The University of Newcastle will host its Hunter Industry Open Day on 6 May 2026 at its Muswellbrook campus, bringing together industry, researchers, government and regional leaders to explore collaboration, capability and future growth across the Upper Hunter and broader region.
While not defence-specific, this event is highly relevant to the industries that underpin sovereign capability. For organisations operating across defence, advanced manufacturing, energy, resources and technology, it provides a practical opportunity to engage with the research, workforce and regional insights shaping future industry outcomes.
The program has been designed to reflect both regional priorities and national trends. Proceedings will open with a Mayoral Muster, bringing together local government leaders to set the strategic context for the region’s future. This will be followed by the Hunter Insights Series, delivered by the Institute for Regional Futures and the Hunter Medical Research Institute, offering data-driven perspectives on economic conditions, health trends and regional forecasts.
A Future Made panel will bring together university and industry voices to discuss planning, investment and the role of collaboration in driving sustainable regional development.
Attendees will also have access to a series of targeted professional development workshops, including:
• Cultural capability and building more inclusive workplaces
• Practical applications of generative AI for business
• Strategies to strengthen workforce capability and attract emerging talent
This will enable businesses to connect with researchers, explore applied R&D opportunities and identify pathways to translate innovation into real-world outcomes. Networking sessions throughout the day will further support meaningful engagement across industry, academia and government.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2026
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm AEST
Location: Level 1, Muswellbrook Tertiary Education Centre, 87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook NSW
Cost: Free to attend
Registration: Closes 21 April 2026 or when capacity is reached
Why attend?
Identify R&D partners
Connect with researchers and explore how collaboration can accelerate innovation and solve real industry challenges
Access future workforce capability
Engage with emerging talent and understand how to build a sustainable pipeline aligned to industry needs
Strengthen strategic networks
Build relationships across industry, academia and government to support long-term growth and capability development
Bret Barton, Defence Industry Advisor and Deputy Chair of the Hunter Defence Taskforce, will attend as part of the Business Team, supporting stronger alignment between industry requirements and research capability across both defence and non-defence sectors.
This event represents a valuable opportunity to better understand how regional capability, research translation and workforce development intersect, and how industry can engage to shape future outcomes.
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