Ballarat Showcase

This in-person event, supported by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions was designed to strengthen regional supply chains and highlight upcoming infrastructure and investment opportunities across Ballarat and the state.

Understanding how early engagement can help SMEs secure work will be a key theme— guests learned how positioning your business early in the project lifecycle can open doors to real opportunities.

hey had the opportunity to connect directly with project owners and regional supply chain including designers, contractors, and procurement leads, gaining practical insights into their upcoming needs and expectations.

Why the attended

This showcase offered a valuable opportunity to hear from project owners and major stakeholders on key regional and state-wide projects and connect with the Ballarat supply chain.

What they expected

Networking with key decision-makers and industry players
Learn about ICN Gateway and discover how to leverage the platform to unlock new opportunities.
- Networking with key decision-makers and industry players
- Learn about ICN Gateway and discover how to leverage the platform to unlock new opportunities.

Event speakers

David Purdue, Kane Nicholson

David, a construction expert with 14+ years’ experience, excels in project delivery, procurement, and design coordination. He led the Northern Aquatic and Community Hub and a 9-storey A-Grade commercial build at 60 Moorabool Street. Skilled in high-end projects, he ensures smooth delivery and handover.

Steve Kennedy, George Western Foods/Mauri

Steve Kennedy has been with George Weston Foods for 15 years and currently in the role as the Project Director and Head of Capital Investment ANZ for the Mauri business unit. Current responsibilities include overseeing a period of significant capex investment across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to Mauri, Steve spent 11 years at DON Smallgoods in Castlemaine as the Operations Director.

Prior experience includes automotive components industry (FMP Group) with roles including Operational leadership, major project/change management and R&D Engineering roles in Ballarat and Asia.

Steve remains based locally in the Ballarat region and is passionate about food manufacturing in Australia that provides sustainable benefits for both business and local communities.

Cameron Spence, Terra Verde

Steve Kennedy has been with George Weston Foods for 15 years and currently in the role as the Project Director and Head of Capital Investment ANZ for the Mauri business unit. Current responsibilities include overseeing a period of significant capex investment across Australia and New Zealand. Prior to Mauri, Steve spent 11 years at DON Smallgoods in Castlemaine as the Operations Director.

Prior experience includes automotive components industry (FMP Group) with roles including Operational leadership, major project/change management and R&D Engineering roles in Ballarat and Asia.

Steve remains based locally in the Ballarat region and is passionate about food manufacturing in Australia that provides sustainable benefits for both business and local communities.

Exclusive Bonus Workshop- Limited Seats

In this 30-minute pre-event workshop, ambitious business leaders attending the Showcase will understand how to position their business ahead of their competition for tenders or projects. Lead by 25eight CEO, Sam Hurley, you'll walk away knowing what you need to focus on and how to turn project engagement into long term growth.
25eight has helped tens of thousands of Australian businesses reach their next stage of growth. As a strategic partner of ICN, they run the Industry Growth Business Accelerator exclusively for subscribers looking to expand into new or existing markets.
Registration is on a first come, first served basis, so please register now if you are interested in attending to secure your spot.

Register your interest for the free workshop here.

Event photos

Ballarat Showcase

Exclusive Bonus Workshop- Limited Seats

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