Three Dandenong-based manufacturers have been recognised for their achievements in manufacturing at the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame awards night.

Jill Walsh, Partner and Director of Human Resources at Actco Pickering Metal Industries, won the inaugural Woman Manufacturer of the Year award. The new award recognises the outstanding contribution of women within advanced manufacturing.

Member for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams, was delighted to hear of Ms Walsh’s award, given her long-term dedication to manufacturing, particularly in the south east.

Ms Walsh has been a prominent figure in south-east manufacturing for over a decade. She is an active mentor to women across various industries, a strong advocate for local manufacturers and a dedicated supporter of local jobs, apprenticeships and skilled workers.

Ms Walsh is also member of the Committee for Dandenong and the Victorian Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel.

Among the business awards, two Dandenong South based businesses were recognised for their excellence in growth sectors.

Bombardier Transport Australia was recognised for their excellence in the Transport Technologies sector.

Bombardier has been manufacturing in Dandenong for over 60 years, with more than 2,000 rail carriages delivered from their Dandenong facility.  They have established a reputation for their high-performance, engaged work culture. With their nationally accredited Welding Training Centre, and partnership with Chisholm Institute, Bombardier is committed to upskilling Victorian workers.

Chobani was also commended for their excellence in the Food and Fibre sector. As one of Australia’s fastest growing yoghurt brands, Chobani has been nationally recognised as a workplace of choice, and also supplier of the year by Woolworths.

In April, Victoria recorded 15 months of consecutive growth in Australian Industry Group’s Manufacturing Index – the longest run since 2001.

The Andrews Labor Government has committed over $120 million in manufacturing support, creating over 6,000 jobs and driving more than $1.6 billion in private investment.

For the full list of winners and finalists at the 2018 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards, visit http://www.business.vic.gov.au/halloffame