Green Energy event

Learn firsthand from our diverse panel of alumni about the exciting applications of Green Energy.  From revolutionising brewing processes to pioneering swell technology and contributing to groundbreaking socioeconomic research, this event promises to be a treasure trove of knowledge.

Event details

Date: Thursday, 11 April, 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm
Venue: UOW Science Space, 60 Squires Way, Innovation Campus, North Wollongong
Cost: Free - includes exciting panel discussion, canapes and of course Young Henrys Beer

Event enquiries: alumni@uow.edu.au

Speakers

Richard Adamson

Non- Executive Director, Young Henrys

With a passion ignited over 30 years, Richard transitioned from a homebrew kit to founding Barons Brewing in 2005, introducing the trend of using Australian native ingredients in beer. In 2012, he established Young Henrys, a brewery and distillery in Newtown, known for its community-centric approach, collaborations with the likes of Foo Fighters and the Art Gallery of NSW, and sustainability initiatives like the Pingala solar project. Young Henrys, a certified B Corp, has garnered over 80 international medals and, in 2015, expanded into distilling award-winning spirits. Richard, a leader in the brewing industry, serves as the President of the Inner West Brewers Association and a Board Advisor for the Independent Brewers Association. Beyond brewing, he contributes to education as a teacher and is a Visiting Scholar at UTS, also co-founding the fragrance company Hart + Hedi.

Freya Croft

Research Fellow, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security

Freya Croft is a Postdoctoral Research fellow at ANCORS, University of Wollongong. Her research primarily focuses on the social dimensions of emerging offshore and coastal industries, specifically offshore wind and kelp farming. Freya studies the intersections of governance, social equity, energy transitions, and the blue economy. Freya has been exploring alternative approaches to governance, engagement strategies and navigating conflict, while acknowledging the significant role of emotions in the debates and discussions surrounding the development of industries, such as offshore wind. Previously, Freya was a PhD candidate at UOW, where she examined the potential links between coral reef tourism and conservation. Passionate about urgent transformative change, Freya strives to ensure community aspirations shape discussions on the future of our coasts, recognising their central role in decision-making.

Tom Denniss

Technology Adviser, Wave Swell Energy

Tom has been involved in wave energy since the early 1990s, culminating in the cofounding of Wave Swell Energy in 2016 to commercialise the core unidirectional oscillating water column technology he had invented. Tom has a PhD in Mathematics majoring in Oceanography. He has served on various government advisory boards, including being the Australian Government’s representative on the International Energy Agency’s Ocean Energy Systems Executive Committee from 2007-2011. Tom was also the third person ever to run around the world in 2012-13, covering 26,232 km, the equivalent of 622 marathons in 622 days, in the process setting a new world record for the Fastest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot.

Robyn Dawson

People and Operations Manager, GRIDSIGHT

Robyn is passionate about linking businesses with communities to drive innovative research and sustainable outcomes. With expertise in nonprofit organisations, event management and fundraising. Robyn currently works as the operations Manager at GRIDSIGHT, who specialise in decarbonising the grid through data analytics. A dedicated volunteer, Robyn has served in various charity roles, including Women Illawarra, Stars of Wollongong Cancer Council, and The Australian Red Cross to name just a few. Whether at work or volunteering, the values are the same, to enhance wellbeing and sustainability, champion kindness and socially just outcomes, especially for those experiencing hardship or in a vulnerable position within our community. Robyn is not just a catalyst for positive change; she's also a cherished presence in the Illawarra Green Energy sector. 

The information you provide via this form is collected by the University of Wollongong (UOW) for the purpose of processing your registration and communicating updates about the event.

More information about how your information will be used and stored is provided in the UOW Advancement Privacy Statement and UOW Privacy webpage.

Terms & conditions

• All presenters and event attendees acknowledge that they may be photographed or featured in audio visual content while at this event and that those photos or audio-visual content may be used in the future by the University for marketing and promotional purposes.