I am wanting to develop a plastic homeware product - I need to work to design, create prototype and production. Can you suggest a cost effective way to do this... initial findings seem that keeping it "All Australian" will mean the return on investment is impossible! Any other suggestions?

I would search on Youtube or Metacafe for videos on "Plastic Molds and Molds.
I have seen some good ones on fiberglass molds and procedures for making molds.
Good Luck

Look like llink has been removed, Possibly wasn't allowed, I don't sell anything.
I did the search and found several different styles and methods, you WILL learn something.