The 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) program has been launched with a renewed focus on regional manufacturing capability, innovation, and competitiveness, as entries open for the Awards’ 22nd year.
Held under the theme “We Make It Here”, the 2026 program aims to highlight the people, products, and ideas shaping manufacturing across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England, and Mid-North Coast regions, according to HMA.
The Awards were officially launched at an industry event on 14 May at Brain Industries in Carrington, New South Wales, co-hosted with Agrana Fruit Australia. Both companies were recognised as 2025 Manufacturers of the Year in their respective categories.
HMA said the 2026 program follows what it described as a record-breaking 2025 Awards cycle, with entries increasing by more than 50 per cent and the largest gala event in the program’s history.
The 2026 Awards also mark the first program led by newly appointed HMA Chair Chris Kelleher, who previously served as an HMA judge for 13 years and has worked across manufacturing, commercialisation, and industry leadership roles.
Kelleher said the Awards reflected the diversity and evolving nature of manufacturing in the region.
“Manufacturing across our region looks very different from what many people imagine. It’s no longer defined by a single industry or a single way of working — it spans advanced technology, food and beverage, medical products, textiles, energy, recycling, and so much more,” he said.
“What unites it all is the capability and determination of the people behind it. Manufacturing continues to evolve and adapt, asserting its place as a vital contributor to Australia’s industrial landscape and entering a period of renewed confidence and visibility.”
Brain Industries Managing Director Gillian Summers said hosting the launch at the company’s Carrington facility provided an opportunity to showcase regional manufacturing capability.
“The role the Hunter Manufacturing Awards takes in promoting our region’s manufacturers and bringing them together is crucial,” Summers said.
“Our region is one of Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing export centres. We have never been short of capability. We need to be bold about promoting what we make, from batteries and defence to energy and industrial technology.”
Agrana Fruit Australia Chief Financial Officer Christine Chiesa said the Awards highlighted the role regional manufacturers play in national and international supply chains.
“Manufacturing in our region is bold, capable, and outward-looking,” Chiesa said.
“At Agrana, we create fruit preparations and ingredients used by leading food and beverage brands across Australia and internationally — proof that regional manufacturers are shaping global supply chains and competing at the highest level.”
HMA also confirmed that selected category winners would again be fast-tracked as finalists in the Australian Manufacturing Awards through its partnership with Industry Update.
The organisation pointed to Allegro Energy’s 2025 national Best Start-Up win as an example of regional innovation gaining broader industry recognition through the initiative.
“The Hunter Manufacturing Awards recognise the makers, innovators, and problem-solvers who remain a defining strength of our regional economy,” Kelleher said.
“The 2026 Awards are about celebrating that diversity and every business that contributes to our region’s identity and economic strength. If you’re making something here, you’re part of this story.”
Entries for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards are now open.
