The AMRF is a NSW Government initiative to accelerate innovation and support the scale-up of advanced manufacturing and critical technology capability in Australia. It is modelled on the highly successful UK Catapult and German Fraunhoffer facilities. The first AMRF facility opened in 2025 in the emerging Bradfield City in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The AMRF Board will be chaired by Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, an internationally recognised physicist who has made major contributions to superconductors, semiconductors and sensor technologies, and previously served as Australia’s ninth Chief Scientist. Dr Foley is currently a board member of AMRF’s sole shareholder, the Bradfield Development Authority, providing strong alignment and continuity of leadership in building Bradfield City’s advanced industry ecosystem.
Other members of the newly appointed AMRF Board are:
- Dr David Skellern AO, a pioneer of Wi-Fi technology with decades of leadership across semiconductors, advanced electronics and deep tech commercialisation. David is also the Chair of the Semiconductor Sector Services Bureau.
- Mark Binskin AC, retired Air Chief Marshal and former Chief of the Defence Force with extensive experience leading complex national organisations and overseeing advanced defence and aerospace capability.
- Elisabeth Mannes, a former senior executive who brings more than 35 years' experience across advanced manufacturing and supply chains, leading businesses through transformation and capability uplift to deliver sustained growth.
- Sam Matandos, Managing Director of Western Sydney-based Moxon Industries, offering over 3 decades of business expertise in building and scaling advanced manufacturing operations, brings extensive experience in precision engineering, digital transformation and SME manufacturing growth, underpinned by strong commercial acumen, board-level governance capability and a demonstrated record of leadership within the Australian advanced manufacturing sector.
- Distinguished Professor Brian Falzon, Executive Dean of Engineering, Computing and Science at Western Sydney University and an internationally recognised expert in aerospace structures and advanced composite materials, contributing a strong focus on industry–university collaboration.
- Ken Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Bradfield Development Authority.
Together, the new AMRF Board reflects the breadth of capability required to support advanced industry growth, combining global experience, deep technical expertise, and strong connections to Western Sydney’s industrial base.
The AMRF plays a central role in Bradfield City, anchoring the advanced industry ecosystem that will support future jobs and industries. The first facility is already supporting businesses to adopt advanced technologies, scale operations and translate innovation into industrial outcomes.
The establishment of the inaugural Board marks a significant milestone as the AMRF enters its next phase of growth, with a focus on delivering Australia’s first Semiconductor Advanced Packaging Facility that will transform sovereign capability in critical technologies.
