2017 Hunter Manufacturing Awards
Young Indigenous artist brings new story to iconic Newcastle Harbour sign
Newcastle’s most prominent waterfront billboard has been given a refresh, with the work of emerging Indigenous artist Alliyah Bromell now welcoming seafarers and visitors to Port of Newcastle from the iconic sign at Dyke Point.
Partnership to strengthen Hunter small businesses
A new partnership between the Hunter Region Business Hub and The Mutual Bank will expand practical support for small businesses across the Hunter, including mentoring, education, networking and access to affordable premises.
Meet the robot scientists transforming research discovery
University of Newcastle scientists are trialling two advanced chemistry robots capable of rapidly testing thousands of chemical combinations, opening new opportunities in medicines, critical minerals, water treatment and advanced manufacturing.
Newcastle invited to walk for women recovering from breast cancer
The Hunter community is being invited to walk in support of local women at YWCA Hunter Region’s Walk for ENCORE, held at Empire Park, Bar Beach, on Saturday 31 October 2026.
$20 Million Vision for Newcastle’s Historic Station
A $20 million investment by Ashbridge Capital could see Newcastle’s former railway station restored and reimagined as a significant new hospitality destination.
$150 million investment to deliver 100 years of water security for the Lower Hunter
Hunter Water is proposing to invest more than $150 million to strengthen long-term water security for the Lower Hunter through the replacement of a critical section of the Chichester Trunk Gravity Main (CTGM).
The Hunter’s largest fundraising breakfast celebrates 20th anniversary this October
The Breast Care Breakfast has been a staple event in the Hunter community for the past 20 years, and this year celebrates its second decade raising money for the breast care nurses of the Hunter Nurse Education Group.
Inaugural scholarship recipient determined to honour legacy of beloved Councillor
A Newcastle sustainability advocate who co-founded two community-led climate action groups has become the first recipient of a scholarship in memory of former Councillor Sinéad Francis-Coan.
$2.5 billion investment in the Hunter’s future
More than 1,000 Hunter jobs are secure, after the Albanese and the Minns Labor Governments have jointly contributed $2.5 billion to secure the future of aluminium smelting in the region.
Final Call: Hunter Manufacturing Awards Entries Close 20 August
The 2026 Awards shine a spotlight on the people and businesses across our region shaping the future of Australian manufacturing: the innovators, the problem‑solvers, and the next generation.
$500 million investment in Hunter steelmaking
Greensteel Australia announced on 7 July that it has secured the historic 70,000 sqm site at 51 Industrial Drive, Mayfield North, and will invest $500 million to build Australia’s first new steel mill in more than 30 years. The mill will be the first in the country to run entirely on electricity, with no gas used anywhere in the process.
Full steam ahead on Muswellbrook Bypass
The $381 million Muswellbrook Bypass is powering forward with early work well underway and a refined design to deliver safer journeys, faster freight movements and better outcomes for the local community.
Port of Newcastle powers ahead as first port in NSW with battery storage approval
Port of Newcastle (PON) has become the first port in NSW approved to safely store grid-scale lithium-ion batteries at its Mayfield Multipurpose Terminal. This approval further strengthens the Port’s position as the State’s leading logistics gateway for renewable energy infrastructure, providing project owners greater flexibility in the delivery of critical energy projects.
Securing the Hunter’s future: Jobs and investment from mining land reuse
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments and Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie councils are working together to secure the future of the Hunter, with new plans set to unlock more than 7,000 jobs as part of the region’s shift from coal into a major industrial hub.
First Bluebottle Hull Christened as part of Royal Australian Navy’s Program of Record
Ocius Technology has marked a milestone in the delivery of the Royal Australian Navy’s $176 million Bluebottle Program of Record, with the ceremonial christening of the first Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessel (USV) hull to be delivered under the contract announced in March.
The Store Commercial & Retail Brings New Generation Workspace and Retail Opportunities to Newcastle’s West End
Premium retail and commercial accommodation is now available for sale or lease within one of Newcastle’s fastest-growing transport and business precincts.
Trade careers on offer at Bengalla Mining for Upper Hunter locals
Bengalla Mining Company is again investing in the next generation of Upper Hunter tradespeople, partnering with MIGAS Apprentices & Trainees to offer Electrical and Plant Mechanic Apprenticeships to local candidates.
Brewing Up Social Impact: Why Carrie’s Coffee is the Ultimate CSR Addition to Your Workplace
In today’s corporate landscape, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer just a buzzword; it is a core component of a successful business strategy.
Kongsberg Missile Factory Construction Milestone Reached
A ‘topping out’ ceremony was held on 19 May at the Kongsberg Missile Factory at Astra Aerolab Precinct, Newcastle Airport, marking a major construction milestone for this complex manufacturing and maintenance facility.
New Medowie High School Reaches New Heights with Topping Out Milestone
Construction has topped out on the new high school at Medowie, marking a major milestone in the delivery of the Hunter’s first new public high school in more than 25 years.
Broke Fordwich shines bright with tourism gold
Broke Fordwich is finally having its golden moment, breaking a two-year silver streak to claim top honours in the 2026 Top Tourism Town Awards.
Honeysuckle HQ to deliver homes, jobs and a vibrant waterfront
The Minns Labor Government is continuing to drive Newcastle’s transformation, on 20 May announcing DOMA Group as the successful delivery partner for Honeysuckle HQ, the final piece in the revitalisation of Newcastle Harbour.
The Mutual Bank’s Winter Appeal returns to support locals doing it tough
The Mutual Bank’s Winter Appeal 2026 has officially launched across its branches and Head Office, with donations being collected from 11 May to 19 June to support people in the community doing it tough this winter.
40th anniversary for North Construction & Building
North Construction & Building is celebrating 40 years in business. Established in 1986 by Michael and Merle North, the company has since grown into a 100% employee-owned business committed to building with trust in regional communities.
We Make It Here – A region ready to shine on local & national stage
Manufacturing across our region continues to evolve and adapt,
asserting its place as a vital contributor to Australia’s industrial
landscape and is entering a period of renewed confidence and
visibility.
$1.3 million investment to boost skills training at TAFE NSW Cessnock
TAFE NSW Cessnock will benefit from a $1.3 million joint investment by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments to upgrade training facilities and support growing workforce demand across the Hunter Valley.
First massive renewable energy components leave Port of Newcastle for Uungula Wind Farm
Port of Newcastle has marked another milestone as the leader in renewable energy logistics, with the first oversize and/or overmass (OSOM) wind farm movement from its Multipurpose Terminal to the Uungula Wind Farm in Central West New South Wales.
Council backs major events to boost economy and showcase the region
MidCoast Council is supporting a range of major sporting championships and conferences that are set to bring visitors to the region and deliver flow-on benefits for local businesses.
Record visits to NSW national parks drives economic growth and regional jobs
National Parks across NSW have recorded their highest ever visitation, with 65.5 million visits last financial year, driving economic growth and getting more people into the great outdoors.
Let’s get down to business awards
Entries have opened for the 2026 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards.
Former Liddell site powers Hunter’s clean energy future
With backing from the Federal and NSW Governments, the giant
Liddell Battery, built on the site of one of Australia’s largest retired
coal-fired power stations, is gearing up to provide enough power
to support around 200,000 homes on the nation’s main electricity
grid within months.
Train manufacturing jobs coming back to the Hunter
Almost 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle,
the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with
the NSW Government establishing two new production lines at
the rail facility in Cardiff.
Newcastle-born Bolero Surf launches surfboard fins made from recycled Aussie wind turbines
ACCIONA has partnered with Australian surf brand Bolero Surf to launch the world’s first retail-ready surfboard fins made from recycled wind turbine blades.
The Station Newcastle to become a world class tourism, retail and hospitality precinct
As part of a 99-year lease Ashbridge Capital will further restore the heritage buildings and re-imagine the much-loved city landmark to create a new vibrant must visit destination for shopping, dining and community events.
Registrations invited for Newcastle Logistics Precinct tender
EnergyCo is inviting companies to register their interest to participate in a tender to design and build an open-air storage area at the Newcastle Logistics Precinct to support future storage needs.
CSIRO unveils $3 million upgrade to flagship renewable energy lab
On 25 February CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency,
officially launched the $3 million upgrade of its Renewable
Energy Integration Facility (REIF) at its Energy Centre in Newcastle,
significantly expanding Australia’s capability to test, validate
and commercialise technologies needed for a more sustainable,
reliable and secure electricity system.
Hunter apprentices power up Renewable Energy Zone
Five electrical apprentices began work on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Network Infrastructure Project in February, marking the start of new careers supporting
NSW’s transition to renewable energy.
Capital Corporation and Eden Brae Homes Partner to Custom Designed Homes at Lovedale Farm
Capital Corporation has announced a partnership with Eden Brae Homes to deliver custom designed homes at Lovedale Farm, the landmark master planned golf estate taking shape in the Hunter Valley wine region.
New high speed response vessel for NSW
Port Authority has unveiled a new 10-metre state-of-the-art marine response vessel that has been designed and constructed under the craftsmanship of local master marine builders in Newcastle.
Backing Future Surfing Stars: The Mutual Bank Supports Surfest High School Teams Challenge
The Surfest High School Teams Challenge draws enthusiastic teams from across NSW, with growing female participation highlighting The Mutual Bank’s commitment to inclusivity and youth development.