Manufacturing news briefs — stories you might have missed

HEO shares progress on Holmes Mk2 space camera 

Space business HEO has shared that work is well underway for its first Holmes Mk2 flight model camera, with the team undertaking “the finishing touches and prepar[ing] for the final phase of testing. In an update on Linkedin, HEO said its smallest non-Earth imaging camera, “provides a 2.7 m resolution at 500 km which helps us capture images of satellites and space objects as they fly by the host spacecraft” and “features its own radiation shielding and a larger aperture to extend its operational lifespan and increase image quality.” Last week, Holmes Mk2’s first planned flight was given a late-2026 schedule, flying aboard Space Machines Company’s Optimus Viper as part of the Space MAITRI mission, a joint Australian-Indian mission to show progress toward space debris management and a sustainable space environment.

TSA opens Market Development Fund for applications

Product stewardship group Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) has opened applications for its 2025 Market Development Fund, providing funding to “Australian businesses, researchers and organisations to deliver innovative, practical projects using tyre-derived materials (TDM).” IN a statement this week, TSA said it encouraged applications from organisations working in infrastructure, manufacturing, product development, research and government. Projects must use TDM sourced from Australia’s end-of-life tyres, and clearly align with TSA’s Guidelines. Grants are typically between $50,000 and $300,000 (excluding GST.) Applications close May 9, and more information can be found here.

ACCC Commissioner to depart

Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Commissioner Liza Carver will leave in mid-May, the organisation announced this week. Carver’s most recent appointment to the ACCC commenced in March 2022. She was previously Associate Commissioner with the Trade Practices Commission and the ACCC between 1993 and 1999, as well as a Commissioner with the Australian Energy Markets Commission between 2005 and 2008. She was also a member of IPART from 1997 to 2000 before moving into private practice. Carver said: “The importance of the agency to the welfare of consumers and the competitiveness of the Australian economy cannot be overstated, nor can the diligence and commitment of its staff and Commissioners. I look forward to watching its successes in the future.”

CDU opens new Trades Training Centre

Charles Darwin University (CDU) opened a new Trades Training Centre at its Casuarina campus this week. According to a statement from CDU, the new centre “will provide a boost to training capacity at CDU TAFE, expanding current facilities” at a centre that already teaches Construction Pathways, Carpentry, plumbing and roof plumbing. The 2,400-metre, two-storey building features a heavy equipment precinct, an assembly area and workshop space, an industrial sand pit, and classrooms. The facility is estimated to have cost $10 million, with $6.8 million invested from the Northern Territory Government’s annual VET Capital Grant. CDU Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive TAFE Michael Hamilton said, “The Centre offers a dynamic learning environment that will contribute to the professional growth of our students.”

Memphasys in trading halt

The securities of reproductive technology company Memphasys were placed in trading halt, it announced on Thursday, pending the release of an announcement. “Unless ASX decides otherwise, the securities will remain in trading halt until the earlier of the commencement of normal trading on Monday, 14 April 2025 or when the announcement is released to the market” the statement reads. Last month the company announced successful data from a “pivotal clinical trial” for its Felix System, which it said confirmed its “best-in-class performance in sperm selection for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).”

Cure Marine launches new catamaran

Sunshine Coast-based boat builder Cure Marine has launched its Cure 55 production catamaran (pictured), which it says was built “using advanced carbon fibre and 3D printing technologies… entirely at Cure Marine’s Coolum Beach headquarters”. The vessel was designed by Australian naval architect Paul Bury and crafted by Cure Marine’s team, and named Miyu, (“beautiful moon’’). It will soon set sail from Mooloolaba to her Gold Coast owners and make her international debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May, the company said in a statement on Friday. Cure Marine added that five of its Cure 55 catamarans are currently in construction, with orders from Australia, Europe and the United States, and each “will feature over 1,000 3D printed parts and extensive use of carbon fibre”. Cure Marine co-founder Dave Biggar said, “Our team has worked tirelessly to push the industry forward and to create a world-class product during the development and manufacture of this boat.”

Picture: supplied