Hunter Nexus | October 2026

Hunter Nexus: The Hunter's Rail Future

Wednesday 14 October 2026 | 6pm - 9:30pm | The Great Hall, University of Newcastle

Proudly sponsored by Lake Macquarie City Council and Dantia

The Hunter is at the centre of a new era of rail investment, manufacturing and connectivity.

The next Hunter Nexus dinner, co-hosted by Business Hunter and the University of Newcastle, will explore what the next generation of rail projects means for our region's economy, workforce and long-term growth.

Keynote Speakers

Tim Parker, CEO, High Speed Rail Authority

Andrew Milne, Executive Director, Rail Development, Transport for NSW

Jacqueline Power, Project Director, Future Fleet Program, Transport for NSW

The feature speakers will examine the opportunities presented by both High Speed Rail and the NSW Government's Future Fleet Program, including plans to revitalise train manufacturing in the Hunter and the recent awarding of the Tangara Life Extension Project.

They will then be joined for a panel discussion by:

Fiona Love, Head of Workforce Development , Australasian Railway Association

Ivan Waterfield, CEO, HunterNet

Together, the panel will discuss the workforce, skills and industry capability needed to support this unprecedented wave of rail investment and ensure the Hunter is well positioned to capture its benefits.

The evening will also feature a special message from The Hon. Yasmin Catley MP, Minister for the Hunter.

From advanced manufacturing and supply chain opportunities to skills development, job creation and long-term economic growth, this event will explore how major rail investments are set to shape the Hunter's future for decades to come.

Wednesday 14 October 2026

6pm – 9.30pm | The Great Hall, University of Newcastle

Presented by Business Hunter in partnership with the University of Newcastle

Dress Code: Black Tie