Manufacturers’ Monthly was in attendance at SEMMA’s gala dinner in which the organisation celebrated its 20th year serving the South East of Melbourne.
The South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA) got its start 20 years ago and the story has taken on a life of its own in the years after. Whilst many of its founding members disagree whether it was over a breakfast or a dinner, they do know it was born from the South East Business Network (SEBN) after identifying a need to better support local manufacturers and protecting rail manufacturing.
Sandra George is the Manager at the SEBN and is the Secretary at SEMMA and she spoke about how SEMMA was born over 20 years ago.
“At the annual dinner in 2002 for SEBN, discussions were had on protecting the rolling stock industry that was under threat at the time and how we could better protect it,” she said.
“Taking on board the concerns raised, then CEO of Greater Dandenong Council, Warwick Heine (through SEBN) sought interest in creating a local Manufacturing Association to be the ‘voice of local SME manufacturers’.”
The manufacturing interest in this initiative was strong, with a small group of businesses, facilitated and supported by council, taking the lead on designing and creating the South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance (SEMMA), becoming incorporated in early 2003.
The organisation has now grown to more than 200 members with a combined total of employees exceeding 16,000 across those companies.
SEMMA CEO Honi Walker opened the event outlining the humble beginnings of the alliance and celebrated what it has become.
“If we look at the Victorian manufacturing landscape back in 2003, there was every chance it was thought of as dirty, dumb, and dangerous,” she said.
“Due to earlier government decisions, we’d lost our tech schools and, as the recruiting ground for manufacturers – this also affected our supply of qualified tradespeople, engineers, welders and general factory staff as students were directed to universities, retail or hospitality.”
“Major Australian manufacturing sectors (footwear, fashion, light consumer goods) went offshore for financial reasons and the age of mass consumerism and the internet changed our buying habits,” she said.
Walker went on to detail how manufacturing in the South East of Melbourne bounced back from this.
“After surviving a global pandemic and breaks in our international supply chains, the Australian Federal Government realised we needed to bring back manufacturing,” she explained.
“Our ‘Sovereign Capabilities’ were suddenly a feature of Minister’s statements and departmental directives,” Walker said
She went on to explain how SEMMA has become a voice for South East Melbourne and changed the thinking behind modern manufacturing.
“Manufacturing is now smart, secure and sustainable,” Walker said.
“The next twenty years for SEMMA will be focused on assisting our members to be part of the new technology growth areas of Ai, robotics, automation and assist them to connect and collaborate with their peers and government while ensuring a pipeline of qualified staff is developed.”
“SEMMA will assist our members to seek new avenues in defence and space, transport, health technologies, digital and advanced technologies, and food manufacturing as well as import replacement and export markets and the burgeoning sector of renewable energy. ”
SEMMA took the opportunity at the event to honour its founding members with each receiving a trophy commemorating the commitment they had made to the alliance.
“The members and the team at SEMMA wishes to express our gratitude and appreciation for the founding members who established this remarkable alliance back in 2003,” Walker said.
“Their collaborative spirit and commitment to advancing the manufacturing industry in our region have helped shape SEMMA into the influential organisation it is today and setting a foundation that continues to benefit the entire manufacturing community,” she said.
SEMMA president Peter Angelico from ABECK Group spoke of what manufacturing will look like moving froward.
“Manufacturing holds immense significance for the Australian economy, it contributes significantly to employment, exports, and innovation,” he said.
“The manufacturing sector employs a substantial workforce, providing skilled and stable jobs to thousands of Australians. It also drives economic growth through its supply chains, creating opportunities for various sectors, such as logistics, technology, and services.”
“Moreover, manufacturing plays a pivotal role in Australia’s export industry. The sector produces high-quality goods that are in demand globally, generating substantial export revenue and fostering international trade relationships.”
“Australian-made products are recognised for their excellence, reliability, and adherence to stringent quality standards, giving the country a competitive edge in the global marketplace,” Angelico said.
Angelico went on to explain how SEMMA supports manufacturers in the south east.
“The founding members of SEMMA recognised the crucial aspects of manufacturing and understood the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenges faced by the industry,” he said.
“Through their efforts, SEMMA has become a driving force, advocating for the manufacturing sector’s interests, facilitating networking and knowledge sharing, and offering support to businesses,” Angelico said.
He went on to praise the organisation for its hard work and dedication.
“SEMMA owes its success to the dedication and vision of its founding members. Their recognition of the importance of manufacturing to the Australian economy has paved the way for SEMMA’s crucial role in supporting the sector’s growth and development.”
“Manufacturing continues to be a vital industry in Australia, providing employment, driving exports, and fostering innovation, making it an integral part of the nation’s economic landscape.”