Discover Inside Industry
Inside Industry is where heavy industry, STEM education, and tourism collide in the most exciting way!
Just south of Wollongong, Inside Industry isn’t just another destination—it’s a unique and real-life experience that brings together history, cutting-edge technology, and sustainable innovation. Imagine exploring the gritty, fascinating world of Port Kembla’s industrial heritage, while also getting a sneak peek at the exciting new technologies that make this place tick. Our big mission? To connect and engage with the community while showcasing the vibrant industries that define the Illawarra region.
Our tours and educational programs are packed with hands-on experiences that take you right into the heart of industrial processes. Whether you’re a student eyeing a future in robotics or renewable energy, a teacher or career advisor, or someone looking to understand the benefit of local industry and clean energy products, Inside Industry promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you inspired. From the power of steel and coal to the future of renewable energy, our tailored tours are your backstage pass to the region’s evolving industries. Come inside and discover it all!
Come inside and experience it all
Our Board
Courtney West (Chair)
As a KPMG Partner, Courtney provides taxation, compliance and business services to a range of clients across the Illawarra. With over 25 years of experience, Courtney brings insights to help her clients and team grow and succeed. Courtney is an alumni of the University of Wollongong & the Sydney Business School’s Leadership Program and was admitted as a Chartered Accountant in 2003.
Graeme Gulloch (Secretary)
Graeme Gulloch has been involved with Australia’s Industry World Ltd since 1994. With a passion for the region and the role industry plays in its identity and economy, he has been an enduring advocate for the link between industry and the community that Inside Industry provides. Graeme’s professional experience in strategic stakeholder engagement, business planning and strategy, marketing and communications and grant-funding support the organisation.
Dave Bell (Treasurer)
Dave is an industry advisor and former General Manager Manufacturing at BlueScope Steel Australian Steel Products. He has held executive and senior executive roles at BlueScope since 2003. Dave has over 40 years’ experience in the Iron & Steel industry with extensive experience in manufacturing, safety systems, process improvement, industrial relations and community and stakeholder engagement.
Peter Corkish
Peter has a long and rich experience in employee/employer relations and has a background as an extensive practitioner with managerial experience in heavy industry, including Industrial Relations, Employee Relations, Personnel, Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. He was admitted as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW and holds a large number of qualifications in areas of industrial law.
Nicki McNamara
Nicki is an Australian Legal Practitioner with experience in commercial, business and taxation law. Nicki has broad business and corporate experience in multiple capacities - as a professional adviser to businesses, companies, and not-for-profit organisations.
Ray Tolhurst
Initially, a Blast Furnace metallurgical trainee. Ray’s TAFE career included Teacher of Metallurgy and Mining at Wollongong, Deputy Principal Dubbo, Principal at Armidale and Lithgow and Director of Studies, Illawarra Institute. A casual lecturer/tutor at UOW and member of the International Society of Mining Professors, he is also Deputy Chair of Inside Industry and the Deputy Chair of the Illawarra Branch of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Bill Wilkins B.Sc (Hons)
Bill’s career has been in heavy industry, mostly in the steel business. His roles at BlueScope have included melter, manager steelmaking, manager strategic planning and Vice President Finance. Bill joined the Inside Industry Board in 2006 and currently chairs BlueScopeWIN Community Partners Program.
Craig Nealon
Craig is the Communications and Community Manager at BlueScope and provides valuable connectivity between Inside Industry and BlueScope management. He has extensive experience with External Affairs, Communications, Training and Development and Engineering backgrounds within the steel industry and additional experience in production, research marketing and generalist HR.
Amber Waldron
Amber has a background in corporate affairs and has worked in the industries of mining and manufacturing for more than 15 years. As the Government and Community Relations Manager at BlueScope, Amber has extensive experience in corporate communications, government relations, strategic stakeholder engagement, media and issues management.
As a passionate advocate for the region, she intends to continue to strengthen the link between industry and the local communities through effective engagement and forming sustainable industry partnerships.
As a passionate advocate for the region, she intends to continue to strengthen the link between industry and the local communities through effective engagement and forming sustainable industry partnerships.
Our Management Team
Stuart Barnes
Stuart operates the ‘Stuart Barnes- Venues and Events’ consultancy. From 1997 to 2016, Stuart was the General Manager of Wollongong’s WIN Sports and Entertainment Centres (WSEC), including the 6000-seat WIN Entertainment Centre and the 23,000-capacity WIN Stadium. Stuart holds the Certified Facilities Executive with the International Association of Venue Managers. In 2013 – 15 he undertook a Graduate Diploma in Public Administration at the University of Sydney – completing a research project in ‘Viable Regional Venues’.
Nikki McCarthy Hicks
With 30 years of diverse industry experience, Nikki has cultivated extensive business knowledge and acumen. Over the past two years as Manager at Inside Industry, Nikki has built strong relationships with key industry stakeholders and demonstrated our ability to bridge the gap between industry and community. Nikki brings a balanced blend of industry knowledge and connections, coupled with a strong desire to educate our community about the significant work being done and the economic benefits our local industry brings to the Illawarra.
Tamsin Elliott (Customer service Officer)
With over 35 years of experience in hospitality and service, Tamsin has a wealth of knowledge and exceptional organisational skills that she brings to the role at Inside Industry. Her energy and enthusiasm are great assets in planning events and tours to create memorable experiences for our guests. Tamsin enjoys the differing dynamics each day brings and the diversity of the guests she works with.