Igniting innovation
Learn about the origins of Hunter iF and the Hunter Innovation Festival, and how we're working to transform the region's economy.
Our Vision
To establish the Hunter Region as a leading hub for innovation, driving sustainable growth and economic diversity.
Our Mission
To provide a comprehensive, cohesive, and connected regional innovation ecosystem, fostering collaboration, connectivity, and inclusivity.
Our journey
Since the inception of the iF Project, we have made significant strides in building a robust innovation ecosystem in the Hunter Region.
We have produced key initiatives such as the Hunter Innovation Festival, industry showcases, regional roadshows, and the forward-looking Action Summit group, engaging hundreds of participants and partners.
While we recognise that building a thriving innovation ecosystem is an ongoing endeavour, we remain committed to our long-term vision and will continue to adapt and evolve our strategies to achieve sustainable growth and impact.
Meet the dedicated team behind Hunter iF
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Zara Crichton
Festival Director
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Baidy Barton
Program Lead
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Cecilia Hanlon
Upper Hunter Coordinator
MEET THE board
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Alex Brennan
Chair
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Claire Quigley
Deputy Chair
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Nathaniel Bavinton
Deputy Chair
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Cameron Burns
Treasurer
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Edwin Higginson
Company Secretary
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Lauren Eade
Director
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Will Rifkin
Director
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Sheron Steward
Director
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Caroline Booth
Director
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Skandha Ponniah
Director
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Bret Barton
Director
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Jennie McGhie
Director
Annual General Meeting
Join Us! Shape the Future of Hunter IF at our 2025 AGM
It's that time of year again! We invite all our valued members to the Hunter IF Annual General Meeting for 2025.
Come along to connect with fellow members, reflect on a fantastic year of growth and events, and have your say in our direction for 2026. Your voice is crucial as we continue to build our community and advance our mission in the Hunter region.
Save the Date!
When: Friday 14 November 2025 at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM - a light lunch will be served.
Where: Level 2, Q Building, The University of Newcastle, 16B Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW
What: A review of the year, election of our new board members, and a look at the exciting plans ahead. Plus, a great chance to network!
Get Involved!
This is your organisation, and we need your input. Your presence ensures we have a quorum to make important decisions. Let us know you're coming so we can save you a seat!
Please RSVP by 7 November 2025 by clicking the link below.
We can't wait to see you there and kick off another brilliant year for Hunter IF together!
Forging the Future: The Story of Innovation in the Hunter
The Hunter region's journey to becoming an innovation powerhouse is a story of strategic vision, collaborative spirit, and dedicated action. Three key elements have been central to this evolution: the long-standing Hunter Innovation Festival, the pivotal "Project IF" (now known as "The iF Report"), and the dedicated efforts of Hunter iF Limited.
The Spark: Hunter Innovation Festival
The Hunter Innovation Festival first lit the spark in 2002, emerging as a grassroots initiative connected to the national Australian Innovation Festival. For years, it served as a vital platform, bringing together the community to share ideas, foster creativity, and build connections. Even in its early days, managed by entities including Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter, the festival was dedicated to promoting a culture of innovation across the region.
The Blueprint: "The iF Report"
A significant turning point came in 2017 with the publication of "The iF Report". This comprehensive strategic document, born from extensive consultation with over 200 stakeholders and 300 individuals from across the Hunter, laid out a bold vision: for the Hunter to be an internationally acknowledged centre of innovation by 2025. The report identified the critical need for a unified approach and a central coordinating body to drive the region's innovation agenda.
The Engine: Hunter iF Limited
From the recommendations of "The iF Report," Hunter iF Limited was incorporated in 2018. Established as a not-for-profit, member-based organisation, Hunter iF Limited (ABN 70 626 149 531) – the entity central to these efforts, rather than "Hunter IF Pty Ltd" – became the driving force for innovation in the region. Supported initially by the NSW Government's Local Innovation Network grant, Hunter IF embarked on a mission to accelerate innovation and catalyse regional transformation through connection and collaboration.
Key initiatives quickly followed, including the Regional Incubator Program (2018) in partnership with The Business Centre, which nurtured around 25 startups, and Startup Xpress (2019), showcasing regional talent to Sydney investors.
Synergy and Growth: A Unified Ecosystem
In 2021, a pivotal development saw Hunter iF Limited acquire the Hunter Innovation Festival from RDA Hunter. This strategic move integrated the festival directly into Hunter iF's broader mission. Under its stewardship, the festival has expanded significantly, introducing a major Innovation Conference, an industry showcase, a regional roadshow, and a forward-looking Action Summit designed to generate tangible projects and outcomes.
Today, "The iF Report" provides the enduring strategic vision, Hunter iF Limited delivers the operational capacity and sustained programs, and the Hunter Innovation Festival stands as the premier public platform for engagement, collaboration, and showcasing the region's innovative capabilities. Together, they form a powerful, interconnected ecosystem, driving the Hunter's journey towards a diversified, knowledge-based economy.