Australia Made in Moreton Bay

Brendale manufacturer Mike Arieni believes Moreton Bay’s manufacturers, exporters and innovators deserve greater recognition.

After building Solar Bollard Lighting into a business that exports to more than 40 countries, the founder and CEO is helping champion the Australian Made in Moreton Bay initiative to showcase the city’s manufacturing capability and strengthen its reputation as a place where world-class products are designed and made.

“One successful business is great, but a city known for capability is even stronger,” Mike said.

“There are businesses across Moreton Bay making excellent products, creating jobs and competing well beyond the city.

“This gives eligible businesses a way to proudly say: this was made here, by local people, to a high standard.”

Building global success from Brendale

Arieni’s views are shaped by firsthand experience.

From its base in Brendale, the award-winning Solar Bollard Lighting has built a product range now exported to more than 40 countries, showing that world-class design, engineering and manufacturing can happen right here in the City of Moreton Bay.

Its solar-powered bollard lights are designed for demanding environments and have been used across public, commercial, marine and coastal projects worldwide.

Arieni said a strong local support network had played an important role in the company’s growth.

“One of the key factors has been the support network around us here in Moreton Bay,” Mike said.

“We have had strong backing from council, councillors and local politicians who genuinely believe in supporting manufacturing and innovation.”

The Solar Bollard Lighting founder also pointed to the strength of Brendale’s industrial community, describing it as a hub of manufacturers, engineers and technology businesses willing to collaborate, share knowledge and support one another.

Arieni said organisations such as Trade and Investment Queensland had helped the business establish international connections and access export markets.

“It has kept us practical, grounded and focused on making products that work in the real world. We are proud to be part of a city with capable people, good suppliers and a strong manufacturing base.”

Creating a stronger identity

Arieni said the idea behind Australian Made in Moreton Bay was to build on the trust already associated with the Australian Made brand while creating stronger recognition for local businesses.

The initiative emerged from his belief that while Australian Made carries strong national recognition, local manufacturers could also benefit from a stronger connection to their City of Moreton Bay origins.

Arieni said the concept gained momentum after receiving support from both the City of Moreton Bay and the Australian Made association.

“I appreciated that the City of Moreton Bay saw the value in this initiative and the Australian Made association made it possible,” Mike said.

“It is another badge that we can proudly display to say that we create our products right here in the fantastic city of Moreton Bay where we have so many opportunities to grow, expand and create jobs for local people.”

Rather than simply being a logo, Arieni sees the branding as a shared signal of quality, trust and local capability.

“I want people to see that branding and understand that Moreton Bay businesses are not just serving the local market,” Mike said.

“Many are making products and delivering services that can compete nationally and internationally.”

Growing Moreton Bay’s manufacturing reputation

For Arieni, the opportunity extends well beyond Solar Bollard Lighting.

“When local businesses back each other and talk proudly about where they are from, it lifts the profile of the whole city,” Mike said.

He believes Moreton Bay has a strong story to tell, with manufacturers, exporters, innovators and family businesses achieving success across a range of industries.

Arieni also highlighted the importance of developing local skills and creating opportunities for future workers, pointing to the University of the Sunshine Coast and industry partnerships as important contributors to the city’s long-term growth.

“I feel very strongly about the growth of the city,” Mike said.

“By creating internships and development opportunities, we can continue building the perception of Moreton Bay as a growing centre for innovation, advanced manufacturing and technology.”

Looking ahead, Arieni believes Moreton Bay has the talent, infrastructure, educational partnerships and business community needed to become one of Australia’s leading advanced manufacturing cities.

“Moreton Bay has the talent, ambition and business community to be known for manufacturing and innovation. The more we tell that story together, the stronger it becomes.”

How businesses can access the branding

Businesses must first be licensed through the Australian Made campaign before becoming eligible to use the Australian Made in Moreton Bay branding.

Australian Made licensees located in the City of Moreton Bay can contact the city’s Economic Development team to access the logo and supporting branding materials.