The Hunter Manufacturing Awards has announced a manufacturing leadership transition following its Annual General Meeting on 18 March 2026, with Chair Jacqui Daley concluding nine years on the Board and Chris Kelleher appointed as incoming Chair.
According to the Hunter Manufacturing Awards, Daley’s tenure included three years as Chair and was marked by a period of growth and increased visibility for regional manufacturing.
Reflecting on her time in the role, she said, “Serving as Chair of the Hunter Manufacturing Awards has been a genuine privilege. I have continually been inspired by the passion, ingenuity, and resilience of the people and organisations who are vital to Australia’s economic future.”
She added that the region’s manufacturers are “world-class innovators, problem-solvers, and community builders,” and said it had been “an honour to shine a light on their achievements.”
The organisation said that under Daley’s leadership, several initiatives were introduced, including the launch of the HMA Hall of Fame and a national media partnership with Industry Update in 2025. It also established a pathway for regional winners to be fast-tracked into the National Manufacturing Awards.
The 2025 program recorded a more than 50 per cent increase in entries and its largest-ever gala attendance, reflecting what the organisation described as strong sector engagement as it enters its 22nd year.
Daley said she leaves the position confident in the organisation’s direction. “As I hand the baton over, I do so knowing that the organisation is in exceptional hands… and that HMA will continue to grow, evolve, and celebrate the incredibly talented people and businesses shaping the future of our region,” she said, while expressing ongoing support for the awards and the manufacturing sector.
Incoming Chair Kelleher, currently General Manager at Myo Munchee Operations, brings more than a decade of experience as an HMA judge. Commenting on his appointment, he said, “I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair and continue the important work of celebrating and elevating manufacturing excellence across the Hunter, Central Coast, New England and Mid-North Coast regions.”
“Manufacturing is a critical driver of economic strength and future prosperity… I’m excited to advocate for and champion this great industry through connection, education, and celebration on both a regional and national stage,” he added.
The Hunter Manufacturing Awards said Kelleher has held senior leadership roles across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, research commercialisation and construction, and has served on a number of boards.
In addition to the Chair appointment, the organisation confirmed new Board members following the AGM: Crystal Bergemann, Andrew Caska, Marnie Davey and Jeff Honniball. Brandon Lane joins in a one-year guest position as the 2025 Rising Star Award winner.
Kelleher acknowledged Daley’s contribution, stating, “I want to acknowledge and recognise the outstanding leadership of outgoing Chair Jacqui Daley, whose dedication and vision have strengthened HMA and helped elevate the profile of our region’s manufacturers.”
The organisation said the new appointments broaden the Board’s expertise across manufacturing leadership, advanced technology, intellectual property, marketing and emerging talent. The 2026 awards program is scheduled to launch in May.
