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 world-class processes being delivered right here in our region, and build friendships with people who are deeply committed to making things better and making things here. I am incredibly proud to have played a small part in supporting and celebrating that work.
There have been many highlights.
Our 20th Anniversary year stands out, not just as a milestone event, but as a powerful reminder of how far the Awards have come and the impact they have across the Hunter and beyond.
We established the HMA Hall of Fame to recognise those whose contribution to manufacturing extends well beyond a single year. Welcoming Joss De Iuliis in 2024 and Varley Group in 2025 as inaugural inductees was a proud moment and a fitting acknowledgement of legacy, leadership and long-term commitment to our sector.
We formed a national media partnership with Industry Update, expanding the reach of our winners and finalists across Australia. We also created a pathway to fast-track our regional winners directly into the National Manufacturing Awards, ensuring Hunter excellence is recognised on the national stage.
Behind the scenes, we focused on digital transformation, introducing Award Force to simplify and streamline the application process and make it easier for manufacturers to enter. That work, combined with a strong board and community effort, contributed to significant growth. In 2025 alone, we saw attendance and applications grow by more than 100 percent.
And perhaps my favourite part of all is the energy in the room on Awards night. The pride. The buzz. The sense of shared achievement. I have seen firsthand the confidence and momentum that recognition can give an organisation, and it is something truly special to witness.
As I step away from the Chair role, I do so knowing the Board is in exceptional hands. We are fortunate to have long-standing board members who bring continuity and wisdom, alongside new energy and perspectives.
A warm welcome to Crystal, Jeff, Marnie and Andrew, and to our Rising Star, Brandon.
And of course, congratulations to our new Chair, Chris Kelleher.
Chris is no newcomer to HMA. He has served as an esteemed judge for 13 years and understands deeply what makes these Awards meaningful. I have known Chris for close to a decade, and I genuinely believe he is the right person to lead HMA into its next chapter.
As for me, I am not stepping away from the industry. Manufacturing remains close to my heart. I am simply turning my focus toward building something new, something I hope will create value for manufacturers and marketers alike.
One day, I hope we all will be able to brag about it.
For now, it is simply time to say thank you.
Thank you to my fellow board members and team, past and present. Thank you to our sponsors and partners. And most importantly, thank you to the manufacturers who continue to show up, innovate, employ, export and lead.
The Hunter makes incredible things, and HMA will continue to celebrate that.
Best wishes for the year ahead.
I look forward to seeing you at the next event.
Jacqui Daley
The Chairman and Board of Hunter Manufacturing Awards Inc. and 2017 Major Sponsor Downer invite you to the 2017 Hunter Manufacturing Awards at Wests City, King Street Newcastle, from 6:30 pm on October 20th.
Download Invitation & acceptance form 2017 invite