Australian Made Week kicks off with a celebration of local manufacturing at the MCG

The hardworking team members behind the manufacture of the AFL’s official goal posts at some of the nation’s biggest stadiums have put down their tools and picked up their footy scarves to officially kick-off Australian Made Week 2026 – an acknowledgment of their critical role in the creation of the ‘big sticks’.

The goals, which are a product of Australian Made licensee Abel Sports, are a prime example of the breadth of Australian manufacturing as well as the flow-on benefits that such local businesses generate along the supply chain and in the community.

 Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro, Australian Made Campaign Ambassador Andy Lee & Senator the Hon Tim Ayres

Abel Sports General Manager John Cann credits its success beyond its own business, and was keen to pay tribute to the local production across its supply chain.

“Our goal posts and flag poles are installed across the country including the MCG, Adelaide Oval, SCG/ALLIANZ Stadium, Optus Oval as well as multiple recreation grounds and schools across the country. While the product is ours, it relies on the craftsmanship and manufacturing expertise of a broader local supply chain,” John said.

“This has been such a unique opportunity to bring some of the people together to be recognised in their role of this broader product and it’s humbling to receive the recognition for an Australian Made product that we think 90 per cent of the population would see or interact with throughout the various sporting seasons.

“Abel Sports employs 15 people, but when we look at the employment of the broader supply chain we are looking at more than 6,000 people who have been employed by the businesses connected to these footy goals.”

 Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro & Abel Sports General Manager John Cann

Joining Abel Sports at the event were team members from Capral, A.R.C (The Australian Reinforcing Company which is a division of InfraBuild) and C-Tech Laser.

Australian Made Chief Executive Ben Lazzaro said it was fitting to come together to acknowledge the contribution made by Australian manufacturers to an iconic Australian landmark.

“During Australian Made Week – which runs from today until Sunday – we will be shining a light on our homegrown creators and makers, such Abel Sports, drawing attention to the breadth of Australian Made options across every category – manufactured to some of the highest safety and quality standards in the world, right here in our own backyard,” Ben said.

“It’s important to support local businesses not only during Australian Made Week, but also the other 51 weeks of the year because looking for the green and gold kangaroo logo and choosing Australian Made can have a huge impact. 

“According to recent Roy Morgan research, if each household spent an extra $20 a week on Australian Made products, an additional $11 billion would be generated and could create close to 20,000 new jobs.

“That’s why in 2026, Australian Made Week is pushing the $20 ‘swap your shop’ challenge, which is as easy as taking a few seconds to seek out the certified Australian Made options when buying everyday items like groceries and household goods.

“It’s also important to remind the industries that purchase at scale – including accommodation providers, healthcare, commercial sectors and government – that choosing Australian Made products for their project, business, or organisation helps support local businesses, strengthens Australian manufacturing, and creates jobs across the country.

“When consumers and businesses make more conscious decisions about purchases – and choose Australian Made – it really can ‘shift the goal posts’ for our local industries.”   

Learn more about Australian Made Week (18–24 May 2026) at australianmadeweek.com.au