Executive officer wanted, the rise & rise of RoboFit, and tech gurus descend
Just another working week across Illawarra business
Cunningham MP Alison Byrnes with UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor GQ Max Lu open the Energy Futures Zone at UOW’s Science Space (left), plus RoboFit co-founders Daniel Hillyer and Maryanne Harris. Pics supplied.
The Illawarra Connection, a long-running, not-for-profit networking organisation for our region’s senior business and community leaders, is recruiting an Executive Officer to manage its operations and support its board.
The role oversees the group’s bi-monthly dinner events, sources speakers, coordinates annual membership renewals and prepares reports for board meetings. It also involves monitoring member announcements and attending all events and governance meetings.
You’ll need demonstrated event coordination experience, strong communication skills and confidence working with senior stakeholders. Experience with boards is desirable. Check if your skills are a match here or get extra info from TIC’s vice-president Yvonne Walker on 0487 385 887.
RoboFit’s expansion continues
Like so many Wollongong-grown success stories, RoboFit continues to expand. The high-tech rehabilitation centre which had its origins at iAccelerate on UOW’s Innovation campus has now opened a clinic in Melbourne.
And if that’s not enough, RoboFit was recognised at the 2025 Australian Disability Service Awards. The business, co-founded by Daniel Hillyer and Maryanne Harris, was a finalist in the Most Impactful Assistive Technology Solution Award while RoboFit’s dynamic double act was recognised among the finalists in the Visionary Leader category.
There’s already a waiting list of 340 while there’s clearly demand elsewhere as RoboFit’s hiring at its Parramatta base and in Queensland, too.
DevOpDays on the horizon
Shoutout to the Illawarra businesses that have backed Jess Belliveau (above) and the local organising committee in the lead-up to Wollongong’s first DevOpDays.
Homegrown Illawarra businesses Ahoy Ahoy, Easy Agile and Mode Talent, along with the support of Invest Wollongong, Siligong Valley and the not-for-profit DevOpsDays Australia, have set the scene for the two-day conference next week. Belliveau believes the magical three-figure delegate mark will be reached as tech industry experts hear from local and international speakers.
UOW’s sustainability rankings
The University of Wollongong has strengthened its standing as a sustainability leader, ranking 138th globally and 16th in Australia in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026, which assessed more than 2000 universities.
“Sustainability is embedded in our purpose and Vision 2035. UOW integrates sustainability across its education, research and community partnerships to deliver meaningful impact,” Vice-Chancellor and President Professor GQ Max Lu said. “We remain focused on advancing equality, wellbeing and employability outcomes, while also strengthening our environmental initiatives to ensure a lasting positive impact for future generations.”
UOW achieved top-100 global results in social impact (78th), impact of education (=37th), governance (=86th), equality (=64th), and health and wellbeing (78th).
Major initiatives include installing 10 community-scale batteries and ongoing research through the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre. UOW was also ranked 31st globally in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings.
Via Wingecarribee Shire Council website
Economic role at Moss Vale
A few weeks ago we mentioned vacancies at Wollongong and Shellharbour councils, but wait there’s more - this time at Wingecarribee Shire Council.
The Moss Vale-based council is after an economic development strategist.
“You’ll work with business leaders, industry partners, business associations and government agencies and bring stakeholders together to deliver shared objectives, emerging trends, funding and investment opportunities that benefit the Shire,” the ad reads. Applications close November 27.
Plus there’s a role for a finance business partnering coordinator and an infrastructure and growth planner among other positions. Check them all here.
We’re listening to ...
I’m tempted to say The Ashes (as any cricket tragic will admit, you can’t beat cricket on the radio). But I won’t. If you’re a podcast lover, try The Preventionist - a joint effort between The New York Times and Serial Productions. The three-part series is an investigation of a “problematic doctor” whose decisions went unchallenged and wreaked havoc on innocent families for years.
Hot ticket (but no ticket necessary)
Port Kembla’s Curious Studios is thinking of the planet and your pocket this weekend - it’s their inaugural Rewear Weekend. The preloved fashion market will be at 99 Wentworth St from 10am-2pm both days. Organisers have promised “epic fashion finds, charm bar and great tunes making this the perfect weekend activity”.
If that’s not for you, how about checking out the newly-opened Energy Futures Zone at UOW’s Science Space on the Innovation Campus. Part fun, part educational the zone features 29 interactive exhibits, showcasing how science and technology are shaping a cleaner, smarter future. Visitors can connect with UOW’s world-leading energy research and the region’s emerging role as a clean energy hub.
And don’t forget …
The essential guide to the Illawarra’s top networking events for November-December 2025: right here
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