The Regional Connectivity Symposium is the Connectivity Innovation Network’s annual event dedicated to solving connectivity challenges in regional, rural and remote communities across New South Wales.
The 2025 Symposium will be held in the Newcastle region and will explore the evolving connectivity needs of regional areas in transition, where urban growth, environmental pressures and infrastructure gaps often intersect. It brings together researchers, government and industry partners to exchange ideas, discuss emerging priorities and share real-world approaches to improving connectivity.
The program includes:
Presentations and panel discussions on digital inclusion, power resilience and network reliability in regional settings
Presentations on current projects and emerging technologies supported by the Connectivity Innovation Network
Conversations around infrastructure, community-driven design and cross-sector coordination
A closer look at the unique connectivity needs and opportunities emerging in the Central Coast and beyond.
- A panel discussion with national mobile network operators facilitated by CIN Technical Director Distinguished Professor Jay Guo.
3rd Annual Regional Connectivity Symposium
Dates: 4-5 September 2025
Location: Central Coast region
Admission: Free.
AGENDA
DAY 1 4 September 2025 Central Coast Clinical School, Gosford
2:00pm- 2:30pm
Arrival & Registration
2.30pm – 2.40pm
Welcome and Introduction
Dr Ian Oppermann I Director, Connectivity Innovation Network
2:40pm – 3.20pm
IoT air quality monitoring in First Nations communities
Dr Kisani Upward I First Nations Lead, Manna Institute & Lockie Cooke I Digital Health Innovator
3.20pm – 3.40pm
Transitioning to an emergency services organisation and migration to the Public Safety Network
Matt Ingersole I Chief Information Officer, Surf Life Saving NSW
3.40pm – 4.00pm
Connectivity challenges in National Parks
Andrew Smith I Manager, Park Systems and Operations, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
4.00pm – 6.00pm
Networking & drinks
DAY 2 5 September 2025 University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus
DAY 2 SESSION 1
8.30am – 9.00am
Arrival & Registration
9.00am – 9.10pm
Welcome and Introduction
Dr Ian Oppermann I Director, Connectivity Innovation Network
9.10am – 9.25am
Opening address and Welcome to Country
BJ Duncan I Aboriginal Elder
9.25am – 9.40am
NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy
Nicole Rossini I Program Delivery Manager, NSW Telco Authority
9.40am – 9.55am
9.55am – 10.10am
Understanding Digital Inclusion in Regional NSW
Jennifer Medway I President, NSW Rural Fire Service Merrill Branch and former Manager, Regional Tech Hub
10.10am – 10.45am
Facilitated discussion on Digital Inclusion
Nicole Rossini (NSWTA), Breanna Pollock (Central Coast Council), Jennifer Medway (NSW RFS and Regional Tech Hub), Dr Kisani Upward (Manna Institute), Barang Regional Alliance
10.45am – 11:10am
Morning tea
DAY 2 SESSION 2
11.10am – 11.25am
Wi-Fi as a sensor: Respiratory monitoring using Wi-Fi
James Rhodes I PhD student in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Newcastle
11.25am – 11.40am
Satellite remote sensing and communications for near real-time bushfire monitoring and response
Lachlan Drake I PhD candidate, University of Newcastle
11:40am – 12:00pm
Natural Hazards and Environmental Monitoring
Peter Runcie I Natural Hazards and Smart Places Theme Leader, NSW Smart Sensing Network
12.00pm – 12.20pm
Shared Infrastructure for enhanced connectivity in regional areas
Stephen Farrugia I CTO, BAI Communications
12.20pm – 12.40pm
Upgrading Australia: Innovation, Resilience and Sustainability in NBN’s next chapter
Simon Berryman I Stakeholder Engagement Manager, NBN
12.40pm – 1.20pm
Lunch
DAY 2 SESSION 3
1.20pm – 1.40pm
Trends in Community Resilience for Power and Telecommunications
Jamie Caldwell I Director, Energy Security & Emergency Management, DCCEEW
1.40pm – 2.30pm
Facilitated discussion
Facilitator: Distinguished Professor Jay Guo (CIN)
Michael Marom (Northern NSW Regional General Manager at Telstra)
Glenn Hamilton (General Manager NSW Central Coast & North Coast, Optus)
Penny Joseph (Director of the Climate Resilience Program, Ausgrid)
Shane Newcombe (Senior Manager of Communications & Field Support, NSW State Emergency Service)
2.30pm – 2.50pm
Conclusion & event close
Please note that the agenda is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control.
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