October 14, 2022

Adam Gilchrist helps launch UOW Local with Q+A for region’s sporting community

New concierge-style initiative aims to foster stronger connections with Illawarra

University of Wollongong (UOW) Global Brand Ambassador and renowned cricket star Adam Gilchrist AM last night (Thursday, 13 October) held a meet and greet to help launch UOW Local, a flagship initiative aimed at building stronger connections within the community.

The Gilly@UniBar event saw the former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman share his experiences in professional sport, including his thoughts on integrity, commitment and leadership, while at the same time introducing UOW Local to the wider community.

Members of the Illawarra’s sporting associations, particularly those with strong cricket affiliations, such as the UOW Cricket Club, were invited to attend and meet the sporting champion described as the best player of the 21^st century while discovering more about the UOW Local concept.

The event will include a discussion and Q+A with Jeremy Wilshire, the Wollongong-based author of Test of Character: Confessions of Cricket Legends.

UOW Local will foster and maintain vital links to business and industry, local community organisations and groups, educators, research collaborators, donors and volunteers, and continue to deliver on its overarching goal of providing a world-class education for students.

Gilly@UniBar is the first event from UOW Local, which was announced earlier this year. The initiative will be overseen by Ms Tania Brown, who will facilitate connections between external stakeholders and the University.

UOW Local will use a concierge-style approach to provide opportunities for community members to learn more about the University and gain access to information or services.

Ms Brown, Manager of UOW Local, said the new initiative brings together the University’s many roles within the community under one umbrella and demonstrates the value of UOW to the region.

“UOW is an integral part of the Illawarra and we take pride in this role as an anchor institution. We want to build and grow these connections and look for new ways to add value to the community,” Ms Brown said.

“One of the ways we can do that is through UOW Local, which is aimed at increasing engagement between the University and our local community.

“I am delighted that Adam Gilchrist, our UOW Global Brand Ambassador, can join us today for a meet and greet with community members and cricket enthusiasts. It is the ideal opportunity to introduce UOW Local and get the ball rolling on our community engagement.”

Ms Brown has taken on the role of Manager of UOW Local after more than 13 years as Chief Operating Officer of UOW’s SMART Infrastructure Facility.

Professor Patricia M. Davidson, Vice-Chancellor of UOW, said the University was at the heart of the community, not just in the Illawarra but at all of UOW’s regional and metro campuses. Stronger engagement would not only benefit the local economy but also encourage everyone to recognise the value of the University as a place of world-class learning and teaching. 

“UOW does not stand alone. It is part of the fabric of our community. We want it to be a place of world-class teaching, learning and research, but also a place where everyone feels welcome and where those connections come to life,” Professor Davidson said.

“Now, more than ever, universities are critical to the success of local economies. Increased community engagement through initiatives such as UOW Local will help deepen our connections, so there is a better understanding of how UOW helps to drive the economic regeneration and diversification of our communities through education and research.

“Through UOW Local, we will work proactively with local communities and partners to create inclusive economic and social opportunities that will help lead to sustainable outcomes benefitting our communities.”

For more information about UOW Local, please contact tania_brown@uow.edu.au.