A record breaking number of entries were received for the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA), reflecting a mix of first-time entrants, emerging start-ups and established leaders. New award categories highlighted diversification across the sector and adaptation to new technologies and markets.
These awards recognise the breadth and capability of the manufacturing sector across the Hunter, Central Coast, Mid North Coast and surrounding regions.
HMA Chair, Jacqui Daley said the finalists demonstrated the depth of manufacturing talent in the region and the sector’s contribution to economic growth and secure employment across regional New South Wales.
Jacqui said the list of finalists illustrated the diverse scope of capability, spanning food and beverage, heavy engineering, renewable energy, mining supply, recycling and advanced technology.
Jacqui said manufacturing remained one of the Hunter’s most significant economic strengths, with $26 billion in output each year. She said the sector was a major contributor to the regional economy, second only to mining, and collaboration and innovation were strong across businesses of all sizes.
The Awards continued to encourage emerging leaders. The Start-up Award winner would receive a 12-month HunterNet membership and the Rising Star would join the HMA Board as a guest member. Two Manufacturer of the Year winners, for businesses with fewer than and more than 50 employees, would each receive a $5,000 international travel voucher supported by HMA and travel partner Helloworld Business Travel. The HMAs would also induct a new member into the HMA Hall of Fame.
Finalists were named across company and individual categories. Company finalists included Agrana Fruit Australia, Allegro Energy, Apollo Engineering, Austral Herbs, Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists, Banlaw, Brain Industries (International), Classic Blinds and Shutters, Cobalt CNC, Design Anthology, Downer, Elecbrakes, Elite Mining Equipment, Four Seasons Industries, Gimbal Training, Grolia, Iqrenew, Jaegersoft, Leading Edge Innovations, Lock Block, Modulate Group, Morgan Engineering, On Point Laser, Out Of The Square Media, Omnia Wheel, Safe Gauge, Saphi, Sheldon Manufacturing, Supacell, Tefol, The Melt, Tomago Aluminium, Trendpac, Uberflow and Walters Fencing.
Individual finalists included Apprentice of the Year nominees Dylan Peene and Bradley Mitchell from Molycop, and Nicole Clifton from Rexnord Australia. Rising Star finalists were Jye Hollier from Australian Electric Vehicle Specialists, Tim Maslen from Bekaert, Brandon Lane from Elecbrakes, Braydan Linstrom from Varley Group and Bryony Munro from Whiteley. Manufacturing Leader finalists were Tony Lobb from Brain Industries (International) and Abbie Williams from Varley Group.
Finalists would be recognised and winners announced at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at the Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre (NEX).
IMAGE | HMA 2025 Gala
