Varley Group

24/05/2026

We were proud finalists in this Hunter Manufacturing Awards category last year, and it’s great to see Varley Group sponsoring it in 2026.

Leadership shows up in many ways. We saw that firsthand through our very talented Group People Manager, Abbie Williams, whose impact on our people and business was recognised as a finalist in this very award.

Know someone making a real impact? Now’s the time to recognise them.

We make it here, and great leadership makes it happen.

The Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership Award recognises individuals creating meaningful impact across people, processes, and business outcomes through vision, action, and influence.

From strategic growth to operational excellence, innovation to team culture, this award celebrates the leaders helping shape stronger businesses, stronger teams, and a stronger manufacturing future in our region.

Open to leaders at every level, from frontline influencers to executive decision-makers, formal roles to those who lead through passion and action.

We’re looking for individuals who:
⚙️ Inspire and motivate others
⚙️ Drive strategic growth and operational excellence
⚙️ Build strong, inclusive teams and culture
⚙️ Champion innovation, creativity, and progress
⚙️ Lead with resilience, integrity, and lasting influence

If someone in your business is making a real difference through leadership, it’s time their story was recognised.

Proudly sponsored by Varley Group.

For all the details, download the category information guide on the Excellence in Manufacturing Leadership page at hma.org.au. Applying is easy, completed online, and you can get started today.

22/05/2026

As long-time supporters of The Newcastle Show, it’s always great to look back on moments like these.

Across show weekend, the Varley Group Exhibition Centre became a vibrant hub of activity, bringing together community exhibits, interactive displays and creative experiences for visitors of all ages.

Already looking forward to continuing this partnership next year.

20/05/2026

Yesterday, the Varley team attended the 2026 Educational Pathways Program – Apprenticeship & Traineeship Pathways Explorer at Maitland Town Hall held by NSW Department of Education.

It was fantastic to connect with students, parents, carers and educators to discuss career opportunities, apprenticeships and traineeships across the Hunter Region.

We were genuinely impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and ambition shown by the students we spoke with, and we look forward to seeing many of them apply for our apprenticeship program later in the year.

Events like this play an important role in supporting the next generation of skilled workers and highlighting the exciting pathways available within Australian industry and manufacturing.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with our team.

To learn more about the Varley Apprenticeship Program, head here varleygroup.com/careers/apprentice-program

15/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Emma Wolfenden, who was announced last night as the 2026 Lawyer of the Year – Industrial, Materials & Manufacturing at the Lawyers Weekly Corporate Counsel Awards.

Emma was also named a finalist for the 2026 Excellence Award, a true “best of the best” category, and it comes as no surprise to see her recognised among such an outstanding group.

Emma’s expertise, dedication and passion play a critical role in supporting a legally complex business, while contributing to the meaningful impact we deliver in our communities.

We are incredibly proud to have Emma as part of the Varley Group team and are grateful for the contribution she makes every day, both professionally and to the culture of our organisation, especially her infectious laugh.

This recognition is so well deserved. Congratulations, Emma. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with you.

14/05/2026

A busy morning at the Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Career Expo, with plenty more to go this afternoon.

Great having the Varley Group team on the ground today including Gavin Shaw - Junior Leading Hand, Ella‑Nae Hanney - 2nd Year Apprentice Spray Painter, Catherine Sager - Group Return to Work Officer & Operational People Partner and Jessica Carlyle - Group People Coordinator sharing their experiences and connecting with future talent.

If you know someone heading in this afternoon, tell them to come by and say hello.

12/05/2026

We’re excited to be back at the Newcastle & Lake Macquarie Career Expo tomorrow.

With over 4,000 students attending, it’s an incredible opportunity to connect with the next generation exploring real career pathways.

The Varley team will be there chatting all things apprenticeships and early careers, plus giving you a taste of what a hands‑on career can look like.

If you’re heading along, come find us, have a chat, and see how you can kickstart your career with Varley.

📍 Newcastle Racecourse
🕘 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Learn more www.newcastlecareerexpo.com.au/

29/04/2026

Good luck, team!

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

A heartfelt thank you to Varley Group for your incredible support this year and in the many years before. Your continued partnership means so much, and we’re truly grateful to have you alongside us on this football journey🦅

09/04/2026

Congratulations to Jeff Honniball on his appointment to the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board.

Jeff’s industry leadership and experience will be a real asset to HMA as it continues to support and celebrate manufacturing excellence across the region.

Varley Group is proud of its long-standing connection to the HMA, including its 2025 Hall of Fame induction, and its ongoing contribution to the Hunter manufacturing community.

Meet the HMA Team
Jeff Honniball, Chief Executive Officer – Varley Group Vehicles

This year we welcome Jeff Honniball to the 2026 Hunter Manufacturing Awards Board, bringing with him over 25 years of diverse leadership experience across pharmaceutical, retail, and manufacturing sectors.

Jeff has a strong track record in supply chain, operational leadership, and large-scale project delivery.

With six national engineering and manufacturing businesses under his leadership, Jeff brings a depth of real-world industry knowledge that will strengthen everything the Board does this year.

To learn more about Jeff, head to hma.org.au/our-team

30/03/2026

Newcastle International Careers Day brought together students, jobseekers and local employers with a shared goal of building real employment pathways in the Hunter region.

For Varley Group, it was an opportunity to engage directly with international students, refugees and skilled migrants, answer questions about careers in engineering and industry, and highlight the value that diverse experience and perspectives bring to the workplace.

We are proud to support initiatives that strengthen our local workforce and create opportunities for people to contribute their skills where they can make a real impact.

This initiative was led by the City of Newcastle and delivered in partnership with the The University of Newcastle, Australia, College of International Education, Business Hunter, Mosaic Multicultural Connections, Training Services NSW, genU Training, Hunter Local Jobs Program and Refugee Education Australia, with support from Study NSW.

24/03/2026

Welcoming the The University of Newcastle, Australia NU Teams Engineering Students to Varley.

We were pleased to host 13 students from the University of Newcastle’s NU Teams Program for a site tour at our Tomago facility.

NU Teams supports motivated engineering students through real‑world, hands‑on design and build projects, and it was great to give them a look at how Varley contributes to the future of engineering in the Hunter region.

The up‑and‑coming engineers toured our site with Wayne Moy, General Manager, EMC Electric vehicles (Varley Group). They were able to see a range of interesting projects in action and took the chance to ask plenty of questions along the way. Their curiosity and interest in the different pathways available within our industry made the visit all the more enjoyable.

We always value the opportunity to spend time with the next generation of engineers and give them a feel for what real work in a real engineering environment looks like.

We look forward to welcoming future student groups and continuing our connection with the University of Newcastle.