Michael is involved in a wide range of organisations across engineering, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, environmental sustainability, the space industry, academia, and the nuclear industry.
He is extremely well connected with Australia’s manufacturing, industrial and political leaders, as well as the country’s top universities, including activities in the nuclear and AUKUS spheres.
He is the Chief Executive Officer of the AUKUS Forum and has a personal contact base of over 100,000 people across Australian industry, with more than 25,000 members of the AUKUS Forum and 30,000 LinkedIn connections, with many more built over his time on projects for infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, and research activities. He has an extensive range of industry networks assembled over the last three decades.
Widely regarded as one of the most connected people in Australian industry, with a strong focus on business transactions, Michael is focussed on transformation – helping countless businesses to access new export opportunities and enter adjacent markets such as traditional engineering firms entering the space and defence industries.
This gives him an unrivalled ability to connect with key decision makers, to facilitate contacts between Australian and overseas manufacturers, establish joint ventures and establish supply chains. Several major US corporations have reached out to him recently to find local suppliers.
Michael is the Founder of the Nuclear Skills Forum and Chairman of the Nuclear Taskforce. He also serves as Chairman of the Missile Industries Corporation (MissileCorp) and the Undersea Capabilities Corporation. Additionally he serves as Chairman of the Australian Research Council's Micro Recycling Hub and the Steering Committee for the Australian Government’s Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub.
With interests across regional Australia, Michael is the Director of Cattle Corporation (CattleCorp) and Founder of the Food Bowl Forum.
Michael has vast experience in politics, industry and manufacturing, having served as the National Director for Industry at the Australian Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre; and Chairman of the HunterNet Co-operative, a very successful industry cluster based in the Newcastle area of New South Wales.
Michael is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders; a Fellow of The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures & Commerce; and has completed courses in Leadership at the Harvard Business School.
Ron Sharpe was an award winning carpenter, a licensed residential and commercial builder, a licensed mechanic, and he built a career in the field of civil engineering. Ron was a leading businessman and Chairman of Industrial Holdings from 2004 - 2021.
His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd)
Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Letter of Condolence - Mr Ron Sharpe OAM
Good morning,
I was saddened to learn of Ron’s passing. To Ron’s family and friends gathered at Palmdale today to bid him a final farewell - Linda and I send our condolences and hope you gain comfort by being together at this difficult time.
Ron was an outstanding human being and great company.
I first crossed paths with Ron when I was Governor of New South Wales and Patron of the NSW Branch of The Order of Australia Association. Ron and I shared many conversations about the significance and importance of The Order of Australia during regional and city meetings of the Association. As he liked to say, “The Order is not about hierarchy. It’s about real people and what they’ve done for their community.” He was a terrific advocate for our system.
As many of you know, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 for service to the community of the Gosford region through a range of service and social welfare organisations.
But Ron was not defined by his OAM. Like so many of his generation, he was - as described in one social media post after his passing - a doer. He dedicated himself to community service, particularly where he could use his skills as a builder or with his earthmoving equipment to get the job done. I’m informed that Ron recently became a great-grandfather. The next generation won’t know it yet, but they too will be inspired by his selfless efforts.
May he rest in peace.
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July 2021 - Government House Canberra
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