Senator Jana Stewart 

Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba 

Federal Senator for Victoria 

MEDIA RELEASE 

TURNING INNOVATION INTO INDUSTRY: BUSINESSES IN REGIONAL VICTORIA SECURE FEDERAL SUPPORT 

18 July 2025 

Two regional Victorian projects are among 13 projects to receive funding under the Albanese Government’s Industry Growth Program, driving a new era of Australian manufacturing that is ambitious, sovereign and future-focused. 

In the Mallee, Farm Harvest Direct has received $200,000 to build and test a 50kW solar pilot plant. This will pave the way for new farm income streams and scale up to a 3MW facility with commercial hydrogen production, while strengthening the networks needed to grow the project. 

Meanwhile in the Goulbourn Valley, Joey Australia has secured $390,586 to take its biodegradable, TGA-registered surgical masks from pilot to full commercialisation across Australia and New Zealand. Their Filtrum Zero mask breaks down far faster than standard PPE and this funding will support new production lines, local partnerships and key hiring ahead of global expansion. 

The Industry Growth Program backs the innovators, builders and visionaries who are turning big ideas into national capability. It fuels start-ups and high-growth businesses to commercialise breakthrough ideas and scale up fast, while strengthening Australia’s industrial base and securing our economic future. 

With tailored Advisory Services and two targeted grant streams, the program is laying the groundwork for a resilient and competitive Australian manufacturing sector. 

• Early-Stage Commercialisation grants provide matched funding from $50,000 to $250,000 to help establish the commercial viability of an innovative product, process or service. 

• Commercialisation and Growth grants provide matched funding from $100,000 to $5 million to help push ideas from prototyping through to market readiness, developing strategies for market entry and scaling up nationally and internationally. 

Grants are open to businesses that have first undertaken the Industry Growth Program Advisory Service, which is open for applications on an ongoing basis. For more information, including eligibility, visit: business.gov.au/igp. 

Quotes attributable to Senator Jana Stewart: 

"The Albanese Labor Government is backing a future made right here in Australia by supporting local businesses like Farm Harvest Direct and Joey Australia.  

As someone who grew up in regional Victoria, I know just how important it is to champion homegrown innovation, grow local industries and create secure, well-paid jobs across our regions." 

"A huge congratulations to both teams. I’m excited to see what they achieve next with this support." 

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Bennett Davy: 0403 734 444, [email protected]