Hi-Tech Precinct Gippsland soon to open!

Gippsland’s exciting and new Hi-Tech Precinct, located in the heart of the Latrobe Valley, will officially open its doors in December this year.

Operating as a partnership between the Victorian Government, Federation University, TAFE Gippsland and the Latrobe City Council, the Precinct will foster innovation at a local, national and international level. It aims to maximise collaboration between business and industry and expand Gippsland growth sectors including health, food and fibre, advanced manufacturing and new energy.

The Precinct will be home to the Morwell Innovation Centre, Gippsland Tech School, TAFE Gippsland Morwell Campus and Kernot Hall, but will also create a virtual network of opportunities.

The Morwell Innovation Centre – will be a hub of collaboration between researchers, educators and local industry to help shape an exciting future for Gippsland. The region’s private sector will have the opportunity to establish new markets, develop new products and technologies, and increase workforce skills at the hub. The link between research and industry will help solve the problems of tomorrow.

Long-term, this fantastic new facility will position the Latrobe Valley as a leader in regional innovation, bringing economic and social benefit to the Gippsland region.

For more information on the benefits of doing business at Hi-Tech Precinct Gippsland, access the website here.

A re-installation of Gippsland’s history in a unique underground cellar

Gurneys Cider, located on the outskirts of Foster in South Gippsland, is currently undertaking an exciting and unique venture as the business continues to grow. The cidery is constructing a massive underground cellar to store their cider at a consistent temperature year-round. It will be the biggest underground cider cellar in the world when completed, stretching more than 30 metres. Not only breaking world records, what makes this project so special is that fact it will be built using recycled materials from the recently demolished Hazelwood Power Station towers down the road.

In May this year, the Gippsland skyline transformed with the demolition of the eight 137-metre-high Hazelwood towers. The coal-fired power station was originally built in the 1960s and shut down in 2017. This demolition was the beginning of the entire plant’s demolition process set to play out over the coming years. It was a momentous occasion for the region with power and energy such significant industries, and the towers such a landmark to locals.

The Gurnett Family, of Gurneys Cider, will bring these iconic towers back to life in an entirely different way. Over 300 tonnes of concrete and steel have been recycled from the demolition and will be installed into the new cellar.

This is a huge step for the family-owned and run business which opened in 2018. The team is innovative and unique in all aspects of their business. From the locally sourced timber found throughout the cellar door, to the truly unique Gippsland style of cider they aim to produce, and now this. We will be sure to keep an eye on its progress, and encourage you to as well, by liking their social media pages on the links below or even visiting the picturesque location of their orchard and cellar door overlooking Corner Inlet and the Wilson’s Promontory National Park.

Follow the progress of this exciting project on the Gurney Cider Facebook Page and check out the progress photos below.

Leongatha-based company upgrades to International Manufacturing Standards

Based in Leongatha, South Gippsland, M&S CNC Machining has forged itself a reputation of supplying high quality componentry in the specialised areas of electronics, wireless communications and analytical science to the domestic and international market. 

Although utilising a robust quality management system regularly audited by our customers, the company saw a need to open new opportunities and upgrade to the International Manufacturing Std ISO9001 – 2015.

A detailed gap analysis on the existing system was carried out and subsequent ISO road map & time line created for Accreditation mid- late December 2020.

An ‘all on board’ approach was required and taken on by their staff, moving smoothly through 1 internal & 2 external audits which resulted in the time frame being reduced and Accreditation achieved 4 weeks ahead of plan.

The company advised that from the stage 2 auditors report there were zero minor non conformities and from what advice they have from their consultants is a glowing report on their processes.

M&S CNC now stands ready to discuss component & project needs with all those that have a mandatory ISO9001 requirement of their supplier base.

You can access their certificate below.

https://investgippsland.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GCC-Certificate-ISO-9001-507-Q-1-M-S-CNC-Machining.pdf

To contact them or for more information on the work they do, please visit the M&S CNC Machining website.

East Gippsland business fulfilling another contract for Australian Defence


ZCG Scaler, experienced antenna producers based in Lindenow, East Gippsland, are currently employing additional staff to assist in another large-scale Australian Defence Force contract build.

The Gippsland manufacturer is fulfilling its fifth contract for supply of custom radio frequency (RF) solutions for counter remote control improvised explosive devices (RCIED) for L3Harris and the Department of Science and Technology.

By completion of this project, ZCG will have supplied troops on the frontline with more than 215,000 units for Counter IED applications. The Counter IED system has already successfully been installed in a wide range of military and transport vehicles utilised by both domestic and international troops. 

Their growing team has achieved a two-week forward advancement on supply of the RF antennas following a recent request for expedited assembly and delivery due to COVID-19 restrictions.

ZCG’s partnership with the defence department is ever-expanding, and they continue to be proud to be a part of the work to ensure troops are at the forefront of protection in the modern battlefield.

Not only does ZCG do business with the defence force, but the Australian-owned business manufactures hundreds of different antenna models to suit a variety of RF communication and broadcasting requirements. The research and development of new products is an ongoing process and a priority for the company to ensure the most advanced products are on the market for all purposes.  

For more information, access the ZCG website.

2020 Excellence in Agribusiness Awards – Finalists

Food & Fibre Gippsland have announced 34 finalists for the 2020 Excellence in Agribusiness Awards. The Awards program received an outstanding 115 entries across Gippsland which was an overwhelming result considering COVID-19 has been a big distraction and upheaval for many agribusinesses.

Head Judge of the Awards program Paul Ford is impressed with the quality of entrants and subsequent finalists.

All 115 applications are worthy and the three or four candidates we have shortlisted in each category have rich and diverse stories that showcase all that’s great about Gippsland’s vibrant $7 billion food & fibre sector.”

The judging panel’s ongoing insight and effort to select winners of each category and develop these stories is deeply valued. The end result of sharing the stories with key stakeholders is to attract talented people to develop a career in the sector, attract new investment, position Gippsland food & fibre as a priority for the three levels of government, and to mobilise new innovations across the value chain.” 

The competition adopts a two-tiered approach with three premier awards, KPMG Agribusiness of the Year, ARLF Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year, and Leadership Victoria Female Agribusiness Leader of the Year, followed by a range of twelve awards across the entire food and fibre industry.

All finalists have the chance to win the Agribusiness of the Year award – the prize is a scholarship to participate in KPMG’s Agri-Food Tech Traction Tour. 

Excellence Awards Program Manager Kate Gunn is also pleased with the impressive lineup of finalists.

This year we have managed to attract entrants from a terrific cross section of industry, size and location which is very important in promoting our region’s agribusinesses and truly celebrating Gippsland. I wish all finalists the best of luck in the next round of judging and look forward to sharing their stories in the lead up to the winners being announced” she said.

The second round of judging will commence online next week with the panel aiming to identify those with the strongest track record and who can present a clear strategy for the future of their agribusiness.

Food & Fibre Gippsland CEO, Nicola Pero, noted “Congratulations to all participants on the outstanding calibre of entries. This industry recognition program grows in strength every year and Food & Fibre Gippsland, together with all the partners, are proud these awards help profile the sector, business successes and provenance of our Gippsland region.” The winners will be announced at a high-profile industry Gala Presentation event scheduled for 20 November 2020. Work is underway on developing on-line and/or socially distanced event options for this presentation in preparation for changes driven by COVID restrictions.


2020 FINALISTS PER CATEGORY – Keep an eye on our website for the winners when they are announced soon!

Australian Rural Leadership Foundation
Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year
Rob Bayley (Blackwood Piggery)
Dave Caldwell (Coonmoor Pastoral Co)
Victoria Green (Bacchus Beef)
Ben Murphy (Tambo Valley Honey)
Leadership Victoria
Female Agribusiness Leader of the Year Victoria Green (Bacchus Beef)
Jill Noble (The Sheep Show Podcast)
Gabrielle Moore (Sailors Grave Brewing)
Ferial Zekiman (Maffra Cheese Co)
Agriculture Victoria
Excellence in Service to the Food & Fibre Industry
Vic Engineering & Silos, Maffra
Warragul Farmers’ Market, Warragul
Xcheque, Glen Alvie
Bass Coast Shire Council
Excellence in Sustainability
Flavorite Tomatoes, Warragul
Mannys Market, Morwell
Mulgowie Farming, Maffra
Schreurs & Sons, Clyde
Baw Baw Shire Council
Excellence in Workforce Capability Greenham Gippsland, Moe
Jaydee – Cows Create Careers, Loch
Victoria Valley Meats, Trafalgar  
Commonwealth Bank
Excellence in Entrepreneurship
Berry Sensation, Shady Creek
Burra Brewing, Korumburra
Little Bumble Wraps, Warragul
South Gippsland Dairy, Korumburra
Dyers
Excellence in Food & Drink Manufacturing (large)
Greenham Gippsland, Moe
Maffra Cheese Co, Tinamba
ViPlus Dairy, Toora
East Gippsland Shire Council
Excellence in Fibre Industry
Alberton Timber, Alberton
Forge Creek Lambs, Eagle Point
Just Add Trees, Buln Buln
Radial Timber, Yarram
Federation University
Excellence in Research & Development Berry Sensation, Shady Creek
Schreurs & Sons, Clyde
Soilkee, Hallora
South Gippsland Dairy, Korumburra
Latrobe City Council
Excellence in Food & Drink Manufacturing (small)
Burra Brewing, Korumburra
Gurney’s Cidery, Foster
Sailors Grave Brewing, Orbost
Tonemade, Inveloch
National Australia Bank
Excellence in Innovation
Alberton Timber, Alberton
Berry Sensation, Shady Creek
Gurney’s Cidery, Foster
Soilkee, Hallora
South Gippsland Shire Council
Excellence in Exporting
Greenham Gippsland, Moe
Hussey & Co, Newry
Omnia, Morwell
TAFE Gippsland
Excellence in Collaborative Partnerships
Omnia, Morwell
Sailors Grave Brewing, Orbost
Snowy River Black Garlic, Jarrahmond
Totally Renewable Phillip Island, Phillip Island
Wellington Shire Council
Excellence in Adaption to Change
Coonmoor Pastoral Co, Lindenow South
Purely Goats Milk Soap, Nilma
Schreurs & Sons, Clyde
Victoria Valley Meats, Trafalgar

Victorian Manufacturer of The Year 2019 – Safetech

Victorian companies and individuals across the state’s manufacturing industry come together on Tuesday, 14 May to celebrate the 2019 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame. The Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame recognises outstanding businesses and individuals in the manufacturing industry.

The night is attended by manufacturers, manufacturing consultants and government agencies associated with business development – all work in manufacturing and understand the challenges, the global competitiveness and what it takes to succeed in manufacturing.

After being nominated amongst a field of prestigious competition, Gippsland company Safetech was announced as Manufacturer of the Year in the medium business category. Safetech was awarded for revolutionizing the materials handling industry through the development of world-class lifting equipment that puts safety and productivity first.

Safetech designs and manufactures material handling equipment, dock equipment, scissor lifts, vehicle lifts, hoists, cranes, lifting devices and palletising solutions from its base in Moe in regional Victoria. Safetech supply to a diverse range of industries including retail, manufacturing, distribution centres, self-storage, food and beverage, mining and construction. The company applies lean manufacturing processes, with success underpinned by a commitment to staff training and continued development in this area. The company has also collaborated with universities in Australia and Denmark, and regularly supports interns from Australia and across the globe.

Safetech hoists and custom lifts are installed in some of the most iconic locations in Australia including the MCG, Sydney’s Star City, the Australian Parliament House, many State theatres, Perth’s Crown Casino and Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.

Wonderful new branding for Gippsland tourism industry

For over a decade, Destination Gippsland has worked to promote and strengthen tourism across the region. It is the peak industry body for tourism in Gippsland. 

In March 2019, Destination Gippsland and Visit Victoria joined forces to unveil a new brand as part of an upcoming marketing campaign for Gippsland’s tourism industry.

The new brand “GIPPS – wonder – LAND” captures the beauty and diversity of Gippsland’s picturesque landscapes while hinting at the playful and creative side of Gippslandians. The brand highlights the region’s hidden attractions, food and wine experiences and lesser known areas, from historic towns and lush vineyards to pristine beaches and alpine forests. 

The brand and marketing campaign are targeted at people living in Melbourne and regional Victoria and aim to firmly place Gippsland on the top of the list for upcoming getaways. The focus is on Gippsland’s brand pillars, which are:

  • Paddock to plate
  • Water lover’s paradise
  • Alpine inspired adventure
  • Intimate local towns
  • World class sanctuaries

For more information about destinations across Gippsland, visit:

https://www.visitvictoria.com/regions/gippsland

For more information about the tourism industry in Gippsland, visit:

http://destinationgippsland.com.au/

Welcoming a new peak body to Agriculture in Gippsland: Food & Fibre Gippsland

We are delighted to advise the two peak industry bodies for food and fibre in Gippsland, Agribusiness Gippsland and the East Gippsland Food Cluster, have now officially united to form Food & Fibre Gippsland. This single entity will support the region’s significant $7 billion food and fibre industry.

This amalgamation follows an extensive process of consultation with members and other stakeholders across industry, government, research, education, and community around the benefits of joining forces.

Now officially endorsed by Consumer Affairs Victoria, the new incorporated Food & Fibre Gippsland signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the sector and the region, with a determined focus on collaboration, innovation and engagement.

Both organisations bring a diverse and active member and stakeholder base, and it is anticipated that an increasing number of Gippsland businesses and other organisations will join to access the benefits that will naturally come from being a part of this new collaborative powerhouse.

about-cheese

The first board to take Food & Fibre Gippsland forward includes four representatives of the boards of Agribusiness Gippsland and East Gippsland Food Cluster.

These are Stuart Quigley, Nicola Pero, Kate Wallis, Brian Davey, Damien Gannon, Andrew Bulmer Sallie Jones and Barry Rogers, who collectively bring a diverse wealth of skills and experience.

The Board will be co-deputy chaired by Stuart Quigley and Andrew Bulmer.

Recruitment processes will be initiated for an independent Chair and CEO.

Peter Schutz, Executive Chairman of Food Innovation Australia Limited’s (FIAL) – Australia’s Growth Centre for food and agribusiness – is filling the independent chair role in an advisory capacity until a recruitment process is concluded.

Dr Nicola Watts, former CEO of East Gippsland Food Cluster, will be the interim CEO through to June 30th.

For more information or to get in touch with Food & Fibre Gippsland, visit:

www.foodandfibregippsland.com.au