Manufacturers across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid North Coast are being encouraged to share their achievements as entries for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) enter their final week.
Now in its 22nd year, the Hunter Manufacturing Awards recognises manufacturers of varying sizes, from emerging businesses and family-owned companies to major industrial operations, as well as individuals contributing to innovation, leadership and growth across the sector.
Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Chris Kelleher said the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the diversity of manufacturing across the region.
“Manufacturing across our region is far more diverse than many people realise,” Kelleher said, pointing to industries including advanced technology, energy storage, food production, agriculture, medical products and exports.
“Manufacturers are often humble about what they’ve achieved,” he said, adding that businesses and individuals across the region had stories that “deserve to be recognised”.
The awards organisation said recent announcements involving steelmaking, rail manufacturing and other industrial capabilities had contributed to renewed confidence in the region’s manufacturing sector.
It said developments including the return of steelmaking, investment in specialised transport manufacturing and support for the future of Tomago Aluminium were creating opportunities across manufacturing supply chains, including for smaller manufacturers, suppliers, apprentices, engineers and tradespeople.
The HMA also highlighted its year-round industry engagement activities, including recent Meet the Manufacturer events at Downer and Varley, which provided attendees with access to their manufacturing operations.
The awards also recognise individuals. Brandon Lane, Electronic Product Design Engineer at Elecbrakes and winner of the 2025 Rising Star Award, said the recognition had increased his confidence.
“Having work that you see as your normal day-to-day contribution recognised by an external judging panel and deemed worthy of an award reaches a whole new level of recognition,” Lane said.
Kelleher encouraged manufacturers to submit entries before applications close on 31 August.
“Be proud of what you’ve achieved and don’t let your success go unnoticed,” he said. “If you’re making something here, you’re part of this story.”
Finalists are scheduled to be announced on 1 October, with winners to be recognised at the Hunter Manufacturing Awards Gala Presentation Evening at NEX Newcastle on 30 October 2026.
