From Local to National: Collaboration Will Power Australia’s Net Zero Future
Net Z(ed) emerged from a region preparing for a decarbonised future— they're now ready to collaborate, support, and work with others on this journey, too.
That Net Z(ed) Genesis
Hunter Region, NSW
The Hunter, a powerhouse in Australia’s energy economy, boasts a rich history in manufacturing and a strong national and international reputation for innovation in education.
As the region looks ahead, it is thinking deeply—and collectively—about its role in a decarbonised Australia. With growing competition for skilled workers, the solution lies in engaging young people early—connecting them with real-world learning experiences and career pathways that align with Hunter and Australia’s Net Zero goals.
By uniting industry, government, and education to support teachers in delivering the Net Zero story in classrooms, the Hunter is not only shaping its own future but is also ready to collaborate with other cities and regions, helping them build the networks to deliver skilled, Net Zero-ready workforces for the decades ahead.
Foundation Collaborators
Over the past twenty years, the Hunter region has evolved into a well-developed ecosystem that actively supports and advocates for collaboration, research, education, innovation and a strong economy.
The Net Z(ed) Foundation Collaborators embody these values, demonstrating a strong commitment to working together to prepare the region for its Net Zero future while also being prepared to support others across Australia on their journey towards decarbonisation.
Meet our Foundation Collaborators
NSW Department of Education | STEM Enrichment
The NSW Department of Education, through its STEM Enrichment Team, is a key Foundation Collaborator for Net Z(ed), ensuring that education remains at the core of the program.
The team provides expert advice and guidance on curriculum alignment, learning resource development, and classroom integration, ensuring all materials meet educational standards and compliance requirements.
Beyond STEM, the team also plays an important role in introducing Net Z(ed) into other syllabus areas, helping to embed Net Zero education across the education continuum.
Regional Workforce Transition
The Hunter and Surrounds Regional Workforce Transition Team from the Australian Government’s Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is a key Foundation Collaborator for Net Z(ed).
The Hunter and Surrounds team plays a vital role in advocating for the Hunter region’s emerging Net Zero industries while developing and supporting long-term workforce transition strategies, support networks, and programs, such as Net Z(ed). Their commitment ensures that the region’s workforce, now and into the future, is equipped with the skills, opportunities, and resources needed to thrive in a decarbonised economy.
Trailblazer Recycling & Clean Energy
Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE) is moving clean energy and recycling technologies out of the lab into Australian manufacturing. Delivered by UNSW Sydney and the University of Newcastle and supported by the Australian Government, TRaCE aims to partner with and support industry, research and education partners to fast-track the energy transition. By creating a new and lasting ecosystem of support, TRaCE will help develop and scale commercially viable products, ensure we have the critical skills to manufacture them in Australia, and reduce carbon emissions.
As a Foundation Collaborator, TRaCE supports Net Z(ed) by advising on learning resources, activating industry connections, and providing insights into education and career pathways—helping bridge the gap between classrooms and the clean energy workforce.
The University of Newcastle
With a long history in the Hunter region, the University of Newcastle has been a key driver of education, research, and innovation, supporting the energy industries that have shaped the region.
Today, the University is at the forefront of research and workforce transition, leading advancements at both a technical and social level to support the Hunter and Australia's shift to a Net Zero future.
As a Foundation Collaborator for Net Z(ed), the University plays a vital role in contributing expertise, fostering collaboration, and ensuring education remains closely connected to the evolving needs of industry and the clean energy economy.
Committee For The Hunter
The Committee for the Hunter is the region’s leading independent advocate for economic growth, innovation, and opportunity. Representing business, industry, government, and community interests, the Committee drives strategic collaboration and investment to position the Hunter as a leader in Australia’s Net Zero transition.
As a Foundation Collaborator for Net Z(ed), the Committee not only champions partnerships that connect education with industry but also advocate for a strong youth voice in shaping the region’s future—ensuring young people have a seat at the table and the skills to drive a thriving, decarbonised economy.
Business Hunter
Business Hunter is the region’s clear and trusted voice for business, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing local industries. As the leading advocate for businesses navigating economic transitions, Business Hunter ensures that the realities of industry are considered when shaping and sharing the Hunter’s Net Zero story.
As a Foundation Collaborator for Net Z(ed), Business Hunter helps bridge the conversation between business, education, and government—ensuring young people understand the evolving workforce landscape and the skills needed to see them thrive in their local Net Zero economy.
Connect and Collaborate
Next Steps: Collaboration
Net Z(ed) is expanding its network and ecosystem to support cities, regions, and teachers across Australia in bringing Australia’s Net Zero story—from local to national—to life in classrooms.
If you are an organisation or institution from industry, government, universities, advocacy groups, education systems, or a regional changemaker ready to collaborate, share knowledge, and support the next generation in becoming Net Zero-ready, we want to hear from you.
Let’s connect to discuss your transition and Net Zero workforce development goals and explore how we can collaborate and help each other.
