When new ICN Victoria CEO, Dianne Smith told us she was looking forward to getting out and about in the high-vis, she wasn’t kidding! With Victoria once again enjoying a Covid-Normal lifestyle Dianne has spent as much time as possible out and about on site visits.

Along with Business Development and Client Services Manager, Andy Balmain, Dianne visited local manufacturing firm, Composite Materials Engineering (CME). Not only a leader in manufacturing and composite materials, we’re pleased to say, CME is a leader in innovation and committed to Social Procurement.

“It was a pleasure to meet on-site with owner, Brian Hughes and Ben Hughes recently where we saw Melbourne tram seats being made as well as a range of clever products, some I want in my home right away! ICN Victoria appreciates the great association with CME, and we look forward to watching how they continue diversifying and growing,” said Dianne.

On a recent tour of Central Gippsland with hometown Industry Adviser, Colin Young, Dianne met with several key stakeholders in the region to discuss Local Jobs First, projects, job creation, social procurement, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, circular economy and so much more!

“With the announcement of Yallourn’s 2028 closure, it was a poignant day to be visiting Latrobe Valley. Thanks Dale Harriman, Gail Gatt and Gregory Lawrence for sharing your future Investment Roadmap. ICN Victoria looks forward to helping drive local jobs and capability,” said Dianne.

“It’s hard not to be excited about advanced manufacturing and circular economy, especially at the Centre for Australian Automotive Futures, Hydrogen Pilot and the civic projects coming on line.”

Dianne and Colin also visited Latrobe Valley Enterprises where they felt the social impact of this social enterprise with the team enjoying making outdoor road signage and name badges (among other things eg recycling services).

“There is barely anything Wendy Bezzina and this wonderful team cannot do!” Said Dianne.

“For a region with such rich engineering heritage, it is fitting that the Latrobe Regional Gallery is showing Da Vinci Machines exhibition in Morwell (til 25 April) and the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (Geothermal) will open in Traralgon end March. It is not just relying on power and paper, the Valley is a region of opportunity.”

On the second day of Dianne and Colin’s Central Gippsland tour they visited a great example of a re-purposed manufacturing facility and value-adding in a regional Victorian setting. Rosedale is the home of Australian owned and operated Bambach Specialised and Industrial Cables.

“Thanks to Alfred Chown for sharing your plans and multitude of cables with us and for the 40+ jobs you’re bringing to Latrobe City Council and the State,” said Dianne.

Next stop, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), Dianne and Colin were impressed by this timber mill's manufacturing focus, product diversification, ultrasound defects scanner and commitment to circular economy. The only Australian producer of custom built Masslam columns and beams. This team of 200+ is gender diverse thanks to the drive by MD Vince Hurley.

“If you’ve admired the timber features of Margaret Court arena, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and RMIT University’s new Garden building, you’ll be pleased to know they’re from locally owned ASH in Heyfield Victoria,” said Dianne.

“Big thanks to Megan Para for your excellent hosting and this great video, which says it all,” said Dianne https://vimeo.com/276153270

And finally (for now), Calbah Industries showed a contingent from ICN Victoria around their Dandenong South facility in mid-March. Chester Baker, former Army Commando established Calbah Industries in the 1990s. His capable and diverse business is not only about engineering solutions - Calbah Industries has rich design expertise as well.

“Thanks to Chester Baker, Vic Nikolsky and Krishna Baswa for showing us around their facility. Impressed by the passion!” Said Dianne.

To read more about Dianne’s adventures please check out her feed, and let’s get #lovemyhighvis trending!!

#regionalvictoria #gippsland #gippslandbusiness #localjobsfirst #socialprocurement #supplychain #highvis