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Rising Star

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Category Definition & Guidelines

To assist you with this application the judges have provided some guidelines.

When providing your answers, the “For Example”/guidelines we have suggested for each question are not intended to be exhaustive. They are designed as examples and prompts to help you understand the judges’ requirements. It is important that where you state that you have evidence in support of the specific question you are answering, you need to provide that evidence – usually, a generic brochure or company overview is not sufficient.

HMA is interested in seeing initiatives that have been identified, driven, and resolved within our region

(Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast).

Download a category information guide here.

Submit Application

Additional Information

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Focus of the category

Recognising emerging talent shaping the future of manufacturing.

The Rising Star Award celebrates individuals early in their careers who are already making an impact. They demonstrate strong values, practical leadership, and a commitment to growth — helping shape the future of our industry and region.

Each applicant will:

Submit written responses (max 300 words per section)

Have the option to include a short video

Be invited to an informal interview with HMA judges

Judging criteria & Values

WRITTEN APPLICATION (45pts)

The written submission remains the primary source of evidence. Judges assess clarity, relevance and demonstrated impact across the criteria laid out below.

Nominee Introduction (Required – max 300 words)

Before answering the criteria, please introduce the Rising Star nominee. Tell us:

  • Who they are and what their current role involves
  • How long they’ve been with the business and their career journey so far
  • A little about their personality, values, or leadership style
  • Why you believe they are a Rising Star and how they stand out from their peers


This is your chance to give the judges a strong first impression and paint a clear picture of the person behind the achievements.

Question 1:

Drive, Resilience & Integrity

Judging Criteria

Tell us about a time this individual showed determination, grit or resilience in a tough situation.

  • What challenge did they face, and how did they overcome it?
  • When have they chosen to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t the easy option?
  • How do they show up with drive, positivity and a ‘can-do’ attitude?

Value:

8 points

Question 2:

Collaboration & Team Leadership

Judging Criteria

  • How does this person support and lead others?
  • Describe how they’ve contributed to team performance or culture
  • How have they demonstrated leadership, formally or informally?
  • What makes their approach to teamwork or leadership effective?

Value:

8 points

Question 3:

Safety & Responsibility Leadership

Judging Criteria

Safety is foundational to manufacturing.

  • Share how this individual has influenced safety or wellbeing
  • What opportunity did they identify, and how did they act on it?
  • What outcomes or changes did their initiative create?

Value:

8 points

Question 4:

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

Judging Criteria

  • Tell us about a time they made a process, system, or product better. Was it a small efficiency or a big leap forward?
  • What were the results, and how did they approach implementation?

Value:

8 points

Question 5:

Commitment to Learning

Judging Criteria

  • How is this person investing in their growth?
  • What formal or informal learning have they pursued?
  • How are they staying informed about trends or challenges in manufacturing?

Value:

5 points

Question 6:

Impact on the Business and the future of Hunter Manufacturing

Judging Criteria

What difference has this person made to your business or team?

  • Share specific outcomes, improvements, or success stories
  • Consider productivity, culture, quality, or reputation

Value:

8 points

INTERVIEW (35pts)

The interview allows judges to validate the written application, explore depth of experience and assess judgement, reflection and communication.

Interview Performance (35 points)

Judges score the interview as a single component, guided by the dimensions below:

  • Depth and credibility of responses
  • Alignment with the written application
  • Ability to reflect on challenges and learning
  • Communication clarity and professionalism
  • Confidence appropriate to experience level

Judges may reference examples or materials brought by the candidate, but preparation quality is not scored independently.

OVERALL CANDIDATE PRESENTATION (20pts)

An integrated assessment of how the candidate presents themselves across the entire process. This captures professionalism, authenticity, clarity of thinking, and consistency between written and verbal responses.

Overall Candidate Presentation (20 points)

This score reflects the judge’s holistic view of the candidate across the entire process.


Consider:

  • Consistency between written and verbal responses
  • Professionalism and preparedness
  • Authenticity and self-awareness
  • Quality of judgement and decision-making
  • Clear sense of future potential


This component allows judges to differentiate between closely ranked candidates based on overall impression and coherence.

Application Guide & tips

Submit Application

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