Events listed below are either of relevance to the local business community or are delivered or sponsored by the Local Buying Program or Local Buying Foundation.

Navigating through Government panels and schemes

Online  |  19 Sep 2025  |  4.30pm - 5.45pm

Are you looking to grow your business by supplying to government? Join us for an engaging and practical webinar that will simplify Government Panels and Schemes — and show you how to find and apply for the ones that align with your business.

What you’ll learn:

✅ The real benefits of joining Government Panels and Schemes

✅ Where to find open panels and schemes relevant to your business

✅ How to prepare a strong application and get panel-ready

✅ Real-world examples and step-by-step tips to help you navigate the process with confidence

Website content skills to improve SEO rankings

Online  |  23 Sep 2025  |  9.30am - 11.30am

This session is for business owners who want their website pages to perform better in search results and engage their audience. We’ll explore Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) basics with a focus on writing content that converts and informs. Learn how to identify keyword opportunities, use research tools, and write clear and valuable content that speaks directly to your target market. You’ll also learn the importance of headlines, meta descriptions, and internal linking—plus what technical elements support content visibility. Whether you’re writing your own content or reviewing the work of others, this workshop will give you confidence in making informed content decisions and improving your site’s online performance.

Website content skills to improve SEO rankings

Online  |  23 Sep 2025  |  9.30am - 11.30am

This session is for business owners who want their website pages to perform better in search results and engage their audience. We’ll explore Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) basics with a focus on writing content that converts and informs. Learn how to identify keyword opportunities, use research tools, and write clear and valuable content that speaks directly to your target market.

Fair Work – Guide to Regulated Workers (independent contracts, the gig economy and sham contracting)

Online  |  24 Sep 2025  |  11.00am AEST

Do you know the difference between an employee and an independent contractor? Whether you’re a worker or you’re engaging workers, we can help clarify your understanding. Also, find out more about ‘employee-like workers’ and what to do if you’re employee who thinks they’ve been misclassified as a contractor.

In this webinar we will also explore the following topics: • Changes to definitions and protections for independent contractors and regulated workers • Minimum standard orders and protections for employee-like workers in the gig economy • Where to find more information relating to regulated workers.

Introductory level – this webinar is suitable for all knowledge levels and will not cover complex information. A recording of this webinar will be made available for 30 days to everyone who registers for the session.  You can find more upcoming webinars at www.fairwork.gov.au/webinars.

2025 Hunter Innovation Festival

Newcastle  |  25 Sep 2025  |  8.00am - 5.00pm

Join the Hunter’s Brightest Minds. Get Your Festival Tickets Now!

Be part of the action at the Hunter Innovation Festival on Thursday, 25 September 2025! This is the region’s premier event for innovators, industry leaders, and creative thinkers to connect, learn, and explore the future.

Immerse yourself in a full day of world-class speakers, insightful panels, and interactive sessions focused on the groundbreaking work happening right here in our region, from Health and Future Energy to Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing.

Tender readiness for startups

Online  |  26 Sep 2025  |  4.30pm - 6.30pm

Whether you’re new to the tendering process or want to refine your approach, this session is designed to give you the insights and strategies to increase your chances of winning contracts.

Key Learnings:

✅ Understanding the tendering process and how it works in NSW

✅ Identifying and responding to tender opportunities

✅ Creating competitive, compliant bids

✅ Crafting a standout Capability Statement

✅ Leveraging your startup’s strengths for maximum impact

Join us for expert-led discussions, practical tips, and networking with other local startups to ensure your business is ready to compete for the next big contract!

Tender readiness for startups

Online  |  29 Sep 2025  |  11.30am - 1.00pm

Key Learnings:

Supplying to Government agencies for Aboriginal Businesses: Hunter region (DPHI)

Online  |  29 Sep 2025  |  11.30am - 3.00pm

This dedicated workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), is designed to support Aboriginal businesses in the Hunter Region to understand and access procurement opportunities. Whether you’re new to tendering or looking to strengthen your current approach, this session will provide you with valuable insights and tools to help position your business for success.

Learning from Disasters

Singleton  |  14 Oct 2025  |  8.00am - 4.00pm

Learning from disasters is a one-day program developed by the NSW Resources Regulator. Core Mine Pty Ltd are approved training providers (ATP# AREQ0017645) to facilitate this program.

Attendees will learn about previous events in the mining industry which has lead to fatal (or near fatal) outcomes. You will also be able to identify a set of patterns that are common across these case studies and apply them to your own workplace.

MBC 2025 Business Summit

Maitland  |  16 Oct 2025  |  8.00am

There is no better place to do business than Maitland! The 2025 Summit will bring together the public and the wider business community to connect, collaborate, and explore new opportunities. From start-ups to established businesses, and access to resources and networks you wouldn’t normally reach, attendees will leave with new connections, fresh ideas, and insights from local & national leaders.

MOC Course: Associated Non-Technical Skills (ANTS)

Singleton  |  16 Oct 2025  |  8.00am - 2.00pm

Our Associated Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) course covers the 5 pillars of leadership that are essential for frontline supervision. We will cover technical content as well as put into practice the skills obtained.

Attendees will receive a minimum of 5.5hours of formal training that will go towards their Maintenance of Competence for their NSW Practicing Certificate (accompanied by a certificate of completion).

Due to the nature of this content, this event will be held in person only (limited positions).

The Summit 2025

Rydges Resort, Hunter Valley  |  27 Oct 2025 - 28 Oct 2025  |  8.00am

The Summit 2025: Connecting Industry and Indigenous Excellence

The Summit, the NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (NSWICC)’s premier annual event, is a pivotal gathering for delegates from government and industry supply chains to engage with Indigenous businesses. This unique two-day event showcases best practices in Indigenous procurement, job creation, and sustainability, fostering vital connections that drive industry forward.

2025 Hunter Manufacturing Award Gala Night

Newcastle  |  30 Oct 2025  |  6.15pm

Join us for an unforgettable night as we celebrate excellence in manufacturing at the 2025 Hunter Manufacturing Awards. This evening promises to be a night to remember, honouring the achievements of manufacturers in our region.

MOC Course: Environmental Management

Singleton  |  25 Nov 2025  |  8.00am - 12.00pm

Our Environmental Management Course is 3.5 hours of formal training. We will cover:

– Applicable environmental legislation
– Practical application of environmental considerations
– Pollution Incident Management Plan
– Environmental Incidents

Whilst this is specifically for open cut applications, there is substantial cross over to the underground statutory functions.