The Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) has expanded its team, with the appointment of respected industry advocate Charmaine Barrett to the position of Director, Northern Territory (NT).
With 15 years industry experience, Barrett joins AMGC from Industry Capability Network (ICN) where she held positions as Operations Manager and Business Development Manager for the NT. In her new role, she will lead the joint five-year, $8.75m NT/AMGC program to fast-track investment and commercialisation of advanced manufacturing opportunities across the Territory.
Barrett remarked: “As a proud Territorian, I cannot wait to get to work and build a stronger, more diverse manufacturing industry not only across the Top End but also in our regional centres. Over the past 15-years I have seen first-hand the potential of NT businesses. A program such as this is exactly what we require to spur innovation, investment, and prosperity for the region. I look forward to getting to work with AMGC and the Northern Territory Government.”
The NT/AMGC program delivers on the recommendations of the Territory Economic Reconstruction’s final report, which will see:
- AMGC establish an office in Darwin, which will house the dedicated Territory-based Director who will be supported by AMGC’s existing national team.
- AMGC manage a competitive dollar-for-dollar, co-funded grant program for NT industry stakeholders.
- The creation of advanced manufacturing projects, which will generate more jobs for Territorians and bolster the local economy with new investment opportunities.
Over the past three years, AMGC has facilitated more than 340 national collaborations and co-funded over 80 industry projects, while creating more than 2,300 jobs across the country. It has invested over $66.8m of combined industry and Government funds into manufacturing projects, resulting in an estimated $1.2bn in additional national revenue.
Commenting on Barrett’s appointment, NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner remarked: “It’s great to have Charmaine on board – she will be an exceptional asset in expanding industry and attracting new investment to the Territory. We know we’ve got a lot to give in the advanced manufacturing space, and this new partnership will help turn local businesses’ dreams into reality. By building up our advanced manufacturing capabilities, we are strengthening our economy and creating more jobs for Territorians, and more exports for Australia and the world.”
Dr Jens Goennemann, Managing Director of AMGC, added: “The NT is certainly leading ahead of other jurisdictions when it comes to understanding the potential of manufacturing. Charmaine brings with her a deep understanding of the Territories industrial landscape, and she is the perfect person to convert this potential into outcomes. With the appointment of Charmaine to the role and the Territory Government as a partner, AMGC has all the right ingredients in place to transform the Top End from being a lucky economy to a smart one, underpinned by a thriving manufacturing industry.”