Australian delegates who travelled to Germany earlier this year to examine the transformation of former industrial and mining regions will share their observations at a free event in Newcastle on Tuesday 8 December.
The event, Germany to Hunter: Learnings, Opportunities & Next Steps, will examine how former industrial and mining regions in Germany are being transformed through investment in advanced manufacturing, rail technology, innovation precincts and energy transformation, and what the Hunter could learn from their experiences.
Presented by the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce in partnership with HunterNet Cooperative, REGIONALL and the University of Newcastle, the event will bring together industry representatives, government stakeholders, researchers and delegation participants.
Lessons from Germany’s industrial regions
The Australian delegation travelled to Germany earlier in 2026 to explore approaches to transforming former industrial and mining regions through investment and economic development.
The visit focused on advanced manufacturing, rail technology, innovation precincts and energy transformation, with the December event providing an opportunity to hear directly from delegation participants about their observations.
Discussions will examine how these experiences could inform opportunities in the Hunter, including high-speed rail, advanced manufacturing, the energy transition, workforce skills development and attracting investment.
Exploring opportunities for the Hunter
The program will feature contributions from government representatives, a fireside conversation with delegation members and a future opportunities forum involving industry and government representatives.
Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the delegation’s observations and explore potential applications for the Hunter’s industrial and economic development.
The event will conclude with a networking reception, providing opportunities for participants to continue discussions, build connections and explore potential collaborations.
Germany to Hunter: Learnings, Opportunities & Next Steps will take place at the University of Newcastle on Tuesday 8 December 2026, from 3.30 pm to 8 pm, with registration commencing at 3 pm.
Attendance is free.
