Innovation In The Hunter
Singleton town centre charges up with more options for EV drivers
Singleton’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network is continuing to grow, with two new 22 kW pole-based chargers installed and ready to use in Singleton Town Centre.
Calling Newcastle and Hunter Region Orgs to Register Now for 2026 Australian Heritage Festival
The National Trust of Australia (NSW) is calling on event organisers to register now for inclusion in the 2026 Australian Heritage Festival.
Singleton Bypass on track to open in 2026
The Singleton Bypass is on track to open to traffic later this year, with construction teams back from the break and hard at work, delivering an extraordinary project for the Hunter.
Daracon Group appointed to lead Awaba waste expansion
Construction of two new landfill cells, capable of storing 114,428 garbage trucks’ worth of waste, will be delivered by Daracon Group at the Awaba Waste Management Facility (AWMF) this year.
National Historic Machinery Association National Rally in conjunction with Steamfest 2027
Maitland has been officially announced as the host city for the National Historical Machinery Association (NHMA) National Rally in 2027, a major milestone for the region’s events calendar, with a bumper week-long program of activities and experiences expected to attract large crowds to the city.
City of Newcastle selects partner to deliver landmark affordable housing project
Forty-eight affordable housing units are proposed to be developed on what is the last remaining parcel of land to be developed of the former heavy rail line into Newcastle.
Unsustainable: Maitland Council votes to return Gaol back to NSW Government
Maitland City Council will formally advise the NSW Government that it will not be continuing with redevelopment work at Maitland Gaol and will request to relinquish its role as manager for the Crown Lands site.
Businesses, students and staff honoured at University of Newcastle Employability Excellence awards
The University of Newcastle has recognised its next generation of change-makers, from student entrepreneurs tackling waste and sustainability, as well as companies making a transformative impact on employment in the region.
Kongsberg Defence Australia officially opens Newcastle office as Hunter workforce grows
Kongsberg Defence Australia has officially opened its Newcastle office, marking another major milestone for the company. The new premises will accommodate Kongsberg Defence Australia’s expanding local workforce, which has more than doubled this year.
New investment attraction website opens a portal to the spirit of Singleton
A new website capturing the spirit of the Singleton local government area has been launched as a one-stop-shop for information for anyone looking to make a move, invest or visit Singleton.
NGM Group lands new home in Newcastle West
NGM Group has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the Hunter region, partnering with developer Hunter Street Properties Pty Ltd and builder, Bloc for a new 9,000sqm head office in Newcastle West.
STEM day ignites passion for innovation and engineering across Hunter Region
From designing bridges to building bee boxes for the project, local students received a taste of the fascinating world of STEM as part of the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace project’s most recent open day.
Ready for Renewables workshops will link local business to the energy future
Businesses across regional NSW are being offered free, one-day workshops to build their capacity to tender for renewable energy project work packages. The November workshops are delivered in partnership with EnergyCo and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
Face-to-face support for local businesses this Small Business Month
This Small Business Month, the Minns Labor Government is making it easier for local businesses to get the personalised advice they need, with face-to-face support available right across the state.
Newcastle Airport to welcome first direct flights from Hobart
The Australian Government’s Aviation Attraction Fund (AAF) will support a brand-new seasonal flight from Hobart to Newcastle, connecting the two cities directly for the first time.
$150 million boost for homegrown solar manufacturing
Australia is taking the next step in building a Future Made in Australia, with the Albanese Government opening Round 2 of the $1 billion Solar Sunshot program.
$1 million to further strengthen Newcastle Port precinct
The Minns Government has announced that one of Australia’s most iconic port towns, Newcastle, will be further invigorated now that applications are open with $1 million available to support local groups or businesses to undertake projects to boost activation, heritage or tourism.
Upgrades a boost for motorcycle tourism in Cessnock LGA
There are few more thrilling ways to take in the beauty of Cessnock local government area than on two wheels.
Construction begins on the University of Newcastle’s new City Campus Student Accommodation
Construction has officially commenced on the University of Newcastle’s new City Campus Student Accommodation, with a sod turning ceremony taking place on 5 September at the site, located on the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place, Newcastle.
Daracon Group Backs Medical Research with New HMRI Partnership
Daracon Group is proud to announce its new platinum sponsor partnership with the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Corporate Giving Program, reinforcing their commitment to supporting initiatives that make a lasting difference in the lives of people across the Hunter region.
Carrie’s Place Launches Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan
Carrie’s Place Domestic Violence & Homelessness Service has proudly launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a strengthened commitment to justice, equity and reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Waratah Super Battery Project begins partial operation as shock absorber for NSW grid
The Waratah Super Battery Project is now actively bolstering energy security for NSW’s grid as a ‘shock absorber’ in the event of power line outages due to events like lightning strikes and bushfires.
Broadmeadow is set to be transformed
New planning controls will enable up to 3,200 homes to be built on government-owned land, including 5-10 per cent affordable housing, while supporting up to 2,350 new construction jobs.
Lovells breaks ground on new flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle to future-proof 95-year legacy
As part of its 95th anniversary and long-standing commitment to innovation, Lovells Group has announced the launch of a new state of-the-art flagship engineering, manufacturing and retail centre in Newcastle, New South Wales.
Minister for Climate Change and Energy unveils final master plan design for nation’s most advanced Clean Energy Precinct
Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon. Chris Bowen MP, unveiled the final design of Australia’s most advanced clean energy production project, signalling the Precinct’s readiness to the global energy market.
Lake Mac development tops $1bn
The total value of development approvals in Lake Macquarie has cracked the billion-dollar mark yet again in Lake Macquarie, despite a nationwide downturn in development investment.
Government backs renewable boost to Hunter Valley
The Albanese Government is securing Australia’s energy future with a Hydrogen Headstart investment in Orica’s Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub.
Kongsberg missile factory to supercharge Hunter’s high-tech future
A significant milestone for Australian sovereign defence capability continues to take shape in the Hunter region, with Kongsberg Defence Australia breaking ground on their missile manufacturing and maintenance factory at Williamtown.
Approval granted for new City Campus Student Accommodation
The University of Newcastle has received formal approval from the NSW Government to proceed with the construction of its new City Campus Student Accommodation, located on the corner of Civic Lane and Worth Place.
Hunter manufacturing powers jobs, exports and innovation in 2025 and beyond
From defence to disinfection, manufacturers across the Hunter are driving innovation, creating jobs, and powering national supply chains.
Hunter Defence Conference to confront the changing nature of warfare
Against a backdrop of increasing global instability and rapid technological change, the 2025 Hunter Defence Conference will bring together over 220 senior leaders from across Defence, government, industry, and research to examine the future of warfare and Australia’s strategic response.
DA Lodged for Golf Clubhouse at Lovedale Farm’s Championship Course
Marking another milestone for the new $1 billion world-class residential golfing community in the heart of Hunter Valley wine country, Capital Corporation has lodged plans for the golf course clubhouse that is set to become a vibrant hub for Lovedale Farm golfers and the wider Hunter Valley community.
Mountain biking in Singleton boosted by $500,000 upgrade
A $500,000 project to upgrade Pioneer Road Mountain Bike Park has further cemented Singleton’s place on the trail of must-visit mountain biking destinations thanks to a grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Fund.
Whiteley Opens First-of-its-Kind Therapeutics Plant in NSW
Australian family-owned manufacturer, Whiteley, has officially opened its new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, NSW.
Charlestown Health Hub opens to deliver integrated, patient-centred care for regional NSW
3 June marked the official opening of the Charlestown Health Hub, a purpose-built facility designed to improve healthcare access and outcomes for the Lake Macquarie and Hunter communities through a fully integrated model of care.
NSW Budget delivers Newcastle Logistics Precinct to support energy investment
The Minns Labor Government is investing $115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct – a critical new hub that will support the delivery of more reliable and affordable renewable energy to homes and businesses across NSW.
Muswellbrook Council taking care of small business
Muswellbrook Shire Council is backing small business as a driver of the Shire’s future, with the sector key to a blueprint for a thriving economy in the coming decade.
From the Hunter to the World; Newcastle Airport Launches Direct Flights to Perth
In a defining moment for the Hunter, Newcastle Airport has announced its first-ever direct flights to Perth, with QantasLink services launching from Monday, 8 September 2025, opening a new westward corridor for business, industry and regional development.
New TAFE NSW Maitland course to help locals tap into plumbing careers
The peak industry body for plumbers has welcomed a new TAFE
NSW Maitland course aimed at giving locals a leg-up into a plumbing
career and addressing a crippling skills shortage in the sector.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards return in 2025
The 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) were officially
launched on 7 May at the premises of Omnia (2024 Manufacturer
of the Year <50 employees) and co-hosted by Apollo Engineering
(2024 Manufacturer of the Year ≥50 employees).