The headlines you might have missed this week
The CEO planning for Alfred | Directors put on notice | Networking events to sign up to.
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Each Friday, we will update you on news and perspectives you may have missed during your busy week.
Sometimes, it’s difficult to find the snippets of news buried by the algorithms favouring content about Trump and, this week, Cyclone Alfred.
Let us know if you like our selection. It’ll help us to get our eye in.
Innovative use for old wind turbines
A NSW surfboard label has partnered with Spanish company Acciona Energia to repurpose old wind turbine blades for surfboards.
The blades are made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and the partnership thinks they can be reused. Swellnet had the story.
Directors put on notice
The Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority (APRA) is proposing a 10-year term limit for non-executive directors in an effort to raise standards.
The APRA said long tenures erode independence and impartiality. The organisation identified 200 directors who have been on their company boards for more than a decade, 150 who have served more than 12 years, and 30 with tenures of more than 20 years.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that APRA will spend the next three months consulting the financial services industry. The changes will not come into effect until 2028.
How one CEO is planning for Alfred
The CEO of Cleanaway told The Australian about his plans for the aftermath of Cyclone Alfred.
In a fascinating read, he details what his business, Cleanaway, learned from the Lismore floods and how it is applying those learnings to prepare for Alfred.
Illawarra experts take the lead on Whyalla
According to the Illawarra Mercury’s Ben Langford, BlueScope is sending a team from Port Kembla to Whyalla in South Australia to advise administrators KordaMentha.
Solar batteries to reboot Australian manufacturing
Australian infrastructure investor Quinbook has unveiled plans for a series of massive eight-hour solar batteries.
The batteries planned for Brisbane, Gladstone, and Townsville aim to bring the country ‘one step closer to the holy grail of 24/7 renewable power’.
According to Renew Economy, the firm is also eyeing two potential projects in NSW and one in the Northern Territory.
Green Gravity is already focused on the problem of 24/7 renewable power.
Founder Mark Swinnerton told business leaders in Wollongong how his revolutionary approach to energy storage is already attracting significant investment from around the world.
Events to get in your diary
Friday, March 14: UDIA NSW will be hosting its Illawarra Luncheon, at which The Hon. Ryan Park, Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, will present. Details are here.
Wednesday, March 19: Siligong is hosting Leading the Way: Women on Boards at Ain’t Nonna’s, Wollongong. The event starts at noon. Register here
Friday, March 21: Illawarra Women in Business is hosting its networking lunch at Centro CBD. Finalists for the IWIB Awards will be announced. Register here
Wednesday, March 26: Mentor Walks Wollongong will start at 6.30 am from North Wollongong Surf Club. The walks are an hour-long walk-and-talk mentoring session and networking opportunity for women at all stages of their careers. Details are here.
Friday, March 28: Business Illawarra is hosting its Economic Luncheon from noon. The Hon. Stephen Jones MP will reflect on his time served in the region. Register here.
What we’re listening to
BBC podcast Newscast has kept me company on the commute this week, explaining everything you need to know about the Zelensky/Trump row.
The podcast has a British slant, but it's a good choice if you want an alternative perspective on the news.
Hot Ticket
Of course, this week’s hot ticket is the Illawarra Hawks finals series. At the time of writing, tickets are still available for Saturday’s game at the WIN Entertainment Centre.
