The departure of SXSW Sydney isn’t an ending, its a new beginning. This moment shines on the amazing events that have been nurturing this ecosystem for decades. These events are special because they are grounded in us. They lead with tech. They put the innovator first. They understand that the most valuable thing an event can offer is a coffee with a co-founder, a handshake with an investor, a moment of "Aha!" shared with a peer.

There is a particular energy you feel when you walk into a workspace that just works. It’s a hum of productivity, sure, but it’s also the palpable vibe of problem-solving in real-time.

I felt that exact energy this week when I visited the team at Brain Industries International in Carrington.

A one-day regional summit exploring how the Hunter is leading Australia’s decarbonisation journey — from green energy to metals and manufacturing.

If your high school student has found themselves with less screen time and more free time, The Melt INDUSTRY EDGE Maker Project offers a fun alternative this summer holidays.

The Hunter is changing. Our lunches are too.

We are completely redesigning our monthly lunch series for 2025. We are moving away from the standard "sit and listen" format to a new model: Inform, Inspire, and Activate.

We want to create events where you don't just swap business cards, but actually:

• Solve real supply chain problems.

• Connect with new players

• Discover immediate pathways into projects

To make this work for you, we need your input.

If the latest Startup Muster 2025 report makes one thing clear, it is that innovation in Australia is no longer confined to the capital city CBDs. In a standout finding for the Hunter region, Newcastle has not just entered the national conversation—it is leading it.

The Hunter Region, long the beating heart of Australia’s coal-fired power generation, is poised for a significant industrial pivot. In a landmark move announced this week, the Federal and NSW Governments have backed a $171 million investment to establish the Hunter Valley Solar Foundry, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility capable of producing 500 megawatts of solar modules annually.

While Australia’s broader startup landscape faced headwinds in 2025, Newcastle has emerged as a powerhouse of resilience and growth. According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, our region is not just surviving; it is thriving, delivering one of the standout performances in the country.

This summer, the Hunter isn't just a holiday destination—it's the ultimate "third place" for parents needing a break from a noisy house or travellers wanting to extend their stay without burning annual leave.

🔥 Hunter Innovators! 🔥 The NSW MVP Ventures Grant is opening soon. Regional businesses (like ours) can access up to $75,000 for commercialising innovative products. Stream 2 offers a 75% co-contribution! Read the guidelines & apply before Dec 21! 🚀 Cream Big!

Hunter businesses, this is for you! 🛠️ Join the Net Zero Supplier Showcase. Profile your firm for major $1M+ energy transmission projects linked to the REZs. Get listed in a vital guide shared with key decision-makers and contractors. Show your capability & capacity!

New Era of Leadership at Hunter iF: Claire Quigley succeeds Alex Brennan as Chair, welcoming new directors Linda Apostolidis, Conrad Smith, and Andrea Hoymann. The board is set to drive the next phase of growth, accelerating innovation and ensuring the Hunter is internationally acknowledged as a thriving centre of innovation.

Hunter iF and its members today issued a strong recommendation to the Federal Department of Industry, Science and Resources and NSW Premier’s Department, urging them to proactively utilise strategic financial mechanisms to establish a commercially viable pathway for the Tomago Aluminium Smelter. This critical engagement is needed before the employee consultation period concludes on November 21st.