The Gippsland Suppliers and Manufacturers Event was delivered by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Gippsland, in partnership with the Industry Capability Network Victoria, Federation University and Regional Development Victoria, to connect local businesses with major project proponents and emerging supply chain opportunities across the region. The event provided Gippsland businesses with direct insights into upcoming projects, procurement pathways and opportunities to participate in major investments including renewable energy, transmission and infrastructure developments.

The event supported local manufacturers, contractors and service providers to better understand project requirements, strengthen industry connections and position themselves to access future work opportunities. It reinforced the importance of building regional supply chain capability and ensuring Gippsland businesses are well placed to capture the economic benefits of the region’s energy transition and broader economic growth agenda.

The initiative aligned strongly with the objectives of the Gippsland Regional Plan 2025–2030, supporting a resilient regional economy through local capability development, business collaboration and increased participation in nationally significant infrastructure and commercial projects.

Objectives and Goals

RDA Gippsland recognises the importance of positive dialogue during times of transition. As the closure of the Yallourn Power Station draws closer, community and industry narrative often turns to what has been lost and what is still to go. This sentiment can crowd out positive announcements around energy project development such as the Delburn Wind Farm, Marinus Link Interconnector, GB Energy, VicGrid Transmission and the recently announced Energy Dome, Keppel Data Centre.

RDA Gippsland sought to concentrate positive industry engagement into one large event – to showcase the forward program of work and opportunities for contractor participation.

The objectives of the forum were to:

1. Connect Gippsland businesses with major project proponents, government agencies and supply chain partners.
2. Improve local business readiness.
3. Build regional supply chain capability.
4. Position Gippsland businesses to capture economic benefits from major investments.
5. Support business growth, diversification and resilience.
6. Enhance coordination between industry, government and regional stakeholders.