Hunter and Central Coast industry group HunterNet has its sights firmly set on 2050.

And, after celebrating three decades of collaboration at its Chairman’s Awards night last week, the organisation’s now keen to ensure the region’s manufacturing, engineering and specialist services sectors are future ready.

“The awards are about recognising both industry leaders and emerging talent,” HunterNet CEO Ivan Waterfield said.

“It’s that mix of experience and fresh perspective that will be so critical as we head to 2050.

“If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s that working together to embrace change is going to be the backbone of how our industries progress in the future.

“We have to be faster, smarter, agile and more innovative to make sure we keep in step with what’s happening globally.

“It’s fitting that after two years of restrictions, lockdowns and uncertainty that we take a moment to celebrate what Hunter and Central Coast businesses have been able to achieve in the last 12 months.

“It’s been tough, but our strength is our combined purpose to bring economic development and innovation to the regions.”

Mr Waterfield said acknowledging the high achievers in person was a welcome milestone.

“The awards showcase the diversity of our membership across manufacturing, energy, resources, defence, engineering and other specialist services,” he explained.

“Our network includes more than 70,000 employees and the depth of talent and expertise in the region is what makes us advocate so passionately for projects and businesses to be based here.”

The newly-renamed arm of HunterNet, formerly HunterNet Group Training, is also focusing on developing emerging talent.

“It’s fair to say HunterNet Career Connections are planning for jobs that haven’t been thought of yet for people who haven’t been born yet,” Mr Waterfield said.

“We don’t know what our sector will look like in 2050, but if the past 30 years are anything to go by, then we are more than ready to meet the challenge.”

Awards categories and winners

• Women In Industry: Sophia Lawrence (Hedweld)
• Trainee of the Year: Beaux Oakley (Hedweld)
• Outstanding Achiever: 1st Year (joint winners) – Sarah Pringle (UGL)
• Outstanding Achiever: 1st Year (joint winners) – Cameron Couper (UGL)
• Outstanding Achiever: 2nd Year – Jack Muir (Banlaw)
• Outstanding Achiever: 3rd Year – Lachlan Burns (Hedweld)
• Ivan Randon Award: Thomas Sharman (UGL)
• Apprentice/Trainee Award for Excellence in Safety: Luke Monaghan (BAE Systems)
• Host Company of the Year (joint winners) – BAE Systems
• Host Company of the Year (joint winners) – UGL Rail S–rvices
• Export Award: Biscit
• Networking Award: Trish Heagney
• Rod Murphy Innovation Award: Ampcontrol
• Chairman’s Business Award for Excellence in WHS: Ethos Health
• Harvey Knox Award: Andrea Novak
• Member of the Year Award: AON

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