The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to strengthen regional economies in NSW with 17 high ranking international trade delegates undertaking a three-day tour of the Hunter region, starting today.
The Hunter region is showcasing its leading advanced manufacturing and clean economy technologies businesses for the visitors to experience first-hand the trade opportunities available.
The NSW Government has invited delegates from Canada, China, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Denmark, New Zealand, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom to tour prominent businesses and industrial sites.
The Trade Mission will be introduced to leading industries and emerging innovative businesses including:
- Australia's first hardware accelerator and industry prototyping lab, The Melt who are leading the way for clean technology and advanced manufacturing in the Hunter
- Recyclable solar innovator, Kardinia Energy who have developed silicon free printed solar panels that were used for British rock band Coldplay's world tour
- Cutting edge technology and pioneering micro-emulsion flow batteries at Allegro Energy
- Visit regional leaders at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub and BHP Mt Arthur on regional transition planning and reskilling.
The region is also home to a range of advanced manufacturing capabilities, including med-tech, energy as well as heavy engineering and is supported by a skilled workforce and strong industry-academic collaboration such as the Newcastle Institute for Energy & Resources.
Delegates will also immerse themselves in the unique offerings of the Murrook Cultural Centre and will engage with two of the region's leading Aboriginal businesses, Blackrock Industries and Native Botanical Brewery.
The Minns Labor Government continues to deliver policies that support trade and investment opportunities with the aim of ensuring Australia's position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
These efforts align with the Government's NSW Industry Policy, which puts net zero and local manufacturing at the forefront of Government policy decisions, and the 10-year NSW Trade and Investment Strategy 2035, which aims to see our exports grow by $100 billion and attract $25 billion in investment to NSW.
These actions are all part of the Minns Labor Government's clear strategy to support local businesses across the state who are ready to take their products and services to the world.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Hunter Region is a hub of opportunity, offering enormous potential across established and emerging industries like advanced manufacturing that can be showcased to global investors.
"This Trade Mission is an excellent opportunity for us to roll out the welcome mat and let our local industry show off their and investment opportunities.
Experiencing the Hunter Region firsthand offers a deep appreciation of its economic potential. It's exciting to see the Consuls-General engaging directly with the region's innovators and industries, gaining valuable insight that simply can't be captured from afar.
"This Trade Mission is shining a spotlight on regional NSW, connecting global investors with local innovation to unlock new opportunities, boost job creation, and accelerate economic growth across our communities.
Minister for Hunter, Yasmin Catley said:
"The Hunter is home to some of the most skilled workers and innovative businesses in the country. Investment in advanced manufacturing and clean energy is creating real opportunities for local families and future proofing our economy.
"The Hunter has always been a region that gets things done. With new investment flowing into clean energy and advanced manufacturing, we're creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and building a future for generations to come.
"We are leading the way in sustainable industry and now our achievements are on the global stage."
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"We know NSW is a powerhouse for innovation, and the Minns' Labor Government is excited to see even more innovation in the Hunter's advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors.
"Inbound trade missions like this are about unlocking new partnerships, delivering on the NSW Trade and Investment Strategy, and showcasing the Hunter's world-class capabilities.
"The Minns Labor Government has worked hard to strengthen our international partnerships and build a platform for greater investment in NSW, which is all part of our plan support local businesses and local jobs, while helping boost productivity.
"The Hunter is proving that regional NSW can be a global leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. This Trade Mission is about connecting that potential with international markets ready to invest in sustainable innovation."
Case study: Director and Chief Operations Officer, The Melt, Brett Thomas
Brett Thomas is Director and Chief Operations Officer of The Melt, an accelerator and hardware prototyping hub based at The Melt Modern Manufacturing Centre in Muswellbrook.
This hub offers startup accelerator programs, design and prototyping services, equipment and tools, and technical specialists to help Australia's brightest hardware startups commercialise their products.
They also provide tertiary integrated learning and STEM student programs, industry micro-credentialing and early-stage startup investment through their own funds and investor networks.
The Melt has played a key role in supporting Hunter-based companies such as Allegro Energy and MGA Thermal, providing technical expertise, business support and capital from their earliest days. These companies are now recognised as leaders in clean energy innovation, demonstrating the Hunter region's capacity to deliver world-first technologies.
Brett says NSW Government support is critical to attracting and retaining trade and investment while driving innovation. The Melt itself has been a direct recipient of government support, enabling it to create, build, scale, connect, innovate and invest in the future of Australian hardware technology startups.
The Melt's broader mission is to champion regional NSW during the transition to clean energy through advanced manufacturing.
It has established partnerships across the Hunter, New England and the South West Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) and is exploring the creation of Mobile Innovation Labs to extend its services into regional, rural and remote communities. These 'Mobile Melts' would act as a funnel for the main Melt Hubs, with a long-term vision to establish hubs in every NSW REZ and major innovation centre.
Director and Chief Operations Officer, The Melt, Brett Thomas said:
"This Trade Mission provides an opportunity for delegates to witness the world-first innovation occurring within the Hunter region and it's a chance to reiterate that innovation doesn't just take place in the metro areas.
"The Melt has a long-term commitment to its program alumni, portfolio companies, partners and supporters. Showcasing The Melt and the businesses we've supported, such as Allegro Energy and MGA Thermal, to international audiences will help open doors to new markets, partners, distributors and investors.
"The Hunter is the heartland of energy production and generation in NSW and as the globe embraces energy transition, there is an incredible opportunity for economic diversification and development.
"NSW government investment in domestic manufacturing, the push towards renewables and net zero targets and the faster, more affordable path to establishing hardware startups all highlight the importance of The Melt's role in capitalising on the opportunities for the Hunter."
