Industry associations

ACARP – The Australian Coal Industry’s research program. The ACARP model has effectively demonstrated the wisdom of pooling research funds with the benefit of considerable leverage of R&D expenditures to address wider industry problems.

AI Group – The Australian Industry (AI) Group represents traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors and has been supporting businesses across Australia for over 140 years. Their members are small and large businesses in sectors including manufacturing, construction, engineering, transport & logistics, labour hire, mining services, the defence industry, civil airlines and ICT.

AusBiotech - The leading Australian industry body representing and advocating for organisations doing business in and with the global life sciences economy (including therapeutics, medical technology, digital health, food technology an agriculture sectors).

Austmine - Austmine is the leading industry body for the Australian Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. They are a not-for-profit industry association focused on encouraging innovation and best practice within the METS sector and wider mining industry and championing collaboration between METS, miners and researchers.

Australian Industry Defence Network (AIDN) - The Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) is a national peak body, to support SME suppliers to Defence and Security related customers via advocacy, trusted partnerships and member services.

Business Hunter (formerly Hunter Business Chamber) - The University of Newcastle is a proud member of Business Hunter and a Gold Member of Business Hunter’s exclusive invitation only Hunter First Group. This entitles the University to unequalled opportunities to engage with key government and corporate leaders on various issues of importance.

Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) - Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC) is an umbrella organisation for manufacturing and related industry sectors on the NSW Central Coast. CCIC fosters collaboration and connection between Industry and Business.

Hunter Defence Task Force - A high-level advocacy and action group has been formed to promote the Hunter’s defence industry capability and drive more defence contracts and investment to the region.

Hunter iF - Hunter iF Ltd is a not-for-profit support organisation that encourages and facilitates investment, jobs and growth in the Hunter as the region undergoes significant change. It does this by providing a hub for innovation through a comprehensive, connected and cohesive package of services, programs and opportunities.

Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA) - The Hunter Manufacturing Awards are champions for vibrant and enduring manufacturing in our region. They engage with the sector and offer great opportunities for education, connection and collaboration.

HunterNet - HunterNet is widely recognised within Australian manufacturing and academia as the most successful industry ‘cluster’ of its type nationally. Incorporated in 1992, HunterNet is a network of manufacturing, engineering and specialist services companies located in the Hunter and Central Coast Regions of NSW.

Defence Innovation Network (DIN) - NSW Defence Innovation Network is a university-led initiative of the NSW Government and the Defence Science and Technology Group to enhance NSW Defence industry capability through collaboration with government and academic research institutions. The DIN focuses bringing world-class research capabilities and innovation to the defence sector.

NSW Circular Economy Innovation Network - NSW Circular is a network that brings together stakeholders from across Government, Industry, Research Organisations and Communities to find innovative solutions to reduce and reuse waste and materials and enhance sustainability. It aims to contribute to the development of a circular economy by fostering a more sustainable approach to the design of goods and services, use of resources and management of waste.

NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node - The NSW Cyber Security Innovation Node is part of a national network of cyber security innovation nodes, designed to foster and accelerate cyber capability and innovation across the country. The Node is designed to leverage and develop cyber capability in NSW, foster collaboration between cyber security stakeholders, drive innovation, and strengthen economic opportunity for NSW.

NSW Smart Sensor Network (NSSN) - NSSN brings together the world class research taking place in NSW universities with state government agencies and industry, to develop innovative solutions to key challenges in energy, resources, manufacturing, the environment, transport, agriculture, space and health - that cutting edge research in smart sensing could play a critical role in solving.

NUW Alliance – The NUW Alliance, a commitment by the University of Newcastle, the University of New South Wales and the University of Wollongong, aims to harness shared experience, global reach and excellence in innovation. With a geographical reach from the Mid North Coast to the South Coast, this collaboration is the first grouping of its kind in Australia.

Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) - AMGC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organisation and is run by a board and management team of industry experts. It is connected with a nationwide network of manufacturers, universities and research institutions, and export hubs. Its goal is to drive innovation, productivity and competitiveness across Australia’s manufacturing industry.

Food Innovation Australia Ltd (FIAL) - FIAL is an industry-led, not-for-profit organisation focused on growing the share of Australian food in the global marketplace. They work with the food and agribusiness by sharing knowledge, building capacity and creating connections.

METS Ignited - METS Ignited is an industry-led, government-funded, Growth Centre for the mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector. They work with Australian suppliers to the mining industry, global miners, research organisations and capital providers to improve the competitiveness and productivity of the Australian METS sector.

MTP Connect – MedTech and Pharma (MTP) Growth Centre is a not-for-profit organisation aiming to accelerate the rate of growth of the medical technologies, biotechnologies and pharmaceuticals sector to increase commercialisation, collaboration and establish Australia as an Asia-Pacific hub for MTP companies.

National Energy Resources Australia (NERA) - NERA is one of 6 Industry Growth Centres as part of the Australian Government's Industry Growth Centres Initiative. NERA links with other Growth Centres within the initiative to coordinate activities and share knowledge to focus efforts under a vision that by 2025 the Australian energy resources sector is a world leader – sustainable, innovative, globally competitive and productive.

AusIndustry - AusIndustry is the Australian Government's principal agency for delivering assistance, programs and services which support industry, research and innovation.

AusIMM – AusIMM is the peak body representing all professionals in the global resources sector, by building connections between government, industry, universities and community.

Engineers Australia - Engineers Australia provides its members with a foundation of history, governance and commitment. From this foundation they build benefits for the profession and its practitioners. They serve engineers — and Australia — with absolute dedication to industry, infrastructure and individual needs.

Defence NSW - The NSW Government established Defence NSW as a dedicated team within the Department of Industry to support defence and industry. It is the contact point for the defence, defence-related Commonwealth departments, defence companies, defence industry bodies, and defence-related research organisations.

Hunter New England Health (HNEH) - HNEH is committed to delivering high quality health care to the community. Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) makes a significant investment in initiatives that seek to improve patient/community health outcomes. In recognising that achieving evidenced-based healthcare and improved patient outcomes is intrinsically linked to the translation and implementation of research evidence and clinical guidelines into healthcare practice.

Industry Capability Network (ICN) – ICN is a business network that introduces Australian and New Zealand companies to projects large and small. ICN NSW creates opportunities for New South Wales and Australian industry by bridging the information gap between buyers and sellers by advising on supply chain development, import replacement and local industry capability and capacity.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) - RDA is a national network of 52 committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions. RDA Hunter and RDA Central Coast are investigating opportunities for greater collaboration on a multi-regional scale.