November 8, 2022
Minister for Education, The Hon Jason Clare has announced that the Australian Research Centre will fund the establishment of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment at the University of Wollongong (UOW). UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson said the Illawarra is the perfect setting for a centre focusing on sustainable mining. “Wollongong has deeply held roots in mining and manufacturing, and this training centre will be the perfect launch pad for global collaboration and innovation,” Professor Davidson said. “Our state-of-the-art engineering and technology hubs will offer the perfect environment to train the future minds of mining and to find solutions to revolutionise an industry that contributes 15% of Australian GDP.” In Australia the Mining Equipment, Technology and Service (METS) sector is estimated to add more than $50bn and 80,000 new jobs to the Australian economy by 2030. The transformation of the sector towards more efficient, cost-effective, innovative, sustainable and digital operations will require safer machinery and equipment, which is able to operate in deeper mines and harsh…
September 28, 2022
Queensland’s new Energy and Jobs Plan represents a great leap forward in delivering clean energy, thousands of jobs, and multimillion-dollar economic opportunities for the Sunshine State, the Climate Council says. “Queensland has substantially raised its renewable energy target to 70% by 2032, with a $62bn investment in regional communities, good jobs, and clean power for all Queenslanders. This is a big step forward for the Sunshine State,” Amanda McKenzie, CEO of the Climate Council said. “With its Energy Plan, Queensland has set itself up to cash in on the global transition away from polluting coal and gas, while bringing coal workers and regional communities along on the inevitable journey. It’s great to see that 95% of the $62bn spent on this plan will be invested in the regions. “This now puts Queensland ahead of the big states for their 2030 renewable energy targets. Queensland is now aiming for 60% by 2030, compared to Victoria which has pledged 50% by 2030, and New South Wales with no specific target. Queenslanders have already suffered enormously from climate change-fueled floods and fires. In fact, during the announcement, Queensland Premier Annastacia…
September 19, 2022
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)-based professionals from Anglo American and ConocoPhillips Australia, both with significant operations in the region, volunteered their time with the Bright Future STEM Program to engage and inspire more than 500 schoolkids from Moura, Gladstone, and Biloela. The Bright Future STEM Program, designed and delivered by the Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), uses a combination of industry role models and hands-on interactive activities to teach students aged nine to twelve about the range of STEM careers in the resources and energy sector. “The Bright Future STEM team had a fantastic time in central Queensland last week, joining STEM professionals from Anglo American and ConocoPhillips Australia to engage and inspire schoolkids,” AREEA Director Operations, Tara Diamond said.“ In recent years it has become increasingly important to get the younger generation interested in studying STEM fields. With the resources and energy industry set to experience significant growth in its STEM-based workforce demand, getting the younger generation interested in STEM is a…
August 21, 2022
Space Machines Company (SMC), the Australian in-space transportation and logistics startup, has secured the support of SpaceX as a launch partner to carry its Optimus Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) to space as part of its April 2023 mission. SMC's Optimus OTV is one of the largest commercial spacecraft designed and manufactured in Australia. It is a testament to the innovation of Australia's space tech sector and the sovereign capability being built by SMC. The 2023 mission will demonstrate the 270kg Optimus OTV’s ability to deliver in-space logistics services and will reinforce SMC’s strategy as a last-mile delivery services provider. The 2023 mission will also see SMC deploy solutions for foundation customers. The Optimus spacecraft’s assembly and integration will occur at the Space Machines Company facility within the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Tech Lab and will demonstrate Australian sovereign access to space capability. More than 6,000 active and inactive satellites are currently in orbit, and by 2030, there will be more than 100,000. Space will increasingly need infrastructure and logistics services to support and manage the exponential…
August 16, 2022
Onshore manufacturing of life-saving mRNA vaccines took a major step forward on Monday, with the Australian Government, Moderna and the Victorian Government finalising all arrangements for the ten-year partnership. Under these new agreements, an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility will be built at Monash University, helping protect Australians against future pandemics, supporting local industry and creating highly skilled local jobs. Moderna will also establish its headquarters and a Regional Research Centre in Victoria. Once operational, the facility will be able to produce up to 100 million vaccine doses every year. Once this critical onshore mRNA capability is established, Australia will reduce its dependence on imported mRNA vaccines and our vulnerability to supply disruptions or delays. It will give Australians local and ongoing access to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine – Spikevax – and give us an onshore mRNA manufacturing capability in the event of a new pandemic, such as avian influenza or another new pathogen, vaccine-resistant COVID-19 variants or a global resurgence of infections. The partnership will lead to a world-class mRNA ecosystem based in Melbourne, attract highly skilled staff and expand local capability through joint…
July 27, 2022
Celebrating its 20th year, the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards was staged spectacularly at the Crown Palladium down by the Yarra to showcase the achievements of manufacturers across Victoria. The awards recognised the excellence of individuals and companies that have embraced new technologies, are export-focused, and drive business innovation. AMTIL would especially like to congratulate the Members who won major awards on the night. Paul Hughes from Integra Systems accepted their Induction into the Hall of Fame (above); Pat McCluskey and Patrick Boland from ANCA, entered the Honor Roll for their Services to Industry. And then Barry Finnin from Amaero Additive Manufacturing won the Award for Small Manufacturing Business of the Year. The Hon Ben Carroll MP, The Victorian Minister for Industry, Support and Recovery in introducing the awards with ABC’s Virginia Trioli as a very engaging MC, said that “this year’s winners and finalists showcase the strength of our manufacturing industry and are paving the way for a bright future ahead.” “These advancements are cementing Victoria’s status as the epicentre of Australian advanced manufacturing and a destination of choice for leading companies,” he…
July 22, 2022
Austal Limited has announced the Department of Defence will order an additional two Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats (ECCPB’s) for the Royal Australian Navy, for $124m. The two new vessels are in addition to the six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats that are currently being delivered by Austal Australia for the Royal Australian Navy. Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said, “We are incredibly proud to be supporting the Royal Australian Navy by providing and enhancing fleet capability; working in collaboration with the Department of Defence and Industry partners. “This announcement for additional Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats further strengthens and supports Australian sovereign shipbuilding capability and provides Austal, and our outstanding supply chain partners, with a level of continuity that will provide stability and security for the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise. Austal will also continue to invest and develop our facilities in Henderson to ensure we have the capability and capacity for the future programme of work,” Gregg said. Austal delivered the first of the Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats, the ADV Cape Otway last month. Eight Evolved Cape Patrol Boats…
July 4, 2022
With inflation growing at its fastest pace in 20 years according to the Reserve Bank of Australia, associated rising costs are arguably the biggest challenge for Australian businesses. This is making it difficult for businesses to price their products correctly and could potentially strain margins and customer relations as these companies either absorb the costs or pass them on to the buyer. The manufacturing sector, in particular, has been under increased pressure, grappling with supply chain disruption, labour shortages and fuel price rises. Almost one in seven manufacturers agree that inflation is likely to remain elevated at the end of 2022, according to a PwC Pulse Survey. And this situation is unlikely to ease over the next two years. If not addressed, we run the risk of further business closures and dampening our national economic recovery from the pandemic. Adjusting pricing strategies now will support manufacturers to contain costs with inflation on the rise. Manufacturers must look to nuanced pricing approaches that allow for pricing adjustments that move as quickly as market fluctuations, to drive…
June 24, 2022
The grant program, which attracted over 5,300 applications in the last round (2,600 of which were first-time applicants), aims to foster economic benefits for Australia by supporting the development and expansion of foreign markets for Australian products and services, specifically by providing funding for promotional activities and development of marketing skills to SMEs. What funding is available? There is a Tier 1, which is targeted at eligible exporters who are ready to export in the grant year, have not previously exported, have appropriate skills in marketing eligible products in a foreign country. There’s a maximum funding cap of $40,000 per financial year for up to two years and the grant will be up to $15,000 per financial year. There is also a Tier 2, which is targeted at eligible exporters who are exporting eligible products or are seeking export promotion activity for eligible products. There’s a maximum funding cap of $80,000 per financial year for up to three years and the grant will be up to $23,000 per financial year. Then there is a Tier 3, which…
June 17, 2022
The Australian Technologies Competition is an internationally recognised national awards and growth support program for technology scaleups. It comprises a three-stage national competition for sector awards and Australian Technology Company of the Year, high calibre mentoring from successful technology entrepreneurs and senior corporate executives, an International Growth Masterclass and access to partner and investor connection events. The 12 categories of the Competition reflect the enormous capabilities of the Australian technology sector and the more than 250 high-growth companies that have previously reached the semi-finals or finals read like a Who’s Who of Australian ‘deep’ technology. They include Agridigital, BindiMaps, BluGlass, Calix, CancerAid, CIM Enviro, Fleet Space, Gilmour Space, RedEye, Sound Scouts, StormSeal, SwitchDin, Wattwatchers and many more. This year Impact Tech Ventures is partnering with Investible to deliver the program. The early-stage VC has a proud record of investing in, mentoring and supporting tech companies to grow internationally. It is also investing substantially in the Australian ecosystem with Greenhouse — an emerging innovation hub, supported by the City of Sydney, built for climate tech companies…
May 31, 2022
Western Sydney will be at the heart of Australia’s high-tech manufacturing capability with the investment of $260m in a national-first shared-use research facility to be built on the doorstep of the new Western Sydney International Airport. The full-scale Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) will be the focal point of the new Bradfield City Centre, the 115ha urban and employment area next to the airport. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the AMRF will be at the leading edge of Australia’s advanced manufacturing revolution helping to strengthen our economy now and into the future. “We are securing a brighter future of our families and our country, right here in Western Sydney,” Mr Perrottet said. “The NSW Government is building what matters to make Western Sydney an even better place to live, work, learn, play and raise a family. “The AMRF will create new high-paying jobs of the future in Western Sydney by making Bradfield City Centre the national capital of advanced manufacturing bringing industry and universities together.”…
May 20, 2022
Nominations for the 2022 awards are now open. The Victorian Government has announced the return of the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards to recognise the achievements of exceptional manufacturers across the state, marking the 20th anniversary of the awards. Key dates for your calendars include nominations closing on Tuesday, 31 May 2022 and the announcement of winners will be at the Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 26 July 2022, at the Palladium at Crown. ‘Making it in Victoria’ is the theme for this year’s awards, which highlights the breadth of products, technology and equipment produced in the state and recognises the importance of local manufacturing. Nominations close on Tuesday, 31 May 2022. Companies and individuals can nominate for the awards by visiting the Business Victoria website: see below. Award recipients will be announced at the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 at the Palladium at Crown. Nominations are sought for the following award categories: Individual awards: Honour Roll – Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Young Manufacturer of the Year Woman Manufacturer of the…
May 15, 2022
Western Sydney-based company Custom Denning has been awarded a contract to design, manufacture and assemble 79 new electric buses. Premier Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott toured the St Mary’s factory on 14 February to inspect the production line and meet workers. “This is a true Western Sydney success story and our government is proud to have played a part in this business producing the first locally-built electric bus,” Perrottet said. “Custom Denning employs 160 workers at their St Mary’s factory and this investment will now provide more jobs to ensure our buses are built to the highest standard. “Our government is getting closer to securing a cleaner, healthier future for the people of NSW and at the same time this electric bus transition will generate hundreds of local manufacturing jobs, which is an amazing outcome for our state.” Elliott added that the $70m investment takes the number of bus orders placed with Custom Denning past 100, which will help…