New manufacturing minister named by returned WA government 

The Western Australian government has made a major cabinet reshuffle after being returned at the March 8 election, with former health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson (pictured) overseeing a newly-made manufacturing portfolio. In a statement on Tuesday, premier Roger Cook said the new portfolios – including manufacturing, health infrastructure, preventative health, and aged care and seniors –…

12 WA startups awarded $736,157 in grants

Grants have been announced for 12 companies under the Western Australian government’s Innovation Booster Grant (IBG) and Commercialisation Bridge Grant (CBG) programs. Funding totalling $736,157 was announced on Monday by state innovation minister Stephen Dawson, made up of $380,157 to 10 IBG recipients and $356,000 to two CBG recipients. IBG funding is aimed at early-stage…

WA government contributes $340,000 to Gemco’s Forrestfield railcar factory upgrade

The Western Australian government has awarded a $340,000 grant to Gemco Rail through the Local Manufacturing Investment Fund, which will support upgrades to the company’s Forrestfield factory. According to a statement from Stephen Dawson, WA assisting minister for industry development, the modernisation investments will help the company deliver 40 iron ore rail wagons to BHP.…

ARYZTA, SDR Engineering to expand with help from regional development grants

Food manufacturer ARYZTA and engineering services company SDR Engineering are among Peel region companies awarded grants through Round 7 of the Western Australian Regional Economic Development Grants program. Grants worth $1.17 million under the program were announced by state regional development minister Don Punch on Thursday at the Mandurah Indoor Rock Climbing Centre, which was…

WA winery awarded $225,000 grant for production of low- and no-alcohol wines

The Western Australian government has announced $1.13 million in funding for nine projects under round seven of the Regional Economic Development Grants program, including to Rockcliffe Winery to assist in production of low- and zero-alcohol wine. According to a statement from regional development minister Don Punch on Tuesday, Rockliffe was awarded $225,000 to help purchase…

WA attempts to lift venture capital record with $30 million co-investment program

The Western Australian government is attempting to improve its venture capital ecosystem, currently ranked second-last among all Australian jurisdictions, through a $30 million initiative intended to lure global VC funds to invest in the state. According to a description on the state government’s website, the Western Australian Venture Capital (WAVC) Initiative is open to firms…

Best of the week — the five most popular stories among readers, July 8 – July 12, 2024

What were the five biggest stories of the week? Here’s what visitors to @AuManufacturing were reading. 5) Magnetite secures Japanese support for green iron project Magnetite Mines has secured Japanese financial support for its plans to develop a massive green iron ore mine and potential green iron or steel production near Port Pirie in South Australia. The…