Economic diversification is one of our highest advocacy priorities as the Hunter prepares for the expected decline in global coal demand.
Friday’s sold-out Hunter iF Innovators Lunch was a powerful reminder that the region is already building its future.
As the official warm-up event for the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow, the event showcased the incredible innovation taking place across the Hunter. The fireside conversations between local government leaders and founders perfectly captured this year’s Festival theme, “Yes, And…”
It was inspiring to hear from innovators who are:
- Using augmented reality to transform family dining experiences
- Developing next-generation battery technology
- Turning air into safe drinking water
- Repurposing industrial assets into globally recognised businesses
The afternoon reinforced an important message: innovation isn’t just about technology, it’s about backing people, building partnerships and creating the conditions for great ideas to become thriving businesses.
Local councils have an important role to play in that journey. By supporting innovation, and working alongside industry, councils help create the environments where businesses can grow, jobs can be created and regional economies can diversify.
Congratulations to Hunter iF on a fantastic event, and thank you to the outstanding speakers – Mick Carr (Grub Lab), Professor Thomas Nann (Allegro Energy), Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi (Hydro Harvester) and David Ward (Sydney Rum Distillery), for sharing your inspiring stories. It was fantastic to see Natalia Cowley (General Manager, Cessnock City Council), Jeff Smith (General Manager, Maitland City Council, Australia), Cr Charlotte McCabe (Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle, Australia) and Mayor Jeff Drayton (Mayor, Muswellbrook Shire Council) lead conversations and support these innovators in our region.
The Hunter’s future is already being built through innovation. Continued collaboration between entrepreneurs, industry, councils and government will be key to ensuring that future is diverse, resilient and locally driven.