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The Australian
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Australian
Editorial: Private sector job creation is too slow
In today's workplace climate, trench warfare between unions and business will not help lift the skills base and drive better productivity to the benefit of workers' living standards and companies' profits. One issue that needs to be addressed is the alarming collapse in private-sector job creation, reported by Simon Benson on Monday. While employment figures appear buoyant on the surface, labour market data shows that more than four out of five jobs – 82 per cent – created across the past two years were government-funded positions, either public service positions or jobs in the non-market sector (often in the care economy and in healthcare and education), funded by taxpayers and driven by government spending decisions. The data marks a dramatic reversal of normal labour market patterns in which the private sector typically contributes about two-thirds of total job creation in Australia. The trend suggests effective stimulus of the private sector, at minimal cost to taxpayers, could be beneficial: through workplace reforms, relief on payroll tax (levied by the states) or changes to work-from-home rules. Popular as working from home is with many staff, especially those with long commutes, it is problematic for many businesses. That is clear from reactions on Tuesday to Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan's plan to enshrine in law the right for private and public sector employees to work from home two days a week if they can do their jobs at home. Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said Victoria's proposed 'blanket rule on WFH' would make it 'harder and less appealing' to do business. NSW (where Premier Chris Minns wants government workers in the office as least three days a week) 'may well be the beneficiary of that', Mr Hunter said. Working from home should be a matter for employers to manage in consultation with staff, he said: 'More red tape doesn't help. Government mandates about WFH create a one-size-fits-all approach to productivity. To grow our collective prosperity, we need to ensure that businesses are given the opportunity to thrive and deal with their workforce directly.' That applies to other workplace issues, too. South Australian Business Chamber chief executive Andrew Kay said investors were looking for a more welcoming environment for their capital. Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra warned of businesses moving interstate. The issue should be pursued at the roundtable. IR policies also might be influenced by a Productivity Commission report to be published next Monday, Building a Skilled and Adaptable Workforce. Anthony Albanese said on Monday that he and his ministers were the ultimate decision-makers and would not be shackled by ideas being pushed by the commission or unions. On the basis of ACTU arguments and the commission's net zero and business tax reports, the roundtable is at risk of becoming a conduit for higher tax, bigger spending and bigger government. Those trends are already driving unsustainable labour market distortions, with a major shift to jobs funded through budget spending. As Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox told The Australian, job creation has become unsustainably dependent on governments. While the public sector was the least productive part of the economy, growing regulation had raised the costs of private sector job generation, he said. Job mobility had declined while excess vacancies and skills shortages had disrupted businesses. The fact the private sector added just 53,000 new jobs last year while government-supported sectors added 670,000 jobs over two years points to the need for workplace and productivity reform. As Mr Willox said, the issue must be part of roundtable debate.
Daily Mail
31-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Major change to pay rates proposed in Australia: What it means for you
Bosses are demanding that work-from-home staff give up penalty rates in an explosive push that could change how millions of Aussies are paid. A fiery new industrial showdown is brewing as employers demand that staff who work from home give up penalty rates and other hard-won entitlements, arguing that the flexibility of remote work makes them obsolete. The proposed changes to the clerks' award would affect 1.8 million administrative and IT workers. Business NSW has lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission to scrap strict rules around minimum hours and other award conditions for remote staff, claiming current workplace laws are outdated and don't reflect the new era of flexible work. It marks the first official attempt by employers to rewrite pay protections for the work-from-home generation, in what could become a game-changing test case for the Australian workforce. Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors CEO Nigel Ward, representing Business NSW, said the rules affecting working from home, last created for clerical and administrative employees in 2009, are impeding flexible working arrangements and unfairly punishing employers. 'When an employer governed by certain awards allows a working parent to pick up the kids from school, take their car for a service or run errands for an ageing parent, they may be in breach of the award,' he said. 'When an employee chooses to work at 6.30am or to shift their normal hours until 9.30pm to make up for that time, the boss may again be in breach – flexibility for the employee while the boss is obliged to follow work rules designed for the 9-5 office environment.' Business NSW said the proposed changes would only apply at the employee's request, rather than being imposed on them 'Even something as simple as when an employee, working at home, takes their lunch break can technically breach the clerks' award if it falls outside the prescribed times.' Mr Ward said that while this might go unnoticed day to day, it can become a legal issue if the employment relationship breaks down later. 'Employees have up to six years to make claims based on these technical breaches, exposing employers to unnecessary legal risk,' he said. 'As well as being obsolete, these rules are also prime examples of unnecessary red tape; the kind of red tape Treasurer Jim Chalmers should consider slashing as part of his Economic Reform Roundtable later in August.' Business NSW said the proposed changes would only apply at the employee's request, rather than being imposed on them. Among the proposed changes are removing the requirement that part-time and casual employees work a minimum engagement of three hours—as well as work those hours continuously. And enshrining greater flexibility by scrapping the obligation that part-timers working from home are provided with set hours that can only be changed by way of a written agreement. Mr Ward said the changes would also allow WFH employees to take meal and rest breaks at times that suit them, as opposed to being required to take meal breaks within the rigid times set by the award. Business NSW is also proposing the removal of allowances that would not ordinarily be required when working from home. These include first aid allowances, clothing and footwear allowances (necessary for employees in uniforms), and overtime meal allowances, which were traditionally required to compensate for the cost of purchasing a meal away from home. But Australian Services Union national secretary Emeline Gaske told the AFR it would fight the employers' proposal and labelled it 'a direct assault on roles that are held predominantly by women.' 'They want to use working from home as an excuse to strip away basic entitlements, from overtime pay to rest breaks and even minimum shift lengths,' she said. 'We will not allow big business to create a two-tiered system where employees who work from home are treated as second-class citizens. 'Working from home should be about modernising work, not undermining it.' A Swinburne University of Technology survey commissioned by the FWC found that three out of four employees working from home are dealing with personal matters during work time. It also found a significant increase in the number of organisations with formal WFH policies compared to pre-pandemic levels. Concerns regarding performance and productivity were the main reasons identified by employers for denying requests to work from home.
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Work perks on the chopping block for 1.8 million Aussies to keep WFH rights
Nearly two million Australian workers could soon have certain perks changed if they wanted to keep working from home (WFH). The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has been investigating a possible change to the Clerks Award, and Business NSW has made a submission today that could have wide-reaching impacts. HR expert Lara Nercessian told Yahoo Finance a lot is riding on this investigation, as it could see changes to other work contracts and affect millions more people. Business NSW wants to change the Clerks Award to represent the new-age trend of working at home with irregular hours. The state's peak business organisation said those who WFH might have to forgo penalty rates, minimum hour requirements, overtime pay, rest breaks, and other benefits because the current system is "outdated". RELATED Smiling billionaire spruiks AI as CEO fires 150 workers over video Australia's 'ancient enemy' returns sparking major Centrelink warning Age Pension warning for 4.3 million Aussies facing superannuation nightmare What is the Clerks Award and what is the current system? The Clerks Award covers roughly 1.8 million people, with Fair Work saying the types of roles included under this big umbrella include administrative assistants, receptionists, and bookkeepers. At the moment, workers have a right under the Clerks Award to make a WFH request and explain why they should be allowed to do it. But that's only available to those who have been with their employer for at least 12 months, and are pregnant, a parent, someone with a disability, over the age of 55, a carer, or someone experiencing domestic violence. This Fair Work decision could flip that responsibility on its head and force an employer to justify why they needed the worker to be in the push to change WFH rights for 1.8 million people But Business NSW is arguing that working from home allowed staff to complete life admin during regular work hours, and current constraints unfairly impacted employers. 'The rules affecting WFH – last created for clerical and administrative employees in 2009 – are impeding flexible working arrangements and unfairly punishing employers," Business NSW lawyer Nigel Ward said. 'When an employer governed by certain awards allows a working parent to pick up the kids from school, take their car for a service or run errands for an ageing parent, they may be in breach of the award." The current rules dictate regular hours are from 7am to 7pm, and anything outside of that would grant a worker penalty rates or overtime pay. Business NSW wants to create a new WFH option under the Clerks Award, which would expand those hours to 6am to 10pm to accommodate this new trend of completing your responsibilities in your own time. 'When an employee chooses to work at 6.30am or to shift their normal hours until 9.30pm to make up for that time, the boss may again be in breach – flexibility for the employee while the boss is obliged to follow work rules designed for the 9 to 5 office environment," Ward added. What would happen if Business NSW got its way? If workers chose that option, they would waive their rights to minimum engagements, which allowed certain staff to be paid for at least three hours regardless of whether they worked less than that, and continuous work hours. Additionally, the business group wants WFH staff stripped of their ability to claim things like first aid, clothing, and overtime meals if they aren't coming into the office. Part-time workers would also have a clause that currently protects them against changes to their set hours, also removed under the proposal. Australian Services Union national secretary Emeline Gaske is concerned Business NSW's submission could create a two-tiered system, where those who work from home are treated like "second-class citizens". Business NSW's push to ditch penalty rate agreements comes after the government submitted a piece of legislation to parliament that would enshrine these rights for 2.6 million other workers. Labor wants to safeguard penalty and overtime rates for those on the General Retail Industry Award 2020 (GRIA).Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
I advertised a $130,000 job and received more than 140 applications… the position is still open because of an infuriating reason
A butcher claims a $130,000 position is still open despite receiving more than 140 applications because most candidates were unqualified and struggled to speak English. Clayton Wright, 66, who owns Wrights The Butchers in Alexandria, Sydney, warned Australia is facing a shortage of young tradespeople. He said it adds to the pressures of rising wages, superannuation costs, and broader cost-of-living challenges for businesses. 'We have had a decades-long drain on people that have not picked up the trade. This is what we're suffering now,' he told He said he is desperate for staff and has enough work to double his current headcount. Despite spending $1,100 a month advertising the position online, the fourth-generation butcher said he had not attracted an application from a qualified butcher. Mr Wright said the 140 applicants were all from overseas. He claimed they were candidates with little experience, hailing from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and South America. Mr Wright believed they were seeking sponsorships to work in Australia, but said there was no one available to train them. 'This happened years ago in the chef industry, where chef was an easy entry into Australia so all these people came and did a chef's course,' he said. 'The problem is that you have no butchers, so if you bring people in from overseas, you have no one to train them.' Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter said Mr Wright was not alone in his struggles. Mr Hunter said many business owners are repeatedly advertising for roles, but still unable to recruit. 'There are three things you can do: you grow your own talent through better vocational training and skills, you can utilise the people that are already here better, or you can increase skilled migration,' he said. 'If you do those three things, then you can certainly have a positive impact for businesses.' Business NSW's 2024 State of Skills report revealed 28 per cent of employers had to make five or more attempts to fill a single role over the past year. More than three-quarters, 77 per cent, said they had struggled to recruit or could not find suitable staff, while 80 per cent had lifted wages or improved conditions to attract workers. The report also found 36 per cent of businesses had delayed expansion plans. Twenty-seven per cent had lost business to competitors due to ongoing staffing shortages. Mr Hunter said the skills shortage was particularly hard-hitting in the regions and trade industries. Mr Wright blamed the increase, in part, on young Australians getting pushed into tertiary education instead of vocational studies. The problem, he claimed, is not isolated to the meat industry. However, he said many young people are put off by the low base award wages, which don't reflect the higher earning potential in the industry.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'First of its kind': Whiteley opens $25m plant at Tomago
Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at Whiteley has opened a 'first-of-its-kind' Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago. The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand. Once fully operational, it is expected to create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations. "This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing," Whiteley executive chairman Dr Greg Whiteley said. "This sector has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter Region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia." A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally. In 2024, Whiteley was named NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, and won the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards. Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets and recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the US and Canada. The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is, Dr Whiteley says, the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections. "This is more than a factory. It's a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness," Dr Whiteley said. "We're proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future." Winarch Group has launched a new division dedicated to creating original live content, cultural platforms and community-driven experiences across Australia. It's called Winarch Experience, and it brings together the group's owned and operated platforms, including design market The Finders Keepers and Newcastle's Olive Tree Market. It will also create new original live content, with several projects in development and set to launch in 2026. Winarch Experience joins the group's existing divisions: Winarch Music, which oversees the company's investment, ownership and management of live entertainment venues such as the proposed 10,000-capacity Cedar Mill venue at Morisset; and Winarch Live, which encompasses the group's venue, event, safety and management services. Former Winarch Live head Ewen Craig has moved to Winarch Experience. "This is a unique opportunity to develop innovative live content that advances Winarch's vision through signature events, creative excellence and lasting cultural impact," he said. "Our aim is to create experiences that genuinely connect with people. Winarch Experience is about working with communities, creatives and partners to bring ideas to life in a way that feels fresh, inclusive, and unique." Two local First Nations creatives - Elisha O'Leary of Morisset and Shanaya Buddingh of Floraville - are among nine finalists in the running for the 2025 Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship. Each finalist receives a $1000 prize and mentorship from industry leaders. The winner, announced on July 10 at Murrook Culture Centre during NAIDOC Week, will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. Now in its third year, presented by Facon Magazine and supported by Greater Bank, the scholarship aims to uplift and empower Indigenous creatives from across NSW, offering access to industry mentors, professional resources, and a platform to share their stories with the world. Wiradjuri woman Shanaya Buddingh will be mentored by accomplished First Nations dancer and choreographer Kassidy Waters. Darkinjung-born Elisha O'Leary, who is of Wiradjuri ancestry, will be mentored by artist and cultural educator Cassie Leatham. Facon editor-in-chief Lara Lupish said the program "reminds us of the importance of cultural representation and the strength of Indigenous storytelling". For details, visit or The next generation of entrepreneurs, problem-solvers and creative thinkers are invited to pitch their ideas to the 2025 Young Business Mind Awards. Students from Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens and the Upper and Lower Hunter regions are welcome to submit a short video pitch showcasing their innovation, start-up, community project or sustainable solution. Teachers are also encouraged to enter their own classroom innovations. The awards have, since 2017, celebrated innovation among primary and secondary students, inspiring young people to think like entrepreneurs and develop the confidence to present their business, product or community solution to real-world judges. In 2024, the awards attracted more than 150 students and teachers from 13 local schools. "Every year, we're blown away by the ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit shown by local students. It is more than a competition - it's a launchpad for real-world opportunities, with mentorship and support continuing long after the awards night," Career Links chief executive officer John Purcell said. Career Links events manager Amber Glasper is available to visit local schools for a 20-minute Q&A (email events@ This year, the awards are supported by a new gold partner, Hunter Valley Operations, bringing a strong focus on STEM and innovation. Secondary school winners will also be invited to participate in the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival. Entries close on October 26. All winners will receive cash prizes and access to mentorships with local industry professionals. Full entry details, resources and inspiration can be found online at
