What we covered 

Welcome and Introduction

Jane Laverty, Regional Director, Business NSW, opened with a focus on the central role of manufacturing in the region’s wellbeing, noting the Northern Rivers’ strengths in provenance, creativity and collaboration.

Keynote: Technology and Capability
Michael Hunter, AI Adoption Centre Manager at ARM Hub, delivered a practical address on technology adoption for regional manufacturers. He emphasised:

• Innovation doesn’t need to be expensive or disruptive — start with small, well‑scoped improvements.

• Technology should support and elevate people, not replace them.

• Practical adoption of data and automation can lift productivity without overwhelming teams.

Industry Insights Panel

 Leaders from Northern Rivers manufacturing businesses shared lived experience and insights:

Michael Hampson, CEO  – Norco

• Reflected on resilience after the 2022 floods and navigating cost pressures in Australian manufacturing.

• Highlighted the challenge of pricing products so they reflect true manufacturing costs.

Anni Brownjohn, Managing Director – Ozganics

• Shared stories of rebuilding after losing infrastructure overnight and the importance of team wellbeing during disruption.

• Pointed to values and purpose as core to the business.

Manan Chokshi, Director – Simply Clean

• Spoke about inheriting trust with a local brand and the unique regional culture that values integrity and connection.

• Emphasised blending structured quality systems with community‑centred business practice.

James Foster, CEO – ENV Solutions

• Explained how building solutions from the region, rather than importing expertise, drives capability and opportunity.

• Underlined the importance of local engineering and problem‑solving.

Simon Stahl, CEO – The Casino Food Company

• Discussed business restructuring through market disruption and upskilling staff into new technical roles.

• Shared a vivid example of internal talent development that improved operations.

Katrina Main, General Manager – Cawarra Cosmetics

• Highlighted agility and differentiated service as key to competing in today’s markets.

• Addressed cultural change within long‑standing teams to support new manufacturing demands.

Will Brook, CEO – Brookfarm 

• Emphasised the link between regenerative practice, brand provenance and premium product design.
• Spoke about building trusted brands from the ground up, investing in team and land, and the challenges & opporrtunities involved in moving from a family led business to an executive led company.

Scenario Planning Session
Facilitated by Strategic Foresight expert Steve Tighe, the session explored how forces such as energy, technology, climate and workforce might shape the region’s manufacturing landscape to 2040. Participants used scenario planning to identify opportunities, risks and “no‑regret” actions that benefit industry and regional wellbeing.

Key Takeaways

Regional Strengths

• A strong place‑based identity that values provenance, creativity and community.

• Collaborative culture where connection and trust underpin business relationships.

• Adaptability and ingenuity, demonstrated by businesses that have rebuilt, restructured and innovated through disruption.

Innovation in Practice

• Smaller, incremental technology projects can deliver meaningful productivity gains without excessive risk.

• People‑centred adoption of tools and systems supports quality and capability development.

Capability and Careers

• Leadership from within and local skills development are crucial. Several businesses highlighted the value of upskilling existing staff into new roles rather than relying on external hires.

• Career pathways in manufacturing can be strengthened through targeted development and recognition of transferable skills.

Thank you and next steps

The forum closed with acknowledgement of the work behind ProspER Northern Rivers, particularly the leadership of Jane Laverty and Kelly Climo in delivering a series of industry engagement events throughout 2025. Their work is helping connect industry experience with region‑wide strategy and action.

The insights from this forum will feed into ongoing discussions and planning as part of ProspER 2040. To build a plan to unlock the full potential of our region we need insights from the people who know business best…you! 

If you havent already done so, please complete your Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) Survey before 31st January 2026. This helps us understand the challenges and opportunities local businesses face today, ensuring the voices of Northern Rivers and Tenterfield Shire businesses shape future decision-making.

As we plan for 2040 through the ProspER lens, the strength of this region isn’t scale. It’s identity, ingenuity and a shared commitment to doing things differently.

Thanks to our spekers and participants who shared their experience and helped shape the next chapter.

eVENT PARTNERS