Katrina Avery, Macquarie University’s Director of Partnerships (far left), joins fellow panellists to discuss the role of government in supporting successful innovation districts.
Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton shared his vision with attendees at the Macquarie Park Summit 2023, which focused on upcoming developments in the park – including the metro line extension, which will cut travel time to the city to 18 minutes.
Hosted by Connect Macquarie Park Innovation District, the summit saw Macquarie University representatives unite with industry leaders, innovators, politicians and government agencies at the Optus headquarters, to discuss the future of the innovation district and the exciting opportunities generated by upcoming changes in the park.
Professor Dowton, who was travelling overseas at the time of the event, addressed the summit via video. He updated attendees on significant developments at the University, including the New South Wales Government’s $96 million RNA pilot facility, the relocation of The Woolcock Institute to the campus, and the opening of our DeepTech incubation labs.
“As a major stakeholder in Macquarie Park – the first innovation district in Australia – our initiatives aim to converge with the needs of a modern innovation district,” the Vice-Chancellor said. “We look forward to continuing to work very closely with the organisations and industries in the park on these, and other, projects.”
Reflecting Macquarie’s central and unifying role in the district, the University featured prominently in the event program. Highlights included:
- Professor Lise Barry, Dean of the Macquarie Law School, taking attendees on a tour of the new Michael Kirby Building as part of a flyover tour of new developments in Macquarie Park
- Katrina Avery, Macquarie University’s Director of Partnerships, in a panel discussion on the role of government in successful innovation districts, emceed by Macquarie University Incubator alumna Maja Paleka
- Jerome Laxale MP, Member for Bennelong, speaking on the impressive reputation of “Pill Hill” (as Macquarie Park is sometimes referred to) among policy-makers in Canberra
- Mark Ames, General Manager of Connect MPID, providing a fascinating snapshot of the post-pandemic demographics of Macquarie Park. Our highly educated workforce was among the unique characteristics highlighted, with 30 per cent of Macquarie Park employees having a postgraduate degree – four times the national average.
The summit theme, ‘All Change’, referenced the exciting benefits that will come to Macquarie Park with the opening of the Chatswood to Sydenham Sydney Metro line next year. Travel time from Barangaroo to Macquarie Park will be reduced to 18 minutes, providing convenience for staff and students, and creating new opportunities for growth.
“This connectivity will be a game-changer,” said Charlotte Stratton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Connect MPID. “Strengthening connections to Sydney Airport will open up Macquarie Park to interstate and international visitors and provide greater exposure to our new workplaces of the future; to the expanded DeepTech incubator and the new RNA manufacturing facility.”
Watch the recording of the Connect MPID Summit. The Vice-Chancellor’s address commences at 13:00.
Find more photos from the event at connectmpid.com.au.
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