At the function, to take place at Noah’s at the Beach on Wednesday 13 September, the organisation will also acknowledge the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s (HMRI) 25^th anniversary.

But, as always, the highlights are the incredible speakers.

HMRI senior philanthropy manager Catherine Raftos will share the institute’s story and some of the inspiring, seed-funded research programs that have led to medical breakthroughs, improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world.

Then Professor Doan Ngo is scheduled to address the audience with a captivating tale of perseverance, resilience and academic excellence.

“We’re thrilled to welcome both women this month,” HBWN president Kristina Bircsak said.

“Professor Ngo’s remarkable journey began when she was just 11 years old, fleeing communist Vietnam as a refugee, and spending and two in a refugee camp in Thailand before eventually making it to Australia.

“Her determination and strength in the face of adversity were the catalyst for an awe-inspiring odyssey that led her to become a world-renowned professor of cardio oncology at the esteemed Hunter Medical Research Institute.

“A natural mentor and leader, Professor Ngo has actively trained and supervised numerous vocational, honours and PhD students throughout her career.

“Her commitment to excellence has resulted in more than 70 publications, garnering over 2,000 citations, with three active patents.

“In her current role at the HMRI’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Professor Ngo co-leads the cardiometabolic and cardio-oncology research groups.

“Her focus lies in an integrative multidisciplinary approach, combining cardiology, oncology, pharmacy, and pharmacology to improve cardiovascular outcomes in cancer patients.

“I’m sure her story will inspire and motivate us all to embrace challenges, pursue knowledge and make a meaningful impact on the world.”

Ms Bircsak said the Hunter Women’s Business Network would reveal its “extraordinary speaker” for its 2024 International Women’s Day soiree, too.

“We’re very excited by this [announcement],” she explained.

“She’s a household name who has conquered challenges and achieved remarkable success.

“So, mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate #InternationalWomensDay in style – at NEX Newcastle on 6 March.

“Together, let’s make 2024 a year of empowerment and inspiration.”

Tickets to the 13 September event include a two-course dinner and drink on arrival.

For more details, visit https://hbwn.org.au/

Hunter Business Women’s Network’s Empowering Journey

• When: 5.30pm Wednesday 13 September
• Where: Noah’s on the Beach
• Cost: $70 for 2023 members, $80 for guests plus booking fee

For more business stories:

• Knights’ popularity stakes continue to soar in Hunter
• Mark Bouris heads Hunter Innovation Festival speaker line-up
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As the NRL club gears up to host its first home final, at McDonald Jones Stadium, since 9 September 2006, Newcastle Permanent was this week unveiled as the official naming rights partner of the organisation’s Centre of Excellence until the end of the 2026 season.

It comes as the Adam O’Brien-coached outfit prepares to tackle the Canberra Raiders on Sunday.

The Newcastle Permanent Centre of Excellence – or the Newcastle Permanent Centre – is the high-performance training base at Broadmeadow.

It plays an important role for club’s elite NRL and NRLW stars, as well as the next generations of Knights players.

Newcastle Permanent chief distribution officer Paul Juergens said the partnership was a natural fit.

“It’s a hugely-exciting time for the Knights, with the men’s side earning a home final for the people of the Hunter to cheer on for the first time since 2006, while the NRLW side is the defending premiers and currently sits atop the competition ladder,” he explained.

“But, we’re no fair-weather fans.

“We’ve had a proud association with the Knights dating back to the 1990s.

“So, the Newcastle Permanent Centre shows our ongoing commitment to the club, the region and the people who so passionately and fervently support the red and blue.

“We are also proud that it is an asset for the whole community.

“Junior clubs and school groups are encouraged to make use of the facilities, while an outdoor gym is under construction that anyone and everyone will be able to use to stay fit and healthy.

“A partnership that will span more than three years, we can’t wait to see the young talent being fostered in the halls and on the fields of the Newcastle Permanent Centre during that time.

“And, hopefully, for Hannah, Kalyn and the teams to bring back even more trophies to sit alongside the three already on display in the foyer.”

Knights CEO Philip Gardner said Newcastle Permanent’s commitment to excellence dating back more than a century made them the ideal naming rights partner.

“They’ve been helping the people of the Hunter own their own homes since 1903, so this is a perfect alliance for our club’s new home,” he stated.

“Being a customer-owned institution, Newcastle Permanent aligns with the Knights’ values such as the importance of community and respecting our tradition – something that makes both of our organisations great.

“We are extremely proud to call our training base the Newcastle Permanent Centre and look forward to seeing the iconic NP logo sitting proudly alongside our own Knights crest on the walls of this fantastic facility in the coming weeks.”

For more business stories:

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• Hunter businesswomen leading national awards charge
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The Australian business leader and executive chairman of Yellow Brick Home Loans is expected to join 2021 Newcastle Citizen of the Year and 2023 NAIDOC Person of the Year Professor Kelvin Kong and NSW Modern Manufacturing Commissioner Lisa Emerson at the Thursday 19 October conference.

The trio will lead the keynote sections of the forum, each addressing topics that are certain to spark discussion and collaboration.

Established in 2002, the Hunter Innovation Festival now boasts an expanded program of events, which includes workshops, interactive sessions, performance installations, guest speakers and much, much more hosted in different venues across a range of different industries.

Chair Alex Brennan said he was thrilled to welcome Mr Bouris, Professor Kong and Ms Emerson in 2023.

“We’re excited to have such a high-calibre of speakers headline this year’s event,” he stated.

“Mark Bouris has been at the forefront of Australian entrepreneurship for decades having established Australia’s second largest non-bank mortgage lender Wizard Home Loans, while Lisa Emerson is the first-ever Modern Manufacturing Commissioner for NSW and Australia.

“We are also delighted to have Professor Kelvin Kong attend.

“He is no doubt one the Hunter region’s most outstanding individuals who will bring a wealth of insight into the future of medical research.”

Mr Bouris explained he would cover topics ranging from leadership, innovation, success and resilience.

“The growth of the Hunter region is clear, as one of the country’s largest regional economies,” he said.

“Within this, the innovation and development of complex industries, such as medical research, technology, and education, all contribute to the communities continued growth.

“It will be interesting to hear first-hand about this development and what factors have attributed to these advancements, while looking ahead to the future of the region.

“The Hunter Innovation Festival presents some amazing opportunities to learn about new emerging technologies and their effect on our commercial landscape and relevant industries.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase the amazing level of innovation within the region.

“On top of this, I am a serial learner, and love learning about new innovations and technological advancements, and it is especially interesting to see this in a regional community.”

Professor Kong will discuss the field of healthcare and how it was experiencing a transformative shift through continuous innovation, and the profound impact this innovation has on health – spanning from advanced medical technologies and treatments to novel healthcare delivery models.

“I’m looking forward to talking about the synergy between technology and medicine, and how breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, telemedicine, genomics, and medical devices are enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalising treatment plans, and improving patient outcomes,” he said.

Host Hunter iF will announce the full conference schedule imminently, featuring speakers from Hunter-based companies who are leading the way in the technology, renewables, manufacturing and innovation space.

“Innovation isn’t just about creating new things,” Mr Brennan said.

“It is about applying what you have learnt in different ways to achieve different outcomes than you have before.

“We have put together a diverse and engaging line up of speakers that will inspire, challenge and motivate the crowd to do just that.”

Tickets for the Hunter Innovation Festival are now on sale at https://hunterinnovationfestival.org/

For more business news:

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• Bonza adds Tassie to its route map
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The prestigious event, which will take place at the newly-built Western Sydney Conference Centre at Penrith on Saturday 22 September, celebrates the growing number of inspiring and influential female entrepreneurs.

And, those businesses from the region to mark their respective mark include Palfreyman Chartered Accountants (Cessnock), PLH Accountants (East Maitland), Purposeful Life (Williamstown), Flaunt it hair and beauty (Kurri Kurri), ACN – All Communications Network (Raymond Terrace), Edge of Possibilities (Fletcher), Rise N Shine Espresso Bar (West Wallsend), Freedom is Within (Elermore Vale), Hunter Ethical Disability Support Services (Beresfield), Level Up Development (Caves Beach), Sunflower Services (East Maitland), Little Cookies Early Learning Centre (Glendale), Advanced School of Beauty (Maitland), Kid Biz Academy (Adamstown Heights), Start My Cleaning Biz (Newcastle West), Hunter Valley Goat Hire (Mount Vincent), Manisha Fitness (Hamilton), Camel Milk NSW (Muswellbrook), Hair at DASH (Rutherford), Transcend Health (Broadmeadow), Tracy Thomas Art (Rathmines), Conveyancing Services (Adamstown), The Family Law Co (Newcastle), Jaimie Abbott Communications (Newcastle East), Newcastle and Hunter Community Health (Mayfield West), Innerworks Business Solutions (Newcastle West), B Eco Family (Weston), HV Tours (Bellbird) and The Better Clean Team (Newcastle West) and Dragonfly Cakes (Weston).

On top of that, Jaimie Abbott is vying for the title of Small Business Champion Woman Icon and Sarah Marco for Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (30 years and under).

Now in its second consecutive year, the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards features more than 65 categories, judged by an independent panel of representatives who have relevant experience or an understanding of the operations of small business.

“We’re simply blown away by the incredibly high-calibre of Australia’s female-led small businesses,” founder Steve Loe said.

“While it’s certainly a welcome challenge, the next round of judging is bound to be even more challenging, as we continue to nut-through the impressive finalists to reach one category winner.

“When they evaluate entries, they consider all aspects of a small business: its strategies, innovative initiatives, customer service, vision, growth, charitable and community support… to name but some of the judging criteria.”

In addition to honouring category winners, the 2023 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards also showcases the achievements of four individuals – Young Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged 30 and younger), Small Business Champion Woman Entrepreneur (aged over 30), Australian Small Business Champion Influential Woman and Australian Small Business Champion Icon.

“The success of female-led small businesses in this country is absolutely on the rise, especially during the past decade and even during the current challenging economic climate,” Mr Loe said.

Winners will be announced at a national presentation evening gala event, hosted by accomplished journalist and popular broadcaster Deborah Knight.

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The addition marks the low-cost airline’s first port in Tasmania, its 34th route, 18th destination and fourth state or territory.

Flights to Launceston will begin 21 November.

Travellers will be able to fly directly between the Gold Coast and Launceston three times a week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. 

Bonza chief commercial officer Carly Povey said the new service was part of the airline’s plan to connect communities by focussing on unserved and underserved routes. 

“Today is a Bonza day for Launnie and Goldie locals who can now enjoy more of their backyard with direct flights that don’t cost the earth,” she explained.

“Since we launched in January, travellers have been calling out for flights from Launceston on our social media channels and today, we are delighted to deliver.

“The good news is, already more than 11,000 Tasmanians have downloaded our Fly Bonza app so they’re ready to go.

“This brand new low-cost route is a first to operate year round and will open up opportunities in both destinations for tourism and trade.

“It’s good news for Aussie travellers and the many small to medium businesses who make up the local tourism and hospitality industries.”

The news that Bonza is adding Tasmania to its itineraries follows the airline’s “refreshed route map” announcement last month.

In a letter to its customers the purple-themed discount airline admitted it was dumping five of its less popular destinations, and slashing less-frequented flight paths. 

Potential passengers were told the changes would allow the airline to focus on more popular destinations.

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Following the second GfK Radio Survey of 2023, the station achieved the highest surge in cumulative audience (cume) in more than a decade with an astounding increase of 19,000 individuals returning to the fold.

General manager Guy Ashford said witnessing movement in every shift proved NEWFM’s unwavering commitment to local programming resonated with the heart and soul of the community.

“From the moment listeners wake up with The NOVOS to the time they head home, they hear local voices and stories that make up the vibrant fabric of Newcastle,” he explained.

“We also have Newcastle’s only 100% drive show with Joel Gosper.

“That program encapsulates the local vibe while keeping listeners informed and entertained during their daily commute.

“People can count on us to bring the sounds of Newcastle directly to their vehicles.

“We also maintain a 100% local newsroom with 110 bulletins produced each and every week from our team.

“So, we’re thrilled beyond measure to see the incredible response from our community.

“For more than a decade, we have strived to be the voice that resonates with Novocastrians.

“And, this monumental rise in listenership is a testament to the meaningful connections we’ve forged and the dedication and tireless effort of the entire staff.

“The station has become a source of comfort, nostalgia and contemporary entertainment, uniting Novocastrians who are seeking a genuine relationship with their city’s culture and music.”

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That’s why she’s calling on the area’s WHS trailblazers to nominate for the 2024 edition, with applications officially open.

The prestigious event, now in its eighth year, is scheduled to take place at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre (NEX) on Friday 15 March.

The Hunter Safety Awards recognise businesses and individuals who go above and beyond requirements to demonstrate best-practice and innovative approaches to WHS.

Ms Dunford said the importance of workplace health and safety in the Hunter had been amplified recently following a tragic death on the site of the John Hunter Hospital redevelopment.

After an incident at the worksite, adjacent to the hospital, emergency services were summoned when a 20-year-old man became trapped.

NSW Ambulance paramedics promptly treated him before transferring him to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

But, sadly, he later succumbed to his injuries.

“Accidents at the workplace are more common than we think and sometimes result in horrific outcomes, including the recent incident in Newcastle,” she said.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends.

“It’s also a timely reminder as to why we’re dedicated to safety and providing a platform for those who have made safety their number one priority.”

Eligible local businesses and individuals are invited to submit their applications in 13 categories, demonstrating how they have integrated work, health and safety into their core practices.

Each finalist will automatically be considered for the prestigious WHS Business of the Year award, acknowledging ongoing commitment to safety in both their submissions and day-to-day operations.

Entries must be submitted by 5pm on Monday 13 November.

You can view the criteria at https://www.huntersafetyawards.com.au/awards/download-criteria

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Respected local property developers Julian Morton and Dave Hughes lodged a Development Application (DA) with City of Newcastle (CN) on Friday 18 August to convert an existing mixed use industrial premises.

They’re on a mission to transform under-utilised urban facilities into luxurious sub-culture hotspots to meet the needs of residents and business owners.

And, the pair is planning to open their first Bolthole on a 2,000 square metre site in Milford Street.

Mr Morton admitted the idea arose about eight years ago.

“The rapid gentrification and apartment living revolution in the inner city has created a need for such spaces,” he said.

“Pre-existing zoning presents an opportunity to maximise infill development sites.

“So, The Bolthole is designed for enthusiasts whose businesses or their valuable or sentimental objects, projects or passions have outgrown conventional spaces or can’t be accommodated in their downsized living environment.

“It’s also about creating a space that supports people’s business and lifestyle interests as well as creating a community for like-minded people.”

The Bolthole – Islington will boast communal spaces including a 400 square metre rooftop lounge, complete with sauna, ice bath, bathrooms, library, BBQ, kitchen and sundeck.

In a first for such facilities in Newcastle, there’ll be a vehicle detailing and wash bay as well as a multi-storey, access-controlled car lift allowing people to drive up and into their units.

An online concierge-style service will allow owners and tenants to book the lounge, professional cleaning services, catering and more at the click of a button.

“We want to create spaces, and curate communities, where passions can be shared,” Morton said.

“In The Bolthole, you can spend your time doing whatever your interests or passions are in line with the facility’s zoned permissible uses.

“Whether that’s collecting classic cars, art, whiskey or wine, recording music or podcasts, sensitive document storage or personal and business development… people are limited only by their imagination.”

Patrons will purchase rather than lease the units, with the size of them customised to buyers’ needs.

Mr Morton expects to attract interest from people who have big, busy, exciting lives and fascinating personalities to match.

“Bolters will be work-hard, play-harder types that are passionate about their families, business and communities and know how to prioritise the balance in their lives,” he said.

“The facility will also have a highly-secure personalised security system to protect owners and tenants’ most treasured possessions.”

Subject to council approval, he is looking to start construction by early 2024.

Confident that demand for the units will be strong, Mr Morton and Mr Hughes are already planning a second Newcastle facility.

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Working independent of real estate agents, the Hunter-based buyer’s advocate says his role is to help his client’s achieve financial independence. 

“We minimise the most common mistakes investors make, which is buying the wrong property, selecting the wrong location, and overpaying,” he says. 

“The goal is to buy the right property at the right price.” 

It’s a process that begins by asking the right questions. 

“We start by asking why you want to invest in real estate, where are you at now, and where do you want to be in x-number of years from now,” Nigel says. 

“Then we’ll look at what to buy and where, whether you should build, buy an existing home, townhouse, block, or subdivision. 

“We’ll form a strategy unique to the client, and then the analysis, research and acquisition process begins, working within a buyer’s budget and always aligned to their goals. 

With a resume that includes naval officer, engineer, and construction valuation technology management, buyer’s advocate and qualified property investment advisor Nigel Watts, has an attention to detail that is second to none. 

Together with his passion for property, the father-of-two has been buying and investing in property for the past 25 years. 

Through his role at Niva Property, he now plans to share what he’s learned. 

“We aim to remove the buyer from the emotion and stress of the purchase, and to get the best possible outcome for the buyer.” 

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Twenty-two-year-old Luke Callaway will test himself against the best at the WorldSkills National Championships, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 August.

The trainee auto electrician is one of six from the Motor Traders Association of NSW taking part in the prestigious event.

He secured his spot after winning the regional competition.

The youngster made a bold decision to change careers after realising he had lost interest in his engineering and science degree.

Callaway then discovered his passion for working on cars and electricals through his hobby of building and repairing computers.

After searching for a job that matched his interests, he landed a position and found it to be “right up his alley”.

“There was a moment in my life when I was like ‘I’m not liking what I’m doing and can’t see a future,” Callaway admitted.

“I spoke to people and had a massive, massive passion for all things electrical.

“To be honest, I build and repair computers as a hobby.

“So, I put my ad on Seek and searched for a month or two and had a business pick me up.

“It just fell into place.”

Callaway boasts a positive outlook for electric vehicles (EVs) moving forward, is open-minded about the evolving future and excited to embrace change.

“That’s where it’s all heading,” he said.

“I’m a very open-minded person and see no downside… it’s just the evolving way of the future.

“Change is always hard but I like to embrace it and I’d love to learn definitely how to diagnose, repair, fix, all that kind of stuff with the electric cars.”

And, on his change of careers?

“It’s obviously a daunting process and never easy,” he said.

“However, it’s the risk you need to take and the reward is very much worth it.

“My life’s just ramped up 110% since doing this.

“I’m healthier and I enjoy what I’m doing.

“I couldn’t see where I would be in my life otherwise.”

WorldSkills provides an opportunity for Australia’s trainees and apprentices, across various industries, to challenge themselves against their peers.

Staged every two years, the National Championships is the biggest event of its kind in the country.

Successful medallists will be invited to join the Skills Squad, offering the chance to travel to the WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France, in 2024.  

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