The Strong Australia Network centres on getting outside the major cities and bringing together suppliers, distributors, employees, customers and business organisations to discuss the issues facing our regions and work on the solutions to the challenges people face.

The Business Council of Australia and Business Hunter partnered to bring together leading local Hunter Region and national speakers at a luncheon and panel conversation on 18 April in Newcastle.

The event featured a panel moderated by Sky News’ Chief News Anchor, Kieran Gilbert, and included:

• Jennifer Westacott AO, Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia
• Bob Hawes, CEO, Business Hunter
• Craig Carmody, CEO, Port of Newcastle
• Guy Templeton, CEO, WSP.

Businesses in the Hunter region north of Sydney are working hard to deepen their regional economy, telling our Strong Australia forum on Tuesday they are building strengths in agribusiness, defence, health and clean energy.

The panel also discussed the importance of connecting the Hunter to the world and of businesses reskilling staff to fill the jobs of the future.

• Watch the event highlights
• Watch the Sky News post-event interview

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