The 2023 Victorian Manufacturing Gala Hall of Fame Awards in Melbourne
The Award winners were announced at the Gala Dinner at Palladium at Crown on Thursday 10 August. Now in its 21st year, the annual Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards recognises outstanding achievements in Victoria’s manufacturing industry. After pre-dinner foyer drinks, the room filled to the brim with an estimated 920 people, right on time, even after the many infamous barriers in traffic on the way in for many. These evenings are run with military precision.
The field of nominations was full of great people as well. Clearly, they all love their work, their companies and their profession. The food was tremendous too, and Tracy Spicer was light and professional as MC. Thank you to the sponsors and organisers of this fantastic event.
Here they are in order of appearance:
Leader in Defence, Aerospace and Space
SPEE3D, in Dandenong South, and Byron Kennedy came up on stage to collect. He said, “It’s all in the name. We make 3D, really fast!”
Leader in Digital and Advanced Technologies
Modra Technology, from Warrigul – Tony Modra came up to collect, saying, “R&D is what we do,” and “We hate competition. We like to figure out stuff ourselves”
Leader in Food and Beverage
That’s Amore Cheese, in Thomastown – Georgia Linguangi spoke about the company, running since 2008, having the goal of putting cheese in everyone’s fridge at home.
Leader in Health Technologies
3DMEDiTech, from Port Melbourne – “We have a great team, it’s all about Australian Meditech domination.
Leader in Rolling Stock and Transport
Evolution Rail, in Newport – Natalie Bond spoke about the really good partnerships, and the thrill of converting a lot of workers across from automotive.
Leader in Zero and Low Emissions Technologies
Energys, in Mulgrave – the stand in for Managing Director Roger Knight was Noel, who spoke of collaborating with many technologies to get to their results.
Leader in Manufacturing
Think Fencing, Portarlington – Jack Fitzgerald came up with colleagues Ben Zappia and Elise Bella, carrying stories of passionate minds meeting to help out a small company.
Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year
There was a TIE. Daniel Malone from ANCA Motion, and Emma Mokalei from Essity. A man of few words, Daniel’s advice to other apprentices was “Go for it!”. Emma spoke of the challenge of being in the 3% of female apprentices in the State.
Young Manufacturer of the Year
Swastik Sharma – ALSTOM, had the project of assigning a 3D printer into service at the facility. He thanked his Dad, an engineer as well, and considered himself lucky, with lots of mentors around him.
Woman Manufacturer of the Year
Erika Hughes – Integra Systems, Broadmeadows. She comes from a family of engineers, and has a family at Integra. Excited about the women she, “has been able to employ, as they offer intuition.”
Manufacturer of the Year – Regional Business
AME Systems, from Ararat – A very proud Victorian-owned company, leading the way in the design and manufacture of quality electrical wiring harnesses and assemblies.
Manufacturer of the Year – Small Business
Amiga Engineering, Tullamarine – Michael Bourchier was always impressed with his young, enthusiastic crowd of workers, who come in on time every day to produce great products.
Manufacturer of the Year – Medium Business
Farm Foods – The family company crew from Geelong attributed the great surf coast lifestyle, for attracting people to the company.
Manufacturer of the Year – Large Business
Boeing Aerostructures Australia in Port Melbourne – Managing Director Michael Sorenson said, “It’s aerospace – what’s not to love.”
Honour Roll for Service to Industry
Congratulations go to Elizabeth Lewis-Gray from Gekko. She says she was passionate about Victoria being the world’s best in manufacturing. “If you see an opportunity, set yourself a goal and go for it.”
This was a tremendously successful evening. Thanks also go to Hon Ben Carroll, the Victorian Minister for Industry and Innovation, for Manufacturing Sovereignty, for Employment, and the Minister for Public Transport. Also to VECCI, AiGroup and the Crown Palladium staff.