ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp

There’s something about walking along the Blue Mile in ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp, and across the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp’s (UOW) campus each morning, that fills me with energy and pride. The escarpment on one side, the ocean on the other, and in between a vibrant community of people full of ideas, warmth and care.

Just over 100 days into my role as Vice-Chancellor and President, what I have valued most is meeting the people who bring this university and region to life. From students and staff on campus to alumni, neighbours, business and civic leaders, parliamentarians at both state and federal levels, and government ministers, I have been deeply inspired by the dedication and commitment of the people of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp, the Illawarra, and beyond into Southwest Sydney. It’s these encounters that give me great confidence in our shared future: the future of this university and this region we proudly serve. By working together, I know we can shape an even brighter future, one that changes lives, transforms society, and contributes to national productivity and prosperity.

This year marks UOW’s 50th anniversary as an independent university. Now, fifty years may seem young for a university – but as some of us know, it is old enough to know who you are, yet young enough to keep chasing your dreams. Confucius once said that at fifty, one gains a deeper sense of life’s purpose. I can see that UOW has found its purpose very clearly.

From humble beginnings as a small regional college, UOW has grown into a global institution with nearly 200,000 alumni spread across 200 countries. Our graduates are making their mark in the Illawarra, across Australia and around the world.

In particular, we are proud of the amazing research and innovation achievements of UOW researchers. Their work gives hope to people living with motor neurone disease. It has reimagined how children learn through the world-first , which has welcomed over a million children and families into a place of play, connection and curiosity. And it is shaping the world’s response to climate and energy – from informing global ocean policy to designing some of the world’s most sustainable buildings.

At our , research-driven enterprises are tackling the world’s toughest challenges. Hysata, born from UOW research, is setting global benchmarks for green hydrogen production. Sicona Batteries is developing next-generation materials for faster-charging, longer-lasting batteries to transform energy storage. This is what excites me about UOW: knowledge here doesn’t gather dust on a shelf – it is translated into real-world impact.

But anniversaries are not only about looking back. They are about asking: what’s next?

Last week we launched Vision 2035 and our Strategic Plan 2030 – a blueprint for our next chapter. By the time we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we aim to be ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. Not for the number itself, but because it will reflect the quality of our education, the excellence of our research, and, above all, the contributions we make to society.

At the heart of this vision are our students – the very reason we exist. I am proud that students helped shape this strategy, and I am excited to continue co-designing the future of UOW with them. While we are big enough to open doors to the world, we remain personal enough to ensure that every student matters and every student belongs. Our aim is to equip them not just for their studies, but for future jobs and for life.

This vision extends to our staff, alumni and partners. Together, we share a purpose: to create knowledge that empowers people, strengthens communities and builds a sustainable future. Our regional roots keep us grounded, showing every day how education transforms lives close to home. At the same time, our global partnerships and campuses amplify our reach and impact.

Of course, the journey ahead will not be without challenges. Universities everywhere are facing technological disruption, shifting demographics and financial pressures. But UOW has never shied away from challenges. Our greatest strength lies in our people – their resilience, creativity and commitment.

So, as we celebrate half a century of impact, we do so with deep gratitude – for those who built this university and for those who will take it forward. The next 50 years will be shaped not just by strategies and rankings, but by the everyday acts of discovery, teaching and collaboration that make this place extraordinary.

And I, for one, am filled with optimism. Because if my first 100 days have shown me anything, it is that together with the people of this region – from ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp to Southwest Sydney – our best days still lie ahead.

This story was originally published as an op ed in the