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News: Whiteley Champions Innovation and Community ahead of ADIA’s 100-Year Celebration

Posted by ADIA on 18 July 2025
News: Whiteley Champions Innovation and Community ahead of ADIA’s 100-Year Celebration

As the Australian Dental Industry Association (ADIA) marks its centenary in 2025, one of its long-time supporters, Whiteley, is celebrating alongside, reflecting on decades of Australian innovation, research, and resilience.

“I'm looking forward to the big celebration,” said Dr Greg Whiteley, Managing Director of the company that bears his family name. “It’s a fantastic sector.”

Founded in 1933, Whiteley has grown from a small family business into Australia’s largest manufacturer of sterilants and disinfectants. From its base in Tomago, New South Wales, it now exports to over 30 countries and continues to innovate in the field of infection prevention, particularly in healthcare and dental settings.

Carl Scully, NSW Minister for Small Business and Regional Development with Whiteley Directors at the opening of the plant in June 1995. 

Dr Whiteley’s own journey into the business began reluctantly. “I made sure I'd never be part of the business,” he laughed. Trained originally in environmental health, he was drawn in as the company’s focus shifted toward medical and health sectors. “It turned out my degree was almost perfect for what needed to happen.”

Since then, he’s added postgraduate qualifications in occupational health, business, and research. Today, he leads the company’s ongoing collaborations with universities, with a strong focus on practical clinical outcomes. One of the company’s signature developments is Surfex®, the world’s first dry surface biofilm remover—born from Whiteley’s obsessive focus on microbial science and infection transmission.

Whiteley Executive Chairman, Dr Greg Whiteley and NSW Member for Port Stephens, the Hon. Kate Washington MP at the opening of the company's $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, New South Wales.

But science aside, it’s the sense of connection that keeps him grounded. “It really is a community,” Dr Whiteley said. “A place where people support each other.” He credits much of Whiteley’s continued involvement in the sector to those long-standing relationships and the shared focus on clinical safety and infection prevention. That sense of connection, he believes, is what has sustained Whiteley through decades of change, growth, and challenge, including the collapse of their first major dental distributor in the 1980s. “You get around those things. That’s just part of the commercial reality.”

Whiteley is one of only three remaining independent manufacturers of its kind in Australia. “We had lots and lots of competitors around,” he explained. “We’re now probably the largest.”

Looking to the future, the company is preparing to open its own manufacturing operations in the United States. “We’ve been manufacturing under licence in the US for more than 30 years,” said Dr Whiteley. “One of our critical licences is coming to a close… and we’re getting ready to come on board.” Establishing its own manufacturing presence in the United States will open new avenues for growth in one of the world’s largest healthcare markets.

“Never give up. Sometimes you get it wrong… but you’ve got to keep moving forward.”

Whiteley is a big supporter of industry teaming up with universities, especially when it comes to clinical innovation. “I don't think we do nearly enough collaborative research as a sector,” said Dr Whiteley. “There’s a huge opportunity there.” He sees research-backed innovation as key to making better products and breaking into tightly regulated export markets.

As ADIA celebrates 100 years of representing Australia’s dental suppliers and manufacturers, Whiteley stands as an example of an Australian business continuing to invest in the future of healthcare, both at home and abroad. His advice after decades in the industry? “Never give up,” he said. “Sometimes you get it wrong… but you’ve got to keep moving forward.”

Posted in:Industry NewsNews & MediaMember News  

Are YOU an Industry Pioneer?

Posted by ADIA on 17 November 2021
Are YOU an Industry Pioneer?

For the first time, Australian Dental Industry Association Members are invited to nominate themselves or a Member candidate they feel embodies the title of ADIA Industry Pioneer.

The Industry Pioneer Award was introduced in 2021 and bestowed by the Board to Jeffery Cheetham, founder of Southern Dental Industries (SDI).

Jeffery has a long and distinguished record of delivering change and benefit to the dental and oral health industries, growing SDI from a family dental manufacturing business to an industry leading company involved in the research and development, manufacturing, and marketing of specialist dental materials.

ADIA recognised Jeffery’s achievements and dedication to the industry at the 2021 ADIA Awards Dinner as the inaugural recipient of the ADIA Industry Pioneer Award. 

About the ADIA Industry Pioneer Award

Nominees for the ADIA Industry Pioneer Award are considered by the Board and the title is awarded to a Member of the Association who has made a contribution of merit to the dental industry.

Prior to being granted an ADIA Industry Pioneer Award, the Board must satisfy itself that the nominee:

  • Has established a reputation at a personal level for high ethical standards and high quality of work.
  • Has a record of employment with a Member for at least 10 years (not necessarily consecutively).
  • Has a record of service to the dental industry that spans at least 10 years (not necessarily consecutively).

Click here to read the nomination criteria.
You will need to log into your ADIA account to view this document.

Email your nomination(s) to ADIA CEO Kym De Britt.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER 2021.

Posted in:Industry NewsMember News  

NSW EPA seeks ADIA members' feedback Deadline: Monday Sept 20

Posted by ADIA on 17 September 2021
NSW EPA seeks ADIA members' feedback Deadline: Monday Sept 20

NSW EPA seeks ADIA members' feedback

Deadline: Monday Sept 20

 

A reminder to ADIA members that the deadline for feedback into the review of the NSW Radiation Control Act 1990 is next Monday 20 September.

The consultation process for the review of NSW’s radiation control legislation is being undertaken by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

The EPA developed an Issues Paper as part of the review, in consultation with the Radiation Advisory Council and NSW government agencies.

Click here to read the Issues Paper and to make a submission.

The NSW Government is reviewing the Act to ensure that the objectives are still valid and the terms of the Act are able to secure those objectives.

The Act regulates radioactive substances and equipment in New South Wales, to ensure that radiation is used, stored and disposed of safely.

The EPA has responsibilities under the Act, including issuing licences to manage or use radioactive substances and equipment, and regulating radiation practices in NSW.

If you would like to discuss the review or have any questions, please contact Mr Mark Carey, EPA Principal Policy Officer on 9995 5737 or email radiation.reform@epa.nsw.gov.au

Posted in:Industry NewsMember NewsCEO Updates  

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