Central Coast Industry Connect

18/08/2026

August Event Alert -

You are invited to join us for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Insights Event at the Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub on Wednesday 2nd September.

12/08/2026

August Event Alert -

 Applications are now open for the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards, recognising the outstanding manufacturers, individuals and emerging businesses driving innovation, excellence and economic growth across our region. 

10/07/2026

The Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub is officially open!

This morning we opened the doors at Ourimbah on our $17.14 million shared innovation and manufacturing facility, backed by the Australian Government, that gives food and beverage manufacturers access to a pilot plant, production space and expertise that would usually be out of reach for a single business.

It's built to help businesses grow their production here on the Coast, keeping jobs and investment in the region. Three businesses have already signed on to operate from the Hub, and there is room for more.

Thank you to Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation, and to our local members Dr Gordon Reid MP and the Hon Emma McBride MP, for their support and for helping us mark the occasion. Thank you to the Australian Government for backing the project, and to Central Coast Council for making the site at Ourimbah available.

To everyone who has been part of the journey, our industry partners and sponsors, our Board, our team, suppliers and contractors, thank you. This is a shared achievement and the beginning of a new chapter.

01/06/2026

✨We’re planning our next site visit

Join Central Coast Industry Connect for our next networking event at Lasercraft, West Gosford on Thursday 11 June | 7:30am – 9:00am.

For almost 40 years, Lasercraft has partnered with Central Coast businesses to solve operational bottlenecks through high-quality outsourcing solutions — while creating meaningful, paid employment opportunities for locals with disability.

From packing and kitting to assembly, labelling and warehousing support, Lasercraft helps businesses free up valuable staff time, improve efficiency, and achieve impactful ESG outcomes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✔ Connect with local industry leaders
✔ Tour the Lasercraft facility
✔ Learn how outsourcing can support your operations
✔ Hear how business and community impact can work hand-in-hand

We look forward to bringing our network together for another great morning of connection and insight.

Book 👉 https://www.stickytickets.com.au/0bfbzr/lasercraft_site_visit/buy-tickets

29/05/2026

What an incredible first cohort. 🙌

From flexibility workshops and site visits to leadership conversations and hands-on experiences across the industry — the ManufactHER Cohort One businesses and participants have built real momentum together, and these photos say it all.

We're proud to be part of a program that's creating genuine pathways and building a more inclusive future for manufacturing on the Central Coast.

Today is the LAST day to submit your Expression of Interest for Cohort Two. If you're a manufacturer ready to attract great talent, strengthen your team and be part of something bigger — don't let this one pass you by.

👉 Register now: https://lnkd.in/gukGB-EB
📧 [email protected]

19/05/2026

Your next great leader might already be on your factory floor.

Through ManufactHER, Cohort One businesses accessed Central Coast Industry Connect’s Manufacturing Leadership Essentials program — practical leadership development for front-line and emerging leaders in manufacturing.

Just one example of how ManufactHER provides hands-on support across recruitment, workforce strategy, leadership development and employer branding, plus access to a local industry peer network.

Watch the short video to see the program in action.

EOIs for Cohort Two are now open (closes 29 May 2026). 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q62TQVZ Questions? Email Alex Blow: [email protected]

15/05/2026

Central Coast Industry Connect are pleased to be associated with the Hunter Manufacturing Awards. Consider putting in an application. A great opportunity to recognise your manufacturing capability and your staffs contribution to your business. Awards are open now!

12/05/2026

Can flexible work in manufacturing production roles boost engagement, productivity and unlock new talent?

We explored this in a full-day ‘Flexibility’ workshop with ManufactHER (Cohort One) participants and sector stakeholders.

Just one example of how ManufactHER provides hands-on support across recruitment, workforce strategy, leadership development and employer branding, plus access to a local industry peer network.
Watch the short video to see the workshop in action.

EOIs for Cohort Two are now open (closes 29 May 2026). 👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q62TQVZ

Questions? Email Alex Blow: [email protected]

08/05/2026

May Event Alert -

Central Coast Industry Connect is hosting a practical AI in Manufacturing event featuring Myrtec, Definiti, JasperX, and industry case studies from manufacturers already applying AI in real operations.

30/04/2026

⏰ EOIs CLOSE 30 APRIL

Final opportunity to join ManufactuHER Cohort Two.

If your business is focused on:
✔ Attracting skilled workers
✔ Improving retention
✔ Building a stronger workforce for the future

This program is designed to support you.

Now is the time to take action.

👉 Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q62TQVZ

Proudly delivered by Central Coast Group Training Central Coast Industry Connect and Coast & Country Primary Care, with funding by the Australian Government