HIGH-RANKING international trade delegates began a three-day tour of the Hunter region on Monday.
The NSW Government 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 itinerary included a visit to The Melt, Australia’s first hardware accelerator and industry prototyping lab.
The delegates also visited recyclable solar innovator Kardinia Energy, which has 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 were on display at Allegro Energy, while regional transition planning and reskilling was discussed at the AGL Hunter Energy Hub and BHP Mt Arthur.
The region is also home to a range of advanced manufacturing capabilities, including med-tech and 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 also immersed themselves in the unique offerings of the Murrook Cultural Centre and engaged with two of the region’s leading Aboriginal businesses, Blackrock Industries and Native Botanical Brewery.
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 investment opportunities.”
Brett Thomas is Director and Chief Operations Officer of The Melt in Muswellbrook, which 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.
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.
The Melt Director and Chief Operations Officer, 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.”
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
