Latest news from NORTH Link
Victorian State Budget 2023-24 announced
The Victorian State Budget 2023-24 was handed down on the afternoon of 23 May 2023 by Treasurer Tim Pallas. It is a budget focusing on debt recovery rather than business resilience or growth and much of the burden of debt recovery will be borne by Victorian...
Future Workforce Report – NORTH Link NMSIR 2023
Click here to download the Future Workforce Report - NORTH Link NMSIR 2023
NORTH Link’s 2023/24 Pre-Budget Submission: Unlocking the potential in Melbourne’s North
NORTH Link has submitted comprehensive pre-budget arguments for economic opportunities in Melbourne’s North that will collectively create more than 50,000 jobs and improve the region’s education, health and transport networks. One in five Melburnians live in...
Assistive Technology Cluster – Co-design Workshops
NORTH Link's Assistive Technology Cluster project, which brings manufacturers and health providers together across Melbourne's north to strengthen Australia's assistive technology design and manufacturing capability, kicked off a series of co-design workshops with our...
Women in Business Leadership Training Program
NORTH Link and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions proudly offer Leadership Victoria's Women in Business Leadership Training Program, designed to support local women in Melbourne's north with senior leadership aspirations.Learn how to: enhance your...
Go North: Supporting the creation of 50,000 jobs – Melbourne’s North Advocacy Priorities
Transformational projects set to create roughly 50,000 new jobs are at the heart of NORTH Link’s pre-election advocacy campaign Go North: Opportunity Awaits. Key targets include the health and transport sectors and future-proofing growing communities across...
NORTH Link’s Digital Innovation Festival event
NORTH Link's North and West Melbourne Data Analytics Hub hosted an event for the Victorian Government's Digital Innovation Festival on 6 September at The Oxford Scholar. Keynote speaker Max Downey from nbn showed attendees how nbn use data analytics to provide...
Future Workforce 2022 Report: Action necessary to avoid a lost generation
A new report by NORTH Link shows that concerted action for skills and employment is required to avoid a “lost generation”, says Chris James, Executive Director of NORTH Link. This major report is called Future Workforce – Melbourne’s North 2022-2032. It was compiled...
Exclusive factory tour of Integra Systems
Integra Systems, NORTH Link partner and recent 2022 Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards winner, opened its doors for an exclusive tour of its factory in Broadmeadows, in collaboration with NORTH Link and its Melbourne’s North Advanced Manufacturing...
Caravan Industry Trade Show
NORTH Link partnered with Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV) to hold a caravan manufacturers employment forum in conjunction with the CIV Trade Day held at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields on Monday 8 August. Approximately 20 exhibitors and 160 members attended the CIV Trade...
Caravan Jobs Program is delivering real jobs
Participants have now entered Phase 2 of the recent Caravan Jobs training program intake in Melbourne's north at the Alphington work site. The Real Jobs, Right Now program is a partnership between NORTH Link and Caravan Industry Victoria, funded by Jobs Victoria, and...
NORTH Link’s JVES and Caravan Industry Project team assisted 80 jobseekers at Melbourne Jobs Fair 2022
NORTH Link’s Jobs Victoria Employment Service (JVES) team and Caravan Industry Project Team recently attended the 2022 Melbourne Jobs Fair which was supported by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment The JVES team had a very productive day assisting...
Registrations now open for September NBAAs
NORTH Link’s third Northern Business Achievement Awards breakfast for 2022 is being held on Thursday 1 September. The speaker is Rob Lucas, Group Chief Executive at Caravan Industry Victoria. We are looking forward to another morning of networking and celebrating the...
Vale Jane Garrett MP
We note the recent sad news regarding the passing of the Hon Jane Garrett MLC. Jane was a friend of NORTH Link and Melbourne’s North, having served as the Member for Brunswick and also Mayor of the City of Yarra. Jane was always positive and approachable and keen to...
What we learned from the recent COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey
In May 2022, NORTH Link surveyed its partners to measure the economic impact and the progress of their economic recovery following COVID-19.The results showed that 78% of businesses experienced a downturn and 67% faced staff shortages. To combat these shortages, 25%...
Major win for Melbourne’s North in 2022 Federal Budget – NORTH Link welcomes Budget boost for key road and freight projects
Melbourne’s north is set to benefit from key election promises released this week by the Federal Government. The advocacy work of NORTH Link and other key stakeholders in Melbourne’s North and West is paying off, with a major freight and roads announcement ahead of...
NORTH Link events back in full swing
What a week! Our face-to-face events are back in full swing and we've really enjoyed getting out into the community, with three big events to kick off the year. ➡️ In partnership with Hume City Council, we launched the Women in Leadership pilot program...
Caravan Industry Real Jobs, Right Now onto it’s fourth intake
NORTH Link’s Real Jobs, Right Now program continues to assist the fast-growing caravan manufacturing and service industry to fill permanent vacancies while providing employment opportunities for local jobseekers. Fifteen participants were selected into the...
Melbourne’s northern businesses shine at NBAA Grand Finale
Government, education, health and industry recognise business excellence at 2021 Northern Business Achievement Awards. NORTH Link and partners hosted the 2021 Northern Business Achievement Awards Grand Finale online event on Thursday 2 December. Industry leaders and...
Remaining restrictions lifted as Victoria reaches Phase D of the National Plan
As Victoria hits the 90% double dose milestone for eligible people, the Victorian Government has announced nearly all remaining restrictions will be lifted statewide for fully vaccinated people from 11:59pm, Thursday 18 November – reaching Phase D of the National...
‘Recipe of the Day’ App a Delicious Reminder of the Value of Data Analytics
Melbourne’s North Food Group partner and local food manufacturer Marisa’s Kitchen has been operating as a pre-packaged food business since 2005, providing a selection of gourmet products and meals across Australia. Although already catering to over 100,00 customers,...
Caravan jobs project a win-win for the region – a win for industry and for jobseekers
NORTH Link is pleased to announce our new Growth Sector Jobs: Caravans project. Funded by the Victorian Government and offered in partnership with Caravan Industry Victoria, the project will assist the fast-growing caravan manufacturing and service industry to fill...
Turning data into impact: Inner North Community Foundation invests in new app to support community change
Using expertise provided through the North and West Melbourne Data Analytics Hub, the Inner North Community Foundation can now harness data to improve, connect and promote social inclusion in Melbourne’s inner north. For many businesses, data is one of the most...
NORTH Link joins forces with Northern Health to provide further vaccination information for Melbourne’s North
We understand that the last 18 months have been extremely challenging for local businesses. According to the Victorian Government, a critical step to getting out of lockdown is to ensure as many people seeking a vaccine are vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible....
Digital jobs program will boost Victoria’s digital capabilities
The Digital Jobs program The Digital Jobs program is a $64 million investment from the Victorian Government to improve the digital capabilities of people and businesses. The program aims to meet evolving workforce needs by training people in high-demand digital...
Out of the cold and into the future
AustraCold: Out of the cold and into the future While the last 18 months have been testing for everyone, some businesses have gone the extra mile to ensure that excellent customer service and staff wellbeing continue to be a priority. MNFG partner AustraCold is...
NBAA nominee Softmed combats worldwide shortage of sterilisation wrap
NBAA nominee Softmed combats worldwide shortage of sterilisation wrap Each year our Northern Business Achievement Awards allow us to recognise and celebrate outstanding businesses within our region. Softmed is one of those businesses. Nominated by Hume City...
Curfew, work permits and extended lockdown for metropolitan Melbourne
Melbourne lockdown extended, curfew introduced Due to the ongoing level of community transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria, the current lockdown across Melbourne will be extended and a curfew will be put in place across metropolitan Melbourne. As of 11.59pm tonight a...
Gaining new skills while serving the community
Gaining new skills while serving the community NORTH Link’s Northern Industry Student Placement Program didn’t just give Elisabeth Hare the opportunity to complete a rewarding project. It improved her employability, increased her confidence and gave her a great...
Latest COVID-19 restriction update: 5 August
Victoria enters 7-day lockdown Due to the COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours – suspected to be the highly infectious Delta variant – Victoria will enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days. From 8:00pm Thursday 5 August: There will be five reasons to leave...
Latest Victorian Business Support Package announcement
Latest Victorian Business Support Package announcement A new jointly funded package from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments will give Victorian SMEs the extra support and confidence they need to recover from the recent lockdown. The package will deliver...
Victoria’s state-wide lockdown lifted
The Victorian Government has announced the state-wide lockdown will be lifted tonight. A range of COVID-19 restrictions will ease across Victoria from 11.59pm Tuesday 27 July including: 5km travel ban lifted masks still mandatory everywhere except for private...
Investing In Research To Grow Our Agriculture Sector
A Victorian Government funding boost will back La Trobe University to develop cutting-edge food and agriculture research for the benefit of industry now and in the future. Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas was at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus today to...
Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions
From 11.59pm Thursday 17 June, the 25km travel limit will be removed and travel between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria will resume. Other restriction changes include: Metropolitan Melbourne: two visitors allowed in the home no masks required outdoors,...
Technology x Society Forum – Swinburne and La Trobe University
Swinburn's Social Innovation Research Institute and La Trobe University have come together to deliver a Technology forum. 12.00PM 1.30PM AEST TUESDAY 15 JUNE 2021 Register here The impact of technology on our society is one of the defining challenges and...
Important update about 7 day circuit breaker restrictions
New COVID-19 restrictions have been announced in response to a growing number of cases in Melbourne's northern suburbs and beyond. Victoria will move to circuit breaker restrictions from 11:59pm 27 May. These settings will remain in place until 11:59pm on 3 June....
Additional COVIDSafe Measures To Keep Victorians Safe
The Victorian Government has announced four new local cases of COVID-19 in Melbourne's northern suburbs and have identified 10 new Tier 1 exposure sites. Anyone who has visited a Tier 1 exposure site during the times listed must immediately isolate, get a COVID-19...
Victorian State Budget
The Victorian State Budget has addressed a number of infrastructure needs we have highlighted in our Northern Horizons infrastructure document and also the North West Melbourne City Deal proposal: $101m to deliver world-class facilities for Matildas, Football Victoria...
Federal Budget 2021: NORTH Link welcomes road and freight commitments for Melbourne’s North
NORTH Link welcomes road and freight commitments for Melbourne’s North announced in last night’s Federal Budget. They are: Melbourne Intermodal Terminal delivery — $4bn. Total federal funding: $2bn Melbourne Intermodal Terminal planning and development — Total federal...
$60m Investment in Kangan Broadmeadows redevelopment (Health Centre for Excellence)
Kangan Institute's Broadmeadows campus will receive a $60m boost towards stage one of its redevelopment as a part of the 2021/22 Victorian State Budget. The funding will see the construction of a Health and Community Centre of Excellence beginning at the end of this...
NORTH Link and Melbourne’s North Food Group talk manufacturing renaissance on ABC Radio
You can listen to NORTH Link's Chair, Linc Horton, and Executive Director, Chris James talk about a manufacturing renaissance on ABC Radio with Margaret McLelland from Melbourne's North Food Group on the ABC website. Listen here:...
La Trobe’s new $23m science and technology metacentre
La Trobe's new $23m science and technology metacentreThis first half of 2021 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting time in Melbourne's north. A range of initiatives have been put in motion to tackle and strengthen the region’s economy, including growth in...
La Trobe School of Cancer Medicine: Medicinal cannabis for Australian clinical trial
Cann Group supplies medicinal cannabis for Australian clinical trial assessing quality of life impacts for advanced cancer patients La Trobe School of Cancer Medicine (comprising Cann Group Limited and the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute) and Austin...
Accessing the Northern Business Achievement Awards
You can attend the event by clicking here. How to enter the event Use your laptop/computer to access the event. Use Google Chrome to access the event. You can download Chrome here. Click on the 'Access the event' button below. Ensure you are logged into the platform...
La Trobe University Public Health students available
La Trobe University are looking for Community Health organisations willing to host undergraduate or masters level Public Health students on a placement. Key topics of knowledge the students have from their degree include: Systems thinking Understanding how the systems...
La Trobe Careers presentations and Industry mentoring program
La Trobe Careers presentations and Career Options panels Are you looking to promote any current or future job opportunities to graduates? In March 2021, La Trobe University is running a series of virtual 45- minute Careers Showcase employer sessions for employers to...
NORTH Link in 2020
This is a video detailing just a few of the achievements of NORTH Link in 2020.
Melbourne’s northern businesses celebrated in NBAA Grand Finale
NORTH Link and partners hosted the 2020 Northern Business Achievement Awards Grand Finale online event on Thursday 3 December. Industry leaders and local government from six municipalities in Melbourne’s north attended the online event that recognised...
Melbourne’s north post COVID-19 infrastructure and jobs plan released
Key messages Northern Horizons 2020 - a jobs and infrastructure plan post COVID-19 Severely affected region in terms of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements Economic confidence and jobs urgently needed Rapid growth –...
New City Deal aims to create 300,000 jobs in Melbourne’s North and West
Melbourne’s North and West have joined forces in an unprecedented, unified call for a 20-year program of projects and investment. One in 12 Australians and one in three Victorians live in this region, underpinning its significance to the state and national economy....
Northern Business Achievement Awards August 2020
The Northern Business Achievement Awards returned on 6 August for the event’s first ever appearance online as a live stream. The restrictions caused by COVID-19 did not deter our business community from jumping online and showing their support for our industry in...
Vital government support for businesses in lock down
More survival support for Victorian businesses The Victorian Government recently announced more support for businesses suffering under new Stage 3 Restrictions. The $534 million Business Support Package will be provided to more than 80,000 eligible businesses that can...
Melbourne’s North Food Group July COVID-19 Update
The State Government's decision to lockdown specific suburbs to curve the spike of COVID-19 cases is tough, but let’s hope it's the right one. We hope the localised lockdowns gives us a chance to avoid a state-wide shutdown. We understand the impact that restrictions...
Fast-track innovation in your business: host a Master of Engineering student
La Trobe University is providing you with the opportunity to bring a skilled Master of Engineering student into your workplace to complete a project that brings value to your business. The student could help resolve a business issue, or research and develop a new...
La Trobe Leadership modules
La Trobe University Leadership Development Modules In response to this challenging period, La Trobe University would like to offer some support to NORTH Link business owners and staff by way of access to a fully online and free of charge leadership development program...
COVID-19 business information and support
COVID-19 business information and supportDear partners and friends of NORTH Link, We’ll keep you updated with information that will help support your business as we all experience the impact of COVID-19. Our close partnerships with industry, government, education and...
NORTH Link social media presentation series
NORTH Link social media seriesNORTH Link have partnered with the Melbourne Innovation Centre to bring you a series of workshops about social media, the ins and outs of each platform and some tips on how to get started.Seminar scheduleSocial media 101 Thursday 26...
Unitemps recognises excellence in student placement
La Trobe Business School MBA student Gopal Agarwal was named Unitemps NISPP Placement Student of the Year at the 2019 Northern Business Achievement Awards, held 5 December 2019.
COSP 2020
China Opportunities Seminar Program Organised by La Trobe University, NORTH Link and Melbourne’s North Food Group. Comprises four seminars, high-quality forums and one capstone event – the 2nd Melbourne’s North Food & Beverage Expo (you could participate as an...
NBAA 2019 media release
Melbourne’s northern businesses celebrated in NBAA finale Government, education, health and industry recognise business excellence at 2019 Northern Business Achievement Awards. NORTH Link and partners hosted the 2019 Northern Business Achievement Awards Grand Finale...
Federal Government commits to developing North West Melbourne City Deal
NORTH Link strongly supports and welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement that it has committed to a North West Melbourne City Deal. The announcement comes as a direct result of ongoing advocacy by NORTH Link and its regional partners including the seven...
NORTH Link Innovation Series – Tour of CSIRO Lab 22
On Tuesday 19 February, we had the pleasure of facilitating a tour of the CSIRO Lab 22 3D printing facilities. More than 40 guests attended, from CEOs to students, representing the manufacturing industry to education to logistics. 3D printing is important because it...
Infrastructure investment needed to fulfil potential of Melbourne’s north
New Melbourne’s North Regional Investment Strategy and Prospectus: Infrastructure investment needed to fulfil potential of Melbourne’s North Melbourne’s North is growing rapidly with enormous investment potential but requires increased infrastructure spending by...
Bring new knowledge and expertise into your business
let a tertiary student complete a workplace project for you over summer or in 2019 Northern Industry Student Placement Program (NISPP) connects local businesses with tertiary students from La Trobe University and RMIT University so that businesses benefit from new...
Melbourne’s North Regional Investment Strategy and Prospectus 2018
Melbourne’s North is growing rapidly with enormous investment potential but requires increased infrastructure spending by State and Federal Governments, according to a new report. The Melbourne’s North Regional Investment Strategy and Prospectus was developed by the...
Two Melbourne’s North VET providers in Asian top 50 lists
Congratulations to Melbourne Polytechnic and Bendigo Kangan Institute, which have been named two of the best vocational colleges in the Asia Pacific region. Melbourne Polytechnic was ranked 21st out of 50 colleges across the region at the 2018 Education Forum for...
Reduce your energy costs and greenhouse emissions
- Host an RMIT University student to undertake free comprehensive research for your business RMIT University’s School of Engineering is seeking companies to host energy-reduction research projects on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse...
RMIT food technology students need placement in industry
- they'll bring new skills, expertise and enthusiasm into your business RMIT University food technology students – undergraduate and postgraduate – are seeking placements over the summer period. Below are examples of projects that students can undertake for you: 3rd...
Bring data analytics knowledge and expertise into your business
- let a La Trobe student complete a data analytic project for you over summer If your business collects data in any form – website visits, customer interactions, machine functions and more – it can be analysed to help you improve your bottom line. For example, data...
Bring new knowledge and expertise into your business
Let a Diploma of Community Services student from Kangan Institute assist with your projects (student placements of 200 hours October to December, and in 2019) NORTH Link's Northern Industry Student Placement Program (NISPP) connects local businesses with tertiary...
Australian Research Council grant success for La Trobe researchers
La Trobe University’s position as the national leader in medicinal agriculture has been recognised with La Trobe heading the $27 million initiative to host the first Industrial Transformation Research Hub in the field. The initiative combines extensive research and...
Chinese Delegation Visit – May 2018
MEDIA RELEASE - Tuesday 22 May 2018 Chinese Delegation visits major Food Expo in Preston and tours Melbourne’s North A high-level delegation from Chongqing and Beijing is currently visiting Melbourne’s north to build trade relations between the two regions,...
La Trobe University New student accommodation project – 3 May 2018
La Trobe University is embarking on an exciting new student accommodation development at its Melbourne campus in Bundoora, adding another 600 student beds. See full details...
NEWS: NORTH Link leads successful Canberra Delegation
NORTH Link led a successful delegation to Canberra to see Government and Opposition MPs between 26 and 28 March 2018. Issues raised included: Manufacturing Industry Policy Airport Rail Link North East Link Freight and Port Rail Shuttles Energy Prices and Possible...
Employers give La Trobe top marks
Professor Kerri-Lee Krause, Acting Vice-Chancellor and President is pleased to announce La Trobe University’s graduates have ranked second among Victorian universities and eighth nationally for overall satisfaction in the latest Employer Satisfaction Survey (ESS),...
New Government Initiatives for SMEs
DEDJTR’s new 'Boost Your Business' Vouchers program The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport & Resources’ (DEDJTR) new 'Boost Your Business' Vouchers aims to support Victorian SMEs to become more productive, employ more people, improve market access...
$50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package – Grant Opportunities
The Australian Government’s $50 million Export and Regional Wine Support Package aims to help transform the Australian grape and wine industry by showcasing the nation’s wine tourism offering and driving demand for Australia’s wine exports. The package and the...
NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS – Two updated funding opportunities
Round 2 of the $47.5 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund (AMGF) opens today Today the Acting Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Senator Hon Michaelia Cash announced the opening of applications for round 2 of the $47.5 million Advanced...
Student placement achievements recognised at NBAA
The achievements of NORTH Link’s Northern Industry Student Placement Program (NISPP) were recognised at the 2017 Northern Business Achievement Awards held in December. NISPP connects local businesses with tertiary students so that businesses benefit from their...
Ageing and Old-Age in Asia-Pacific
Advancing knowledge and sharing innovation in research into ageing in Asia-Pacific. Do not miss this opportunity to hear from renowned international leaders and local experts associated with ageing and old-age in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Day 1 highlights:...
$47.5 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund guidelines NOW on business.gov.au
The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Arthur Sinodinos AO released the $47.5 million Advanced Manufacturing Growth Fund guidelines on business.gov.au and announced the program will accept applications from 7 July to 14 August 2017. This program...
NORTH Link congratulates Melbourne’s North Manufacturing Hall of Fame winners
NORTH Link congratulates Melbourne’s North Manufacturing Hall of Fame winners Congratulations are due to the following Melbourne’s North companies recognised in the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame Awards held on Tuesday 9 May 2017. Manufacturer of the Year: Large...
NORTH Link Delegation to Canberra – working for Melbourne’s North and its economy
NORTH Link led a Melbourne’s North delegation to Canberra on 28-29 March 2017 and it was a great success. Delegates were drawn from the Cities of Banyule, Darebin and Hume and the Shires of Nillumbik and Mitchell (representing all 7 Councils in Melbourne’s North, La...
NORTH Link welcomes North East Link announcement
NORTH Link welcomes the Victorian Government's announcement that it will proceed with the North East Link if re-elected. "The North East Link will plug the 'missing link' in Greater Melbourne's Metropolitan Ring Road", says NORTH Link Executive Director Chris...
Major investment announcements for the North from La Trobe University and Optus
I had great pleasure today in witnessing La Trobe University and Optus announce two major investments that will take place in Melbourne's North. The first is a major 5 year agreement between La Trobe University and Optus. The Optus agreement with...
Northern Horizons – 50 Year Infrastructure Strategy for Melbourne’s North – Update 2016
Melbourne's North is destined to become a major hub for food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, health and other rising industries, creating thousands of new jobs, if the private and government sectors co-invest in much-needed job-creating infrastructure in the...
The Future Workforce: Melbourne’s North
A unique analysis of workforce and skills for Melbourne’s eight northern municipalities to the year 2025. The first to do so for a region in Australia, and is particularly vital in terms of the move away from traditional to advanced manufacturing. Developed in...
Food and Beverage Growth Plan Melbourne’s North
The Food and Beverage Growth Plan provides a detailed analysis of the food and beverage processing and distribution sector in the northern Melbourne region, covering seven local government areas. It concludes that there is a wealth of opportunity to be built on...
NORTH Link Services
NORTH Link offers helpful services to assist your business to grow and to help job-seekers and young workers in Melbourne's North. See our Services page to see how we can help you or your organisation.