Year in Review: Highlights of 2024

From shining on the world stage at the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the grand opening of new campuses in Sydney and India, UOW continues to make an impact both near and far.

Across the globe, our alumni have thrived in their careers while finding meaningful ways to give back to their university. Let’s celebrate the standout moments and inspiring individuals who have shaped UOW’s legacy this year.

Awards and recognition

The year began strongly with 2024 Australia Day Honours recognising UOW recipients for their outstanding achievements and meaningful contributions to society.  

Notably, Dr Aunty Barbara Nicholson was named Wollongong City Council Citizen of the Year. UOW biologist Dr Aimee Silla and graduate Judy Bourke, a community arts trailblazer, were also recognised.

International Women’s Day at UOW

In March, UOW alumni, academics, and the community came together to celebrate International Women’s Day. Hosted by Wollongong City Council Lord Mayor and UOW Local Manager Tania Brown, an empowering live panel event at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre brought together academic, industry, and community voices to discuss the challenges women face in achieving housing stability and financial freedom.

We also shone a light on UOW’s Dr Ivy Zhou and Deborah Power, who have excelled in their finance careers and are paving the way towards gender inclusivity while investing in a brighter future for all women.

UOW talent at the Olympic Games

As the world tuned in for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, UOW was thrilled to cheer on its students and alumni competing at the games. It was an honour to witness Sarah Carli, Flynn Ogilvie, Tristan Knowles, and Caitlin Cronin perform on the world stage.

Behind the scenes, several UOW graduates played key roles in ensuring the success of the Games, from event coordination to content creation.

Australia’s first National Allyship Summit

Following the 2023 Voice for First Nations People Referendum, momentum grew to advance the Uluru Statement’s core principles of Voice, Treaty, and Truth. In August, UOW hosted Australia’s first National Allyship Summit in collaboration with Allies for Uluru.

The event attracted hundreds of attendees in person, with even more joining online. Participants shared practical ideas, messages of hope, and strategies to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, reinforcing the importance of allyship.

UOW’s fifth Chancellor installed

August also marked the official installation of Mr Michael Still as UOW’s fifth Chancellor, in a ceremony presided over by the Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC. In his address, the Chancellor emphasised the positive influence universities have on society, stating:

“One of the most critical aspects of our mission at UOW is our responsibility to foster innovation and adapt to the ever-changing global landscape.”

Early Start Discovery Space celebrates milestone million

On Thursday, 3 October, at 11 am, UOW’s Early Start Discovery Space celebrated its one millionth visitor: 20-month-old Addison Micallef, accompanied by her mum Rachel. Founded in 2015, the Discovery Space has inspired countless children to embrace learning and creativity through play.

The milestone celebration highlighted the transformative power of philanthropy, acknowledging generous donor Christopher Abbott AM and honouring the tireless efforts of UOW educators and innovators.

Alumni successes celebrated at awards night

In October, UOW celebrated its 2024 Alumni Awards, recognising the outstanding achievements of its graduates across social impact, research and scholarship, innovation and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, and professional excellence. Among this year’s winners were Shantelle Thompson OAM, a world champion athlete and social justice advocate; Dr Darren Saunders, an internationally recognised scientist and science communicator; Hannah Diviney, a writer, actor and disability rights advocate; Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo, a leading cryptography researcher; Amanda Essery, an entrepreneur behind the global success of Lovekins; and journalist Kumi Taguchi, celebrated for her impactful work in media.

UOW Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO congratulated the winners and finalists during the evening, stating: “Wherever there are problems to be solved or a need for brave leadership and innovation, UOW alumni will be there — rolling up their sleeves and ready to make a difference.”

Awards recognise immense community impact of UOW-led initiatives

Three UOW projects have been named finalists in the annual Shaping Australia Awards, prestigious national awards recognising outstanding impact. Selected from over 110 entries across Australian universities, UOW's nominees include Dr Tamantha Stutchbury and the iAccelerate RISE program team, Associate Professor Shoshana Dreyfus for The Community Champion category, and Senior Professor Gerhard Swiegers and his Hysata team nominated in The Problem Solver category for advancing green hydrogen innovation. The winners will be announced in February 2025.

Julia Gillard honoured with Doctor of Letters

Spring 2024 graduates were thrilled to hear Australia’s first female Prime Minister, the Honourable Julia Gillard AC, deliver the occasional address at their ceremony. Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters, Ms Gillard’s speech reflected on her career of leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to building a fairer and more equitable society.

Congratulations to our newest graduates, and welcome to the UOW alumni network.

Breaking new ground

The year concluded on a high note with the opening of two new campuses. In mid-November, the state-of-the-art Sydney CBD campus at Darling Park officially launched, boasting a modern, cutting-edge design in the heart of the city.

Meanwhile, UOW’s global footprint expanded with the inauguration of the University of Wollongong Australia’s India campus at GIFT City, Gujarat. The event included the launch of the inaugural Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship, awarded to Cerin Elsa Joji.

As 2024 draws to a close, we eagerly anticipate a very special milestone in 2025: the University of Wollongong’s 50th anniversary. We look forward to a year of celebration across the UOW community as we continue striving for a purposeful future – locally, regionally, and internationally.