Since its founding in 1984 as the Industrial Supplies Office (ISO), ICN Victoria has supported local businesses through supply chain intelligence and facilitating government and industry networks, and connected thousands of local suppliers with major projects, ensuring the sustained growth of Victoria’s manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry said the anniversary was an important milestone. “For 40 years, ICN Victoria has supported local businesses to get a fair go at work on government projects.”

“Local Jobs First – Australia’s longest standing industry participation policy – is designed to maximise jobs and economic benefits from our major projects pipeline, and ICN Victoria has played a key role in identifying and connecting local businesses to these projects.”

Nick Foa, CEO, ICN Victoria, said the organisation had played a critical role in shaping Victoria and supporting the delivery of signature projects that define the state, including the MCG redevelopment, Southern Cross Station, and the State Library.

“Over the last decade alone, it has contributed more than $3 billion in economic value to the state, worked with 30,000 small businesses, and helped generate some 256,000 new jobs.

“As the Victorian economy has evolved from a manufacturing, textiles and automotive focus in the early 1980s to what we see today – including advanced manufacturing, medtech, and renewable energy generation – ICN Victoria has evolved with it.

“Today ICN Victoria has more than 54,000 businesses in its network and a team of specialist advisers working across industry sectors, including renewable energy, housing, construction, advanced manufacturing, and medtech and biotech as well as Victoria’s key regional hubs –Ballarat, Geelong, Northern Victoria and Gippsland.