ICN Victoria today celebrates 40 years of supporting local Victorian businesses and workers.
Since its founding in 1984 as the Industry Supply Office (ISO), ICN Victoria has supported local businesses through supply chain intelligence and facilitating government and industry networks, and connected thousands of local suppliers with major projects, ensuring the sustained growth of Victoria’s manufacturing, construction, renewable energy, and advanced technology.
Nick Foa, CEO, ICN Victoria, said the organisation had played a critical role in shaping Victoria and supporting the delivery of signature projects that define the state, including the MCG redevelopment, Southern Cross Station, and the State Library.
“Over the last decade alone, it’s contributed more than $3 billion in economic value to the state, worked with 30,000 small businesses, and helped generate some 256,000 new jobs.
“As the Victorian economy has evolved from a manufacturing, textiles and automotive focus in the early 1980s to what we see today – including advanced manufacturing, medtech, and renewable energy generation – ICN Victoria has evolved with it.
“Today ICN Victoria has more than 54,000 businesses in its network and a team of specialist advisers working across industry sectors, including renewable energy, housing, construction, advanced manufacturing, and medtech and biotech as well as Victoria’s key regional hubs –Ballarat, Geelong, Northern Victoria and Gippsland.
“It continues to support local jobs and workers by connecting them to major projects, such as the New Schools Program 2018-2026, Victoria’s Big Build, Victorian Renewable Reverse Auction Scheme, Suburban Rail loop, and North East Link Project.
Tim Piper, Chair, ICN Victoria, said the organisation was well-placed to continue to play a pivotal role in supporting Victoria’s future economic growth.
“By 2050, our state will be home to more than ten million people, with eight million forecast to live in Melbourne and more than two million in regional Victoria, and ICN Victoria will continue to be a key driver of economic activity and local employment.
“In an increasingly technologically driven future that seeks to renew our sovereign industrial capability, there is a real opportunity for Victoria to build on its heritage as the home of Australian innovation.
“And ICN Victoria has a vital role to play in enabling local businesses and workers to drive progress, create new products and services that improve lives, address societal challenges and boost prosperity and productivity for all Victorians.
ICN Victoria will host a 40th anniversary celebratory event on Tuesday, 22 October 2024, at the State Library of Victoria’s Conversation Quarter with The Hon. Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry, and other industry leaders.