned her attention to something she has been thinking about for a long time: how to better support the marketers working inside Australia’s industrial businesses. The result […]
Four Hunter Manufacturers Reach National Awards
Four 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) winners have progressed as finalists in the 2026 Australian Manufacturing Awards (AMA), earning national recognition for innovation, leadership and manufacturing excellence. ● Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists (AEVS) 2025 HMA Outstanding Start-Up Award Winner Recognised for leadership in electric vehicle integration and sustainable transport solutions. 2026 AMA Finalist Category: Best […]
2026 Insights Event
The 2026 HMA Insights Event brought the manufacturing community together on the Central Coast for an evening of networking, presentations, industry catchups and learnings. HMA Chair Chris Kelleher opened the evening with the exciting news that more than 70 applications had been received for this year’s awards before applications closed on 31 August. It was […]
We Make It Here: Manufacturers Urged to Celebrate Success Amid Industry Resurgence
Manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid North Coast are being encouraged to step forward and share their success stories as entries for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) enter their final week. Now in its 22nd year, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards has become one of Australia's longest-running regional manufacturing awards programs, […]
Brandon Lane on Winning the 2025 HMA Rising Star Award
As a 2025 HMA Rising Star Award Recipient, Brandon Lane of Elecbrakes experienced firsthand the impact that industry recognition can have on both professional growth and personal confidence. We asked Brandon what winning the award meant to him, how it felt to be recognised by an independent judging panel, and what the experience has meant […]
2026 INSIGHTS EVENT
You are invited to join us for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Insights Event at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub on Wednesday 2 September. This complimentary event, proudly supported by Central Coast Group Training, brings together manufacturers, industry professionals and business leaders for an afternoon of industry insights, networking and collaboration. Hear from […]
2026 INNOVATORS LUNCH
We're proud to be partnering with Hunter iF for the "We Make It Here" Innovators Lunch on Friday, 28 August. Join us for an afternoon celebrating the innovation, technology and people shaping the future of manufacturing across the Hunter and neighbouring regions. The program includes: ⚙️ Welcome from Claire Quigley, Chair of Hunter iF ⚙️ […]
Alumni Stories | From Award to Impact: Steber International
Alumni Stories | From Award to Impact: Steber International From award-winning boatbuilding to hybrid propulsion and autonomous defence vessels, Steber International is proving that regional manufacturing can have national and international impact. Based in Taree on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Steber International has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality, robust composite […]
Meet the Manufacturer | Downer Group
A great evening at our Meet the Manufacturer event, hosted by Downer Group Rail at the Cardiff Maintenance Centre. Thank you to the Downer team for welcoming our members and guests and providing an exclusive look inside one of the Hunter's most significant rail maintenance and manufacturing facilities. Guests heard from Joel Forbes, who shared […]
Five Tips to Strengthen Your HMA Application
Five Tips to Strengthen Your Hunter Manufacturing Awards Application A great award application does more than highlight your achievements. It tells a clear story, demonstrates impact, and gives the judges the evidence they need to understand why your business deserves recognition. Whether you're entering for the first time or looking to strengthen a previous submission, […]
Meet the Manufacturer | Varley Group
A fantastic evening at our Meet the Manufacturer event, hosted by Varley Group in Tomago. A sincere thank you to the Varley team for opening their doors and giving our members and guests an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of the Hunter's most respected manufacturing businesses. Guests heard from Jeff Honniball, Victor Ugarte and Aaron […]
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