With thanks to 3L Photography +Film, check out the full gallery from the event HERE Pin Code 4487 to download.
The Night of Nights – HunterNet Future Leaders 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards
What a sensational celebration at NOAH’S on the Beach as we marked 10 incredible years of developing and empowering the Hunter’s emerging leaders!
The HunterNet Future Leaders 10th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards brought together alumni, mentors, judges, and member organisations to reflect on a decade of leadership, connection, and collaboration.
Congratulations to our 2025 Winning Project Team, GWTW Consulting, who collaborated with HunterNet Member Company Industrial Gaskets & Sealants under the mentorship of Jaimee Tobin from the Anglican Group and 2016 Alumni.
👏 The GWTW Consulting team:
- Ambrosius Abner – Port Waratah Coal Services
- Zoe Armitage – Hunter Water
- Thomas Boyes – Reidlaw
- Veronica Price – Port of Newcastle
- Angus Reedy – Ampcontrol
Your innovative project, collaboration, and leadership truly embodied this year’s theme — The Power of Many.
A heartfelt thank you to all our 2025 participants, mentors, judges, alumni, and HunterNet Member Organisations who continue to shape the next generation of regional leaders.
Stay tuned for the full gallery courtesy of 3L Photography and Film.
✨ Here’s to another decade of growth, connection, and leadership excellence!
Celebrating the 2025 HunterNet Future Leaders Program Award Winners
As part of the milestone 10th anniversary celebrations, we proudly recognised the outstanding individuals, mentors, judges, and member companies who exemplify The Power of Many.
🏆 Chairperson’s Award 2025 – Rod Henderson
With a legacy of passion and advocacy for developing the Hunter’s talent, Rod Henderson has been a driving force behind leadership growth in our region.
Since 2018, Rod has championed the HunterNet Future Leaders Program – endorsing participants, fostering further learning through the University of Newcastle MBA, and encouraging alumni to give back through mentorship and committee roles.
Rod’s commitment to people, progress, and partnership truly embodies The Power of Many.
Congratulations to our 2025 Chairperson’s Award recipient, Mr Rod Henderson. 👏
🌟 Future Leader of the Year 2025 – Kim Jordan, University of Newcastle
Authentic. Present. Enthusiastic. Brave. Humble.
From the very first session, Kim Jordan brought these qualities to every moment of the 2025 program, growing from strength to strength.
As one committee member shared:
“Always positive and engaged at everything. Takes a lot on board from the sessions and contributes throughout without taking over. A great ambassador for the Program.”
Congratulations to our 2025 Future Leader of the Year, Kim Jordan from the University of Newcastle. 🎓💫
🚀 Future Leader Growth Award 2025 – Kym Munro, Port Waratah Coal Services
Growth isn’t just about change – it’s about courage, reflection, and action.
This year’s Future Leader Growth Award celebrates a participant who embraced every challenge, asked insightful questions, and continually evolved through self-awareness and feedback.
From the first session to the confident leader we see today, Kym Munro has exemplified what it means to grow through the HunterNet Future Leaders journey.
Congratulations to our 2025 Growth Award recipient, Kym Munro from Port Waratah Coal Services. 🌿💪
🌟 Celebrating Our 2025 Future Leaders Mentors
Each year, our mentors play a pivotal role in guiding, challenging, and supporting our participants as they grow through the program.
In 2025, we were proud to celebrate three exceptional alumni who returned to share their experience, insight, and leadership with the next generation:
- 💼 Jaimee Tobin -Alumni 2016
Senior Business Analyst, Newcastle Anglican
A Chartered Accountant with over 18 years’ experience, Jaimee helps teams turn complexity into clarity, empowering confidence and capability across workplaces. - 🧠 Sam Noakes -Alumni 2019
HR Business Partner, Port Waratah Coal Services
A certified change practitioner and former FLP Committee member, Sam champions people, culture, and engagement — driving continuous improvement and better workplaces. - 🤝 Ellie Langford -Alumni 2017
Lead Consultant, FiveSeven Consulting
With more than a decade in HR, Ellie partners with organisations to strengthen culture, performance, and leadership, inspiring early-career professionals across the region.
Their shared dedication to leadership, collaboration, and community perfectly reflects The Power of Many.
Thank you, Jaimee, Sam, and Ellie, for your continued contribution to our leadership journey. 💙
🌿 Thank You to Our 2025 HunterNet Future Leaders Judging Panel
As we marked 10 years of the program, we were honoured to be supported by an outstanding judging panel representing the best of leadership across the Hunter.
Our 2025 judges brought integrity, experience, and fairness to the process – assessing each project with curiosity and a deep appreciation for collaboration and innovation.
- ⚖️ Suzie Leask -Partner, Hall & Wilcox | Vice Chair, HunterNet Cooperative
- 💼 James Ritchie -Managing Director, Bellrock Advisory
- 🤝 Graeme Vennell -Chair, HunterNet Cooperative
- 🌿 Steph Black -Managing Director, COAL Services Australia
- 🚀 Ivan Waterfield -CEO, HunterNet Cooperative
Their dedication and insight helped shape the recognition of this year’s outstanding leaders.
Thank you for your time, expertise, and commitment to developing our region’s future leaders. 👏
🤝 Celebrating Our 2025 HunterNet Member Company Partners
Each year, the HunterNet Future Leaders Program connects emerging leaders with real industry challenges — and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible HunterNet Member Companies.
In 2025, our project teams had the privilege of working alongside three outstanding organisations:
- 🏗️ Milltech Martin Bright – Championing innovation in manufacturing and fabrication.
- 🔬 LMATS – Leading the way in testing, inspection, and advanced technology solutions.
- ⚙️ Industrial Gaskets & Sealants – Delivering engineered sealing solutions that keep industries moving forward.
A special congratulations to Industrial Gaskets & Sealants, this year’s Winning Member Company, recognised for their collaboration, openness, and commitment to innovation throughout the project process.
Your partnership strengthens our participants’ learning and highlights what makes our region thrive — industry and emerging leaders working together.
Apply for 2026
The Future Leaders Program is now accepting applications for 2026. This is your chance to:
✨ Learn from industry experts
✨ Build a powerful professional network
✨ Solve real business challenges
✨ Showcase your leadership potential
Don’t miss this opportunity to step into your leadership journey! Apply today at https://hubs.li/Q03HJtct0
Here’s to the next decade of growth, connection, and leadership excellence!
