The Creative Class

Riviera awarded Apprenticeships Leadership Medal

Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury motor yacht builder, is proud to announce it has been recognised with the prestigious Australian Apprenticeships Leadership Medal 2025. The honour was awarded to Riviera’s Apprentice and Training Manager, Keira Badke, at the inaugural Manufacturing Industries Group Apprenticeship Scheme (MIGAS) Apprentices & Trainees Stakeholder Event, held in Brisbane during National Apprenticeship Week. This accolade acknowledges Riviera’s commitment to training and mentoring the next generation of marine industry professionals – a commitment that is embedded in the company’s DNA and exemplified with the opening of The Riviera Academy of Excellence. In January 2024, Riviera launched its Academy of Excellence, a 680-square-metre, purpose-built training centre. The Academy houses two fully operational workshops, dual learning hubs, a dedicated drafting room, offices, and meeting spaces. It currently supports 128 apprentices, who are mentored by some of Australia’s most skilled boatbuilders, marine engineers, electricians, and upholsterers. “Never stop learning; never see work as a dirty word; never stop believing in yourself” – these powerful words, displayed prominently on the walls of the Academy, echo the philosophy of Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, who began his career as a carpenter and joinery apprentice. His personal journey – from apprentice to owner of one of the world’s leading luxury yacht builders – serves as daily inspiration for all at Riviera. “They really are the master craftsmen and women of the future and from their very first day with Riviera we want our apprentices to know that we will do all we can to help them be the best they can be,” Keira Badke says. Beyond technical training, apprentices also participate in the Riviera Propel Program, which equips them with life skills, including personal growth, financial literacy, responsibility and teamwork – fostering success in all aspects of their life. “Our tremendous investment […]

Australia and Japan’s top engineers show the way for a renewable hydrogen sector

Australia and Japan’s joint technological expertise can lead the way in international clean energy, according to a joint report focussing on hydrogen, released today. This partnership will lead to new jobs, cleaner industry, and economic benefits for both nations.The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) and The Engineering Academy of Japan (EAJ), led by its Emerging Research Leaders Exchange Programme (ERLEP), launched their joint report ‘The Australia-Japan renewable hydrogen value chain’, at an event today in Osaka during World Expo 2025. ATSE and the EAJ have brought together Fellows from both Academies to shine a light on our shared potential. The report outlines hydrogen’s emerging role as a clean fuel with potential across two nations’ economies – in construction, manufacturing, agriculture and fertilisers, and chemical production. It articulates the steps necessary to most expediently produce, transport, store, and use millions of tonnes of green hydrogen across Australia and Japan. Fuelled by abundant and cheap Australian renewable energy using technologies leveraging Japanese and Australian inventions, green hydrogen is primed to become a critical industry and trade focus in the Asia-Pacific by 2050. Acting as a carrier of energy and a clean, highly useful chemical input, green hydrogen can also set up other sectors for success, including steelmaking and fertiliser manufacturing. ATSE CEO Kylie Walker said, “Achieving this potential requires a sustained focus on skills, infrastructure and financing. Japanese and Australian innovation, working together in partnership, are a force to be reckoned with. Today’s report lays out how retrained personnel from existing energy industries could add to their existing knowledge and fill the critical hydrogen roles of the future.” EAJ Chair of International Affairs Yuko Harayama said, “Japan and Australia are perfect partners for exploring the complementarity and synergy in their expertise in renewable hydrogen. The key would be to bring together stakeholders from industry and academia from […]

Spirit Marine appointed distribution partner for Sunpower Yachts

Leading Queensland boat dealer Spirit Marine has been appointed the exclusive distributor for solar electric yacht company Sunpower Yachts. This partnership will see Spirit Marine promote Sunpower and its range of Solar e-Cruiser, Solar e-Sail, Solar e-Poweryachts, Solar e-Superyachts exclusively to the Queensland market. Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, Australian-owned Sunpower is now the world’s largest solar electric yacht company. For Spirit Marine founder Peter Nicholson this announcement marks a personal milestone for himself and the brokerage as he has long been a passionate advocate for Sunpower’s combination of craftsmanship and technology. “Sunpower is at the forefront of solar electric yachting, consistently setting a benchmark in efficiency, performance, comfort and environmental responsibility, whilst still producing sleekly designed vessels,” said Mr Nicholson. “Following its recent acquisition of Alva Yachts GmBH, the firm is well-positioned to build on its existing reputation as a leader in the luxury eco-yacht market. This combination of cutting-edge technology, performance and luxury is why Spirit Marine is so excited about this announcement as we see this having the potential to become one of the country’s leading boating brands.” Spirit Marine is a leading Australian bespoke boat dealer with operations spanning Queensland, and is Beneteau’s Queensland partner for their outboard power and sailboat ranges – including the highly successful Antares range which targets the cruiser market. Sunpower Yachts is the global leader in solar electric yachting and has already sold 12 yachts ranging from 44ft-90ft. With the world’s largest fleet of innovative, eco-friendly vessels, they\’re setting the standard for sustainable luxury on the water. Its yachts combine cutting-edge solar technology with exceptional design, offering a seamless blend of performance, elegance, and environmental responsibility. Sunpower Yachts spokesperson Grant Hudson is looking forward to working with partners like Spirit Marine as the brand seeks to become one […]

Manufacturing training at the Central Coast Interim Skills Hub

Central Coast manufacturing leads the way in sustainable innovation

The Central Coast’s standing as one of Australia’s first certified ECO Destinations extends far beyond its beaches and bushland. A new wave of sustainable innovation is emerging from the region’s manufacturing sector, highlighted by local businesses redefining what it means to operate responsibly, with global impact. At the forefront is Signarama Tuggerah, winner of the 2024 Hunter Manufacturing Award for Excellence in Sustainable Operations. Their cutting-edge signage solutions, developed in collaboration with Spandex, HP, and Avery Dennison, debuted on the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The result? Recyclable, reusable signage that cut carbon emissions by 22% and met global performance standards. Powered by solar energy, using PVC-free materials and water-based inks, Signarama reduced energy use by 34% and landfill waste by 15% in just 12 months. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says their pioneering work in sustainable signage was showcased on the world stage for the Australian Olympic Committee at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “This wasn’t just signage – it was a statement. They designed, developed and delivered world first recyclable and reusable signage solutions. The project reduced carbon emissions by 22% and proved sustainable signage can meet global performance standards.” Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board Member and Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect Frank Sammut believes the region is at the forefront of an industrial transformation. “The Central Coast is proving that manufacturing and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Businesses are creating smarter, greener, globally competitive models, right here in our backyard.” Central Coast manufacturing highlights AGRANA Fruit – Central Mangrove Runs on 100% renewable electricity from wind and solar. On track to achieve zero landfill waste this year, circular packaging by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2040. 4 Seasons Insulation – West Gosford Reduces household energy consumption through smart insulation solutions. Offers sustainable […]

Negotiate a solid global tariff deal for manufacturing

With the Albanese Government returned to power, Graeme Evans, Regional Vice President AUNZ of Epicor – a leading global business software company specialising in providing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions, particularly for the manufacturing, distribution, and aged care industries – says that some of the first jobs to be done is to stick to the promises they made in the previous term and also negotiate a solid global tariff deal for the manufacturing and distribution industry. Graeme explains: What Does The Government Need To Do To Help The Australian Manufacturing Industry? “The Australian manufacturing industry employs around 900,000 workers but has been in steady decline over the past few years. We must plan to boost local manufacturing and safeguard the nation in being more resilient to global shocks. We know that Labor has pledged to continue funnelling more money into its Future Made in Australia plan – with investment including $1 billion in grants for supporting green iron production and $2 billion in grants to support aluminium smelters to switch to renewable electricity – which we support. “The Government must continue to invest in onshore capabilities, have robust procurement requirements in place for projects involving steel and aluminium, as well as negotiate a fair manufacturing and distribution agreement with the US. While the last few years have shown us that global make, move, sell industries are no strangers to disruption, we must find stability and move forward.” How Does The Current Tariffs Impact Manufacturing And Distribution Operations? “Tariffs increase the cost of production inputs, squeezing gross margins for manufacturers and distributors. Companies sourcing heavily from tariff-affected regions must reassess their procurement strategies. Higher costs may also alter the bill of materials, require supplier changes, and influence where production facilities are located. “With regards to the supply chain industry, the combination […]

China has moved to curb supply of critical minerals. Can Australia seize the moment?

Marina Yue Chang, Associate Professor, Technology and Innovation, University of Technology Sydney. In the escalating trade war between the United States and China, one notable exception stood out: 31 critical minerals, including rare earth elements, were strategically exempted from tariffs. This was not a gesture of goodwill. It was a tacit acknowledgment of the United States’ deep dependence on China for materials essential to its technological competitiveness, clean energy transition and national defence. Beijing’s response was swift and calculated. China’s Ministry of Commerce announced expanded export controls and a shift in pricing principles. The move reflects China’s long-standing effort to shift rare earth pricing from market supply and demand to pricing based on their strategic value. The impact was immediate. Rare earth exports from China effectively ground to a halt, as exporters awaited approvals under a new, opaque licensing regime. The announcement prompted President Trump to issue a new executive order directing a review of national security risks stemming from the US reliance on imported, processed critical minerals. As global supply chains reel from these disruptions, Australia finds itself in a unique strategic position. As a trusted US ally, it possesses the resources, partnerships and political capital to step into the breach. But can Australia seize this opportunity – or will it come with strings attached? China’s new playbook China’s latest restrictions target seven rare earths – such as dysprosium and terbium – crucial for electric vehicles, wind turbines, fighter jets and missile systems. While stopping short of a full export ban, the policy functions as a chokepoint. It leverages China’s near-total global control of rare earth refining (around 90%) and its monopoly on heavy rare earth processing (98%). Domestically, China’s rare earth sector is dominated by two state-owned giants which together control nearly 100% of national mining quotas. These measures have exposed the vulnerability of Western supply chains. The US has only one operational rare earth mine […]

Sandvik Coromant to make debut at Australian Manufacturing Week

For the first time, metal cutting and manufacturing solutions expert Sandvik Coromant will be present at Australian Manufacturing Week (AMW). Taking place May 6 to 9, 2025 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MCEC), Sandvik Coromant will join its software partners, Vericut and Mastercam, to provide an advisory service to visitors looking to optimise their machine investment and tool management strategies. AMW aims to showcase the latest advancements in the manufacturing sector, bringing in over 150 exhibitors and thousands of visitors. The exhibition is split into different zones from machine tools and additive manufacturing, to manufacturing solutions and robotics and automation. Sandvik Coromant will be in the Manufacturing Solutions Zone, exhibiting from stand MS360. To give visitors a complete solution overview, Vericut and Mastercam will share the stand with Sandvik Coromant. This collaboration will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in digital manufacturing, machine investment strategies and process engineering. Sandvik Coromant will have an advisory booth to consult visitors on how to optimise their current machining challenges, offering solutions for complex components and providing support for new projects. At the stand, Manufacturing Wellness, a term coined by Sandvik Coromant in 2023, will be at the forefront of discussions. The concept revolves around eight essential habits, including taking a holistic approach, reducing waste, investing in automation and benefitting from strong partners, and acts as a framework for improving operational resilience and future-proofing the manufacturing industry. Sandvik Coromant’s entire offering will be visible through interactive digital displays. The stand will demonstrate Sandvik Coromant’s CoroPlus® Tool Supply inventory software, installed into the Robocrib TX750 vending machine, a popular solution in Australia and surrounding Asia. This all-in-one tool management software is used to efficiently manage and track assets and equipment by automating the tool supply process. It uses real-time […]

Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy, Infor

Q&A: What’s in store for Australian manufacturers for the rest of 2025?

By Matthew Addley, Senior Director, Product and Industry Market Strategy at Infor Outlook for the Australian manufacturing sector for the rest of 2025 It has been a tumultuous first quarter for the manufacturing sector, as trade policies and tariffs have driven up raw material and component costs, creating a ripple effect across the global supply chain. More specifically, the recent imposition of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminium imports into the US has hit Australian manufacturers hard as they grapple with higher interest rates and subdued demand in 2024. However, reducing interest rates to 4.10% could bolster business confidence and drive demand as the year progresses, opening up markets and investment opportunities for Australian manufacturers struggling to recover in a post-COVID world. How are Artificial intelligence and generative AI impacting the manufacturing sector? Generative AI (GenAI) is set to reshape Australian manufacturing, driving innovative integration, operational efficiency, and data insights, transforming productivity and revenue. We expect that distribution leaders will adopt AI, robotics, and IoT to enhance industry-specific processes, data, and ways of working. Research by KPMG indicates that over half of Australian (58%) and global (64%) CEOs view Gen AI as a top investment priority to gain a competitive edge for their businesses. How will the changes in global policy affect supply chains, demand, and long-term investment in manufacturing? Global policies and geopolitical risks can instantly influence supply chains. We have seen this with the recent 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to the US, sending shockwaves through the global industry. This will impact production costs for many items, especially those with global supply chains, such as connected machinery & equipment, smartphones, laptops, servers, and other electrical and electronic products. Having considered the rising cost pressures, manufacturers are anticipated to adopt new, agile technologies and sustainable […]

AI hype cycle meets reality for construction industry

Study of 460 Australian Design and Make companies reveals AECO, D&M, and M&E sectors continue to grapple with challenges including cost control, talent shortages and environmental sustainability. A new report from Autodesk, Inc. reveals a shift in AI optimism and preparedness, as well as lingering concerns over cost control in Australian Design and Make industries – including construction and manufacturing – amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. The 2025 State of Design & Make report surveyed and interviewed 5,600 global business leaders – including 460 in Australia – in industries that comprise the Design and Make category. These sectors include architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO), product design and manufacturing (D&M), and media and entertainment (M&E). In Australia, 2024 was defined by high cost of living pressures, exacerbated by high interest rates and inflation. This severely impacted design and make industries, with the 2025 Design & Make report revealing that 40 per cent of Australian respondents consider cost control and cost management to be the largest challenge facing their organisation. The report found that investments are down year over year, which could be reflective of high interest rates and therefore a higher cost of borrowing. However, despite slowing investments, optimism remains high, with 67 per cent of leaders saying their organisations will increase future investments. “Alongside cost-of-living, artificial intelligence dominated Australia’s attention in 2024,” said Andy Cunningham, Senior Regional Director for Australia and New Zealand at Autodesk. “However, it appears this fixation has tapered off, following the natural path of tech hype cycles. And as the report reveals, Australian organisations are feeling less confident in AI.” The report states that 68 per cent of respondents believe AI will enhance their industry, down 9 per cent from last year – this shift is in line with global findings, which show a 12 […]

From gap year to great career: Manufacturing sector offers opportunities for school leavers

As school leavers weigh their next move, champions of Hunter industry are encouraging gap year students to consider a future in manufacturing – an industry at the heart of Australia’s energy transition, defence capability and economic growth. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says the Hunter is manufacturing heartland and the industry continues to go from strength to strength making it a fantastic career option. “As the Australian Government rolls out its A Future Made in Australia strategy, manufacturing is experiencing a major resurgence. From renewable energy to advanced defence tech, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. “Harnessing solar, wind and hydro power requires infrastructure – and that starts with parts manufactured right here in the Hunter,” Daley said. “Just last month we saw our HMA start-up of the year, Allegro Energy, be granted a US patent for its micro-emulsion electrolyte technology and this is just one of many inspiring local businesses succeeding on a global stage.” “What is clear is that innovation is just as likely to come from a component maker in Cardiff as it is from a capital city think tank.” With more than 250 apprentices and trainees currently placed across 50 organisations and three States – and 75% of those roles in manufacturing – one Hunter-based training group is offering young people a chance to kickstart their careers through hands-on training and real-world skills. Hunter Manufacturing Awards board member and Chief Operating Officer of Hunter Career Connections Nick Couper says students taking a gap year should explore the opportunities on offer in the local manufacturing sector. “For many school leavers, early acceptance into university has meant a real narrowing of focus to the different learning and career pathways that are available. We want to encourage young people to explore the other opportunities available […]

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