With the end of the 2025 financial year fast approaching, GMC is proud to share a look back at highlights from our programs and member activities over the past 12 months.
Globally and nationally, the year was marked by uncertainty and at home our manufacturers felt the impact of rising energy costs, delayed investment decisions and ongoing skills shortages.
Three of our local manufacturers meanwhile – all longstanding members of the GMC – have celebrated more than 160 years of business recently, indicating something important about our regional manufacturers: they are survivors.
State and federal governments responded to our advocacy to preference local jobs, giving new powers to the Local Jobs First Commissioner, and went some way to supporting our appeal for business energy security through exempting industry and manufacturers from a statewide ban, effective in 2027, on new gas appliances.
We have been heartened to see progress on other fronts. More to come over the next year.
Recognising and celebrating our region’s manufacturers
In April, we held the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Celebration and Awards Dinner, in conjunction with the biennial Avalon Air Show, bringing together more than 200 industry and community leaders to recognise and celebrate manufacturing in our region.
Congratulations to all our 2025 award winners:
- Community Award: gforce employment + recruitment
- Innovation Excellence Award: AUSTENG
- Sustainability Excellence Award: Godfrey Hirst
- Manufacturing Excellence Award: Godfrey Hirst
As well as all award finalists: Modularity by Rendine, SNF Water Science, and Farm Foods Australia.
Thank you to our event sponsors for helping to bring the event together:
- Diamond Sponsor: Deakin University
- Platinum Sponsor: Hanwha Defence Australia
- Gold Sponsors: Viva Energy Australia and the City of Greater Geelong
- Silver Sponsor: CSIRO
- Venue Sponsor: Melbourne Avalon Airport
Empowering Future Leaders
Our Future Leaders of Industry (GFLOI), Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing (GLAM), and World of Work (WoW) school programs continue to inspire the next generation of manufacturing professionals. These programs provide Year 9 and 10 students with immersive experiences and a taste of the rewarding careers offered in manufacturing, helping to develop a pipeline of motivated young people ready to shape the future of advanced manufacturing. So far this year, 117 students have taken part in GMC’s programs across Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Colac, and Wyndham
*These programs received support from Skilling the Bay and the Australian Government
Championing Women in Industry
Through the Women in Manufacturing Network (WIMN) and Seed2STEM, we’ve worked to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM and manufacturing. Our mentoring programs and events have supported women at all stages of their careers, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Additionally, through our BIG IDEAS project we’ve developed a suite of resources, case studies and tools to support manufacturers to attract, retain and support more women in manufacturing. We’d like to thank The Gordon, Viva Energy and Barwon Water for their ongoing support of our WIMN program.
*These programs received support from the Australian Government and the Victorian Government
Leadership and Capability Building
The Leadership for Manufacturing Excellence program and the 2025 CEO Program—delivered in partnership with Melbourne Business School —have equipped both emerging and senior leaders with the tools to drive innovation, resilience, and strategic growth in their organisations.
Driving Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Our Knowledge Clusters and member events have continued to provide valuable opportunities for peer learning, tailored training, and industry advocacy. These forums are vital for strengthening connections across business, government, and research.
This year we launched our Lessons from Leaders event series to provide wider opportunities for members to hear directly from manufacturing leaders as well as gain expert knowledge on topics critical for manufacturing business success.
Advocating for a Stronger Policy Environment
GMC spoke out for manufacturing in a range of forums, advocating for reliable energy, strengthened local procurement enforcement, anti-dumping, industrial land protection, skills shortages, and defence opportunities for local industry.
As we look ahead to a rapidly evolving landscape, we are committed to strengthening our support for members and manufacturing in our region. Thank you to our major sponsors, Deakin University, Hanwha Defence Australia, The Gordon, and Viva Energy, as well as our industry sponsors, members, partners and supporters for your incredible contributions this year.
We’re looking forward to bringing together a host of exciting events and programs over the next 12 months to further support industry innovation, leadership, knowledge sharing and growth opportunities. Check our website for more or get in touch.