Join Business Hunter for a timely Economic Update exploring the forces shaping Australia’s economy and what they mean for businesses across the Hunter.Adam Boyton, Head of Australian Economics at ANZ and former National Skills Commissioner, will provide an economic outlook covering inflation, interest rates, housing, productivity, AI and workforce disruption, with a focus on the Hunter’s economic strengths and opportunities.
He’ll be joined by KPMG Partner Louise Rose and Laura Eadie, Director of the Institute for Regional Futures, for a panel discussion. They’ll examine the key issues shaping business decisions and provide practical insights to help leaders understand what’s ahead and plan for growth.
Friday 18 September | 7am–9am | Merewether Surfhouse
Proudly sponsored by KPMG and the University of Newcastle
Join Business Hunter for a special Energy and Resources Lunch celebrating the women shaping the future of mining.
Penny Woodward, Surface Infrastructure Manager at Malabar Resources’ Maxwell Operations and 2026 NSW Exceptional Woman in Mining Award winner, will open with a keynote reflecting on her career and leadership journey.
She’ll be joined by Aleisha Saxby, NSW Exceptional Young Woman in Mining, and Liz Scott-Irving, Vice President of BHP’s NSW Energy Coal, for a panel facilitated by The Coalface Deputy Editor Jessica Rouse.
Together, they’ll explore careers, opportunities, challenges and the future of talent in resources.
Wednesday 23 September | 12pm–2pm | Newcastle Racecourse
Proudly sponsored by BHP
The Hunter is at the centre of a new era of rail investment, manufacturing and connectivity.
Join Business Hunter and the University of Newcastle for Hunter Nexus, exploring what major rail projects could mean for the region’s economy, workforce and future growth.
High Speed Rail Authority CEO Tim Parker will deliver the keynote, before joining Andrew Milne of Transport for NSW and Natalie Currey of the Australasian Railways Association for a panel discussion, convened by HunterNet CEO Ivan Waterfield.
The conversation will examine opportunities across advanced manufacturing, supply chains, skills and jobs, and the long-term economic impact of rail investment in the Hunter.
Wednesday 14 October | 6pm–10pm | The Great Hall
Proudly sponsored by Dantia and Lake Macquarie City Council