The HunterNet Member Export Award recognises a HunterNet Co-Operative member company that has excelled in international exporting and business expansion.
This award emphasises the recipient’s dedication to innovation and quality, showcasing their contributions to the local economy and the Hunter region’s reputation as an export hub.
Their success in promoting Australian products globally inspires other businesses in the export sector.
This award is proudly sponsored by Hedweld Group of Companies.
Previous winners include:
2020 – Nupress Group
2021 – Biscit
2022 – D+I
2023 – Omnia Wheel
The Rod Murphy Innovation Award recognises a member company or individual who has shown exceptional innovation through creative ideas or products, significantly impacting the regional industry.
This award highlights their commitment to forward-thinking solutions and the development of new technologies that enhance productivity and sustainability.
By challenging traditional practices, the recipient inspires other businesses in the Hunter region to embrace innovation, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the industry.
This award is proudly sponsored by R&R Murphy
Previous winners include:
2020 – Underground Trades Services
2021 – Ampcontrol
2022 – 3ME Technology
2023 – SAPHI
This award celebrates a HunterNet Co-Operative member company for excellence in sustainability practices.
It highlights their commitment to environmentally responsible initiatives and innovative strategies that minimise ecological impact while enhancing efficiency.
By promoting sustainability, the recipient sets a positive example within the industry and strengthens their reputation in an eco-conscious market.
This award is proudly sponsored by AGL.
Previous winners include:
2023 – Resourceful Living
The award recognises an individual from the HunterNet Co-Operative member base who has provided exceptional support for HunterNet and significantly shaped its achievements.
It honours their commitment to collaboration, leadership, and advocacy, highlighting their contributions to the organisation’s success and growth.
Through their dedication and involvement, the recipient has fostered partnerships, inspired innovation, and promoted HunterNet’s values, leaving a lasting impact on the region’s industrial landscape.
This award is proudly sponsored by Port Waratah Coal Services.
Previous winners include:
2020 – Leigh Bryant
2021 – Andrea Novak
2022 – Merran Wiggins
2023 – John Coyle
The Networking Award recognises an individual from the HunterNet Co-Operative member base for their active participation in HunterNet events throughout the year.
This award highlights their commitment to building relationships and fostering connections within the HunterNet community, significantly contributing to collaboration and networking opportunities that benefit the member base.
This award is proudly sponsored by peoplefusion,
Previous winners include:
2020 – Sharni Campbell
2021 – Trish Heagney
2022 – Frank Kraft
2023 – Tom Woods
The award recognises a member organisation for its ongoing commitment and active participation in HunterNet events.
This acknowledgement highlights the organisation’s dedication to fostering collaboration and networking within the HunterNet community.
Their consistent engagement enhances the quality of events and inspires other members to participate, strengthening the collective impact of the network.
Previous winners include:
2021 – AON
2022 – Ampcontrol
2023 – SWS Lawyers
The HunterNet Career Connections Apprentice of the Year Award (Ivan Randon Award) recognises an outstanding apprentice who has completed their training with exceptional skills and dedication.
This award highlights their significant contribution to both their trade and their host company, acknowledging their hard work and commitment to excellence.
This award is proudly sponsored by SANDVIK
Previous winners include:
2020 Callum Ford – DSI
2021 Thomas Sharman – UGL RAIL
2022 Mitchell Bird – Gemcom
2023 Alex Frost UGL
The HunterNet Career Connections Women in Industry Award recognises a female employee who has excelled in her trade, demonstrating exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication throughout the year.
This award celebrates her achievements in a traditionally male-dominated industry, highlighting her contributions to both her host company and the wider workforce.
Their commitment to excellence, leadership, and continuous learning serves as an inspiration to others, promoting the valuable role of women in trades and industries across the region.
This award is proudly sponsored by WesTrac CAT.
Previous winners include:
2021 Sophia Lawrence – Hedweld
2022 Nicole Clifton – Rexnord
2023 Taylor Simmons – BAE & Larni Burt – UGL
Recognises an employee who has consistently demonstrated dedication and perseverance throughout their traineeship.
This individual has shown a strong commitment to their professional development, consistently applying themselves to their training and tasks with enthusiasm and determination.
Their hard work and reliability have made them a valuable asset to their host company and an exemplary trainee.
This award is proudly sponsored by THALES.
Previous winners include:
2020 Beaux Oakley – Hedweld
2021 Luke Monaghan – BAE
2022 Logan Hodge – Bluezone & Daisy Ford – BAE
2023 Peter Phillips – LMATS
This award is in recognition of a HunterNet Career Connections employee who has shown exceptional initiative in Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) practices.
This individual has gone above and beyond in contributing to a safer and more environmentally responsible workplace, demonstrating leadership and a proactive approach to risk management and sustainability.
Their commitment to fostering a culture of safety and environmental responsibility has made a significant impact on their host company.
This award is proudly sponsored by Happy Health.
Previous winners include:
2022 – Luke Wood – Berensden Fluid Power
2023 – Riley Ferguson – UGL
Celebrates a student who has excelled in both their studies and their on-the-job training.
This individual has shown exceptional commitment, balancing school and work with impressive skill and dedication.
The award recognises their contribution to their host company.
This award is proudly sponsored by M.A.S.T.
Previous winners include:
This is a new category for 2024
Recognises a HunterNet Career Connections Apprentice who has excelled in their work and studies throughout the year.
This award is proudly sponsored by Apprenticeship Support Australia.
Previous winners include:
2020 – Lillian Spooner – Tull Electrical
2021 – Sarah Pringle – UGL
2022 – Logan Hodge – Bluezone & Tarnisha Winsor – Hedweld
2023 – Owen Puckeridge – BAE
Recognises a HunterNet Career Connections Apprentice who has excelled in their work and studies throughout the year.
This award is currently open for sponsorship – please email michelle.crawley@hunternet.com.au.
Previous winners include:
2020 – Cameron Bowman – Hedweld
2021 – Jack Muir – Banlaw
2022 – Jye Macpherson – DSI Underground
2023 – Eliza McLean – UGL
Recognises a HunterNet Career Connections Apprentice who has excelled in their work and studies throughout the year.
This award is currently open for sponsorship – please email michelle.crawley@hunternet.com.au.
Previous winners include:
2020 – David Hillard – Swanson
2021 – Lachlan Burns – Hedweld
2022 – Daisy Ford – BAE
2023 – Sarah Pringle – UGL
