Australian Made in Riverina Murray
Manufacturers, industry partners and regional leaders came together 10 June 2026 at the Whitton Malt House for a major event designed to celebrate the strength of the Riverina Murray manufacturing sector and support the region’s growing contribution to Australia’s sovereign capability.
The event has been created to bring together the diverse manufacturers of the Riverina Murray — from start-ups and expanding enterprises to long-established national operators — to share insights, explore opportunities and discuss the challenges shaping the future of regional industry.
A feature of the day was a panel of local businesses, each offering a unique perspective on the region’s competitive advantage. The panel will cover a range of perspectives, including the experience of being a start-up in the region, relocating a business from
metropolitan areas to the region, the benefits of a pipeline of major projects, and the region’s competitiveness as a home to national brands. Presentations on the day will cover a number of themes, including trade, supply chains, workforce and training support, productivity, and the opportunities emerging across the Riverina Murray.
The event brings keynote speaker Ben Lazzaro, Australian Made Chief Executive, who will officially launch the Australian Made in Riverina Murray brand. This new regional identity has been developed to champion the quality, capability and innovation of products proudly made in the Riverina Murray.
Regional Director Riverina Murray Serena Hardwick says the event is an important milestone for the region. “This is a great way for us to recognise and support our local manufacturers. It provides us the opportunity to celebrate what is made here in our region — and I know that is something worth celebrating.”
“We know that 60% of businesses in the region don’t buy local because they don’t know a local supplier. The Australian Made in Riverina Murray brand may be a way of helping businesses identify local suppliers, shorten supply chains and keep money local.”
Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said, “The Riverina Murray is home to an impressive and diverse manufacturing sector that is making a significant contribution to Australia’s economy and sovereign capability. The Australian Made logo helps licensed businesses communicate their Australian origins and connect with consumers who are actively seeking to support Australian industry.”
Serena Hardwick said, “I am proud to have partnered with Australian Made to launch this regional brand, acknowledging that it is a first of its kind in NSW and only the second nationally. It is our job to support businesses in the Riverina Murray, and when we first discussed the opportunity to give local businesses an additional point of difference, it made perfect sense to do so.”
The event reinforces the critical role of regional manufacturers in strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability and highlights the importance of supporting local industry to ensure a resilient, productive and future-focused economy.