The Hunter Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is a organisation appointed by the NSW State government and supported by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development. Led by a Board of 10 regional and business leaders, the HEDC's major task is to promote economic development in the Hunter by:
The mission of the Board is to lead and assist regional development in the Hunter for the benefit of all communities of the Region.
The Board has developed four Strategic Goals for the Hunter Region:
The HEDC Board has developed a strategy to achieve the Corporation's principle goal of economic development. The strategy promotes four core goals:
The Region will succeed in continuing to attract new investment through:
Through partnerships between industry, education and training providers the Region will succeed in:
Through its competitive port, road, rail and airport infrastructure, the Region will:
To achieve its goals, the HEDC must attract business to the Hunter and help local business grow. The Corporation's investment market strategy focuses on:
The HEDC's team comprises:
Contact us:
Lorraine Flynn
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (02) 4908 7300
Fax: (02) 4929 7096
lorraine.flynn@business.nsw.gov.au
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John Tate was appointed Chair of the Hunter Economic Development Corporation in 2003. He has been the Lord Mayor of Newcastle since 1999 and a Councillor for Newcastle City Council since 1980.
Born and raised in Newcastle and operates the family automotive business he attributes his success in Local Government and business to focusing on what is best for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter Region and his commitment to see the region develop and prosper.
John describes himself as an 'ordinary working guy' who feels his role both as Chair of the Hunter Economic Development and as Lord Mayor of Newcastle is to represent the City of Newcastle and the Hunter Region is putting words into action to achieve the best for the region.
He is a member of numerous committees affecting not only the Newcastle community but the Hunter Region as well. He sees the Hunter as a major economic driver for Australia and says that our need is to harness the Region's commercial and industrial strength while preserving our natural environment.
His goal is to achieve job creation for the people of the Hunter and to develop and protect the natural attributes that make the Hunter Region one of the leading tourism destinations in Australia.
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Leigh Bryant is owner/director of Scorpion International Freight Services, a Newcastle based international freight forwarding company.
Her key focus is to suppport the SME sector by ensuring imposts to business development and profitability are reduced and support for companies in the Hunter remains a high priority on the regional agenda.
Leigh takes an active role in business and the broader community and is a participant on the Hunter Export Centre board, the University Foundation board, NSW State Council, AICCC (Australian Quarantine and Industry Council) and the HMA (Hunter Manufacturing Inc.) board.
Developing and strengthening relationships between community, business, local, state and federal government representatives to ensure long terms social and economic benefits for the region, is the purpose for her ongoing involvement on the HEDC board.
Leigh is proud to be part of a strong team of dedicated board and staff committed to promoting the Hunter region
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Information to come
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Ann Morris is the Managing Director of Aurora Training & Professional Services, a business designed to provide customised learning and strategic system solutions for its customers.
Ann has worked extensively in education, training and employment generation related fields across the Hunter Region for the last 25 years and is passionate about building capability through learning.
As a manager for the Hunter Institute of Technology and a private consultant Ann has facilitated many projects in training and economic development. She was appointed as the city wide Economic Development Facilitator for Lake Macquarie in 2001 and in this role secured projects supporting the development of tourism and small business.
Ann has a keen interest in small and micro business, and as an inaugural Board member and later Chair fostered the development of the Lake Macquarie Small Business Centre
Ann has developed two Indigenous employment strategies for the Region and sees local Indigenous people as contributors to the diverse culture and wealth of the Region.
Ann Holds a Masters of Education (Admin), Graduate Certificate in Business, Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Workplace Training and Assessment Systems and a Diploma of Education.
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Megan Smith is a Director of Prosperity Advisers Pty Ltd. Prosperity is one of NSW's largest Independent Chartered Accounting and Certified Financial Planning firms and has offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Newcastle. In 2005 Prosperity was recognised by BRW magazine as one of Australia's Fastest Growing Private Companies.
Megan has over 10 years experience as a Chartered Accountant. In that capacity she advises a diverse range of businesses in industry sectors including retail, building and construction, property development, transport and professional services.
In 2003 Megan was recognised as the Hunter Business Chamber's Young Achiever of the Year for commitment to her career and development of our local region. She was formerly the President of the Newcastle & Hunter Junior Chamber (2003-2004) and while in office attended the Board meetings of Hunter Business Chamber.
As an HEDC Director, Megan is committed to fostering and advising on regional development and has a keen interest in encouraging business opportunities, innovation and employment growth. In addition, Megan is a member of the Strategic Steering Group for HEDC's Hunter Infrastructure Project.
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