Yesterday, the Melbourne Cricket Ground became the centrepiece of Australian manufacturing pride as industry leaders, government representatives and Australian Made supporters gathered to officially launch Australian Made Week 2026.
Held beneath the towering AFL goalposts manufactured by Melbourne-based Abel Sports using Australian-made aluminium extrusions supplied by Capral Aluminium, the event celebrated not only the start of Australian Made Week but also the strength and resilience of Australian manufacturing and local supply chains.
As a proud Australian Made Campaign licensee and long-term manufacturing partner of Abel Sports, Capral was proud to attend the launch alongside representatives from the Australian Made Campaign, Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres, Australian Made Week Ambassador Andy Lee and Australian businesses helping strengthen local manufacturing capability.
The MCG goalposts standing behind speakers throughout the launch provided a powerful symbol of Australian manufacturing in action. The aluminium used in the goalposts was mined, refined, extruded, finished and fabricated within Australia before being installed at one of the country’s most iconic sporting venues.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Industry and Innovation Tim Ayres highlighted the importance of Australia’s end-to-end manufacturing capability and the role businesses like Capral and Abel Sports play in strengthening the nation’s economic resilience.
“These goal posts behind me are made from bauxite mined in Australia … turned into aluminium extrusions by firms like Capral Aluminium … and then, from the Abel team, turned into goal posts,” Senator Ayres said.
“But they’re also turned into navy ships, food packaging, things that are essential for Australia’s economic resilience. We have one of the few, in fact I think the only, end-to-end aluminium supply chains in the world.”
The launch also celebrated the longstanding twenty-plus-year partnership between Capral and Abel Sports, a relationship that has supported the manufacture of sporting infrastructure used at stadiums, schools and sporting facilities across Australia for decades.
Speaking during the event, Abel Sports Director John Cann reflected on the company’s commitment to Australian manufacturing and local supply chains.
“The good thing about our product is it’s recommended by every stadium in Australia,” Cann said, referencing installations at the MCG, SCG, Optus Stadium and venues across the country.
Cann said every project manufactured by Abel Sports supports a broader Australian supply chain involving engineers, fabricators, laser cutters, material suppliers and local businesses.
“Every project, if you look at these goals, for instance, it involves a lot of other people,” he said. “We need a geotech report, we have to employ local engineers, then once we’ve got those, we’ve got to go to Capral to get our aluminium.”
Capral Group Marketing Communications Manager Kellie Moore said the launch event highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting Australian manufacturers and the supply chains behind them.
“We were incredibly proud to stand at the MCG and see Australian-made products and Australian manufacturing capability celebrated on such an iconic stage,” Moore said.
“The goalposts behind the speakers are a fantastic example of Australian businesses working together. From Australian aluminium supply and local extrusion through to fabrication and installation, they represent the strength of local manufacturing partnerships and the value of maintaining sovereign capability here in Australia.”
Moore said the Australian Made logo remained an important symbol for both Capral and its customers.
“For Capral and many of our customers, the Australian Made logo represents trust, reliability and a commitment to supporting local jobs, local industry and stronger supply chains.”
Australian Made Week runs from 18 to 24 May and encourages Australians to support local manufacturers, growers and makers by purchasing Australian made products.
