Join us for a seminar in Ballarat, where we will bring together manufacturing leaders and specialists from robotics, banking, professional services and growth capital to discuss the issues affecting regional manufacturers today.
Through a series of presentations and a facilitated panel discussion, you will hear practical perspectives on:
- Today’s manufacturing landscape, emerging robotics technologies and regional businesses leading the way
- Potential Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) opportunities across robotics, automation and manufacturing innovation
- Distinguishing eligible R&D experimentation from routine implementation and production activities
- Government grants available to manufacturers and how they interact with the RDTI
- RDTI financing as a potential cash flow option
- Proposed RDTI reforms and what they may mean for manufacturers
- The Australian Business Growth Fund’s investment approach and how equity can support business growth
- A Victorian manufacturer’s firsthand experience of using equity investment to pursue growth opportunities
- Economic outlook and market insights: ANZ's perspective on current economic conditions, trends across their client base, and key developments shaping the manufacturing sector.
- The opportunities and challenges expected to shape the future of Victorian manufacturing
Victorian manufacturers are navigating a period of significant change. Developments in robotics and automation are creating new opportunities, while investment decisions, workforce obligations, funding requirements and broader economic conditions continue to shape the sector.
Following presentations, attendees are invited to continue the conversation and connect with speakers and members of the regional manufacturing community over a networking lunch and drinks.
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Date:
Wednesday, 18 November 2026 |
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Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm AEDT
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Venue: The Goods Shed Ballarat
200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350 |
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Paul Mason is CEO and a board member of Robotics Australia Group, taking on the role in May 2026. ...
A mechatronics engineer with more than 20 years' experience across product development, manufacturing and commercialisation in Australia, Asia, Europe and the US. Paul has held senior R&D and leadership roles in start-ups, SMEs and multinationals, with deep expertise in robotics, automation, Industry 4.0 adoption and smart manufacturing.
Peter de Sousa is a Senior Manager and Victorian Leader of RSM Australia's Employer Services practice. ...
He specialises in employment taxes, payroll compliance, superannuation and workforce risk, advising organisations across a broad range of industries on complex compliance, governance and transformation matters. Peter has extensive experience supporting Australian and multinational businesses through payroll reviews, remediation programs and employment tax audits.
Dr. Rita Choueiri is a Partner in RSM’s R&D Tax and Government Incentives team. ...
With a strong scientific foundation and extensive expertise in the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI), she plays a pivotal role in empowering STEM companies to secure vital tax offsets/refunds needed for continuous growth and innovation. Rita is well-versed in the intricacies of guiding manufacturing companies through the RDTI claim process, drawing on her early career as a hydro-metallurgist at BHP and almost two decades of experience advising clients across Big 4 and mid-market consulting firms.
Rosie Silk is a Senior Manager in RSM's R&D Tax and Government Incentives team. ...
With a multidisciplinary background spanning science, law and intellectual property, she specialises in helping innovative businesses access government funding and navigate the R&D Tax Incentive (RDTI). Rosie has advised companies across manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, software and energy sectors in Australia, Boston and London, providing guidance on innovation funding, incentive programs and growth strategies.
Neve is part of ABGF's investment team and focuses on deal origination. ...
She works closely with SME owners to understand their business, where they want to take it and how growth capital could help them get there, guiding them through the early stages of the investment process. Neve joined ABGF from Morgan Stanley's Investment Banking division, where she worked on IPOs, equity raisings and M&A.
Elliot is part of ABGF's investment team and partners with SMEs to assess their next stage of growth, from shaping strategy to finding operational improvements that help businesses scale. ...
He joined ABGF from L.E.K. Consulting, where he advised private equity firms and businesses of all sizes on growth strategy and due diligence, and is a trained economist who has also worked at the United Nations.
Richard is part of ANZ's Client Insights. This is a dedicated team within ANZ that prepares market leading industry insights, benchmarking and corporate finance analytics....
