LIP Newsletter - Q2 2025
G’day and welcome to the latest Liverpool Innovation Precinct newsletter.
This is a landmark year for Liverpool, with exciting CBD developments, expanding university and research facilities, and a new airport on the way. In this edition, we celebrate the leadership legacies of outgoing Director Lance Chia and eminent surgeon, academic and health researcher Professor Les Bokey. Their contributions to Liverpool and South West Sydney will continue to be a vital part of the future we’re building together.
Regards
David Borger
Farewell and Thank You Lance
Lance Chia GAICD
After more than five years at the helm, Lance Chia has concluded his role as Director of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct (LIP). He leaves behind an impressive legacy – transforming the Precinct from a local initiative into a nationally and globally recognised hub for health, research and innovation.
Under Lance’s leadership, over 150 startups were supported and engaged through clinical trials, focus groups and medical technology collaborations. Quite a feat for a Precinct that had no startup ecosystem just a few years ago. He has championed community-led innovation and helped attract significant investments, including the UNSW Founders Program, while forging critical partnerships with universities, TAFE and local manufacturers.
One of Lance’s most important contributions has been building the case for a dedicated startup incubator in Liverpool. Advocacy for this project will continue, creating a foundation for South West Sydney’s next generation of startups to innovate locally and scale globally.
As Lance departs, his parting advice is clear: placemaking matters, but innovation and supporting innovative people is what truly drives economic growth. What will ultimately attract investors are the bold ideas and ambitious people who bring them to life.
Lance, thank you for your passion, your persistence, and for working so hard to put Liverpool on the map.
New MedTech Corridor
As Western Sydney International Airport prepares for take off, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct is eyeing the sky, with its feet planted firmly in MedTech. With the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility in Bradfield having opened its doors, Lance Chia believes the potential for a game-changing "MedTech corridor" is real.
Imagine prototypes produced in hours instead of days, and new, innovative medical devices that solve global health challenges, developed and manufactured right in South West Sydney.
Liverpool’s education offering is also shifting gears, with the University of Wollongong’s new nursing simulation labs opening the door to virtual reality and tech-enabled health training.
Key policies must align for this vision to land. In his final interview as Director, Lance called for the NSW Government to back critical links. These include a $12 million night shuttle connecting the Liverpool CBD to the airport. He also urged new tax incentives to help MedTech startups hire locally and grow where they’re founded.
As he departs LIP after a successful time at the helm, Lance posed a challenge: “Will Liverpool become Sydney’s Medtech capital?” His vision? Making Liverpool the default launchpad for South West Sydney’s entrepreneurs.
Nurturing Entrepreneurs
For Lance Chia, the Liverpool Innovation Precinct’s proudest achievement isn’t just global recognition; it’s igniting local dreams. As he noted with pride, community programs and events, including evening workshops, draw as many as 200 registrations, serving residents who "can’t get to things that are in the city".
One moment captures this impact: "We had a mother say, ‘I brought my son because I wanted him to see that if there’s something he felt passionate about, there were people and places that would help him do it.’"
This ethos drives LIP’s mission: to ensure South West Sydney’s talent no longer needs to commute to central Sydney for support. As Lance said, "If you’re a smart person with an idea growing up here, you should look to Liverpool to make your start-up dream come true”.
Our last LIP meeting with Lance at the Casula Powerhouse.
State MP Addresses LIP
Charishma Kaliyanda, State MP for Liverpool
Thanks to State MP for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda for joining our July LIP Steering Committee meeting and outlining key recent budget commitments for Liverpool’s future.
They include $18 million for the NSW Government’s Innovation Blueprint, with $4 million earmarked for tech founder diversity, especially in Western Sydney, focused on female entrepreneurs and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. A new Investment Delivery Authority is being established to expedite major projects.
Additional investments include enhancements to bus T-Way services, public park development on Mannix Parade and $50 million in school upgrades, alongside the exciting redevelopment plans for Liverpool Boys and Girls High Schools.
Ms Kaliyanda highlighted upcoming public sector workforce growth in Liverpool at Homes NSW. She was also supportive of a Cultural and Entertainment Hub tied to Liverpool’s nighttime economy, while underscoring the continued need for local improvements to lighting, signage and parking. She said the recent Arup Report, commissioned by the LIP, has been referenced in her discussions with government and local police.
Our thanks to the State MP for her continued engagement.
Senior Leaders Tour Liverpool’s Future
David Borger, Chair of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct, led a guided tour of major sites in Liverpool in July with key leaders from NSW government agencies.
Participants visited Macquarie Mall, Liverpool High School, Bigge Park and the TAFE campus, before inspecting the Liverpool train station and bus interchange. Thanks to all who gave their time, including Mayor Ned Mannoun and Deputy Secretary of Property Development NSW Leon Walker.
The day followed a workshop with more than 30 senior stakeholders organised by the LIP in June at the Liverpool TAFE Campus. This was designed to explore potential development and urban activation around the station with a view to creating Liverpool’s answer to Parramatta Square.
Many agencies, including Health, Education, TAFE, and Communities and Justice, have significant future space needs in Liverpool as they cater for the rapidly growing South West.
The LIP will continue to work with all stakeholders with a view to shaping a proposal to the NSW Government.
UNSW Pitch Night
UNSW Pitch Night South West, held at Liverpool Powerhouse in August, was a proud milestone for South West Sydney. The event highlighted early-stage founders shaping the region’s innovation future.
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct is proud to have financially contributed towards the prizes for an event that brought together over 220 entrepreneurs, researchers and changemakers.
We were thrilled to see strong local talent take centre stage before an esteemed judging panel that included UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs, Ken Morrison (CEO of Bradfield Development Authority), Professor Josephine Chow (South West Sydney Local Health District) and Katrina Konstas (Afterpay). A big shoutout to UNSW Founders Program Manager Julie Pham and the entire team at UNSW – this event is clearly a labour of love.
And a big congratulations to our outstanding winners! First place was awarded to Jasmine Deal and Richard Lau from HELP NOW for developing a multilingual emergency response application, enabling non-English speakers to be quickly connected to help when dialling numbers like ‘000’.
Aether Diagnostics scored second place (and also the People’s Choice Award) for their innovative at-home test for vaginal yeast infections. Third place went to Hello Again Solar for their sustainable model focused on the reuse of solar panels.
A Brilliant Career
Professor Les Bokey AM
The Liverpool Innovation Precinct honours the extraordinary career of Professor Les Bokey AM, whose retirement marks over five decades of dedication to medical innovation, education and surgical excellence. A founding visionary of the LIP and longstanding member of its Steering Committee, Professor Bokey helped transform Liverpool into a recognised hub for health and research.
His career spans institutions such as St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, the Cleveland Clinic and Western Sydney University, reflecting his commitment to advancing healthcare. His leadership has driven the establishment of cutting-edge institutions and the integration of robotics, AI and digital health into modern care delivery.
Les will be remembered for his brilliance, passion and signature bow ties. The LIP extends its gratitude for his remarkable contributions and wishes him well for his next chapter.
Toward Better Care
This year’s Health Needs Assessment report from South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) provided a vital snapshot of the region’s health landscape. Amidst the immense dedication of local healthcare workers, it reveals workforce challenges, rising chronic disease and resourcing gaps in culturally sensitive care.
Drawing on population data and community voices, the report is designed to guide strategic planning across health services, support organisations seeking funding and shape targeted responses to local needs.
SWSPHN has also launched the HEAL program in Liverpool, an eight-week lifestyle initiative helping locals reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Through fully funded sessions run by physiotherapists and exercise physiologists, participants are gaining practical skills, confidence and support.
The LIP will continue working with SWSPHN to deliver better, more accessible care for all, particularly in high-growth areas like Liverpool.
Focus on Cyber
Cybersecurity was front and centre at the University of Wollongong Liverpool’s recent Knowledge Series event, Cybercrime and Safety.
Bringing together business leaders, community members and students, the event tackled the fast-evolving risks of AI-powered cyber threats.
Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo (UOW’s Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology) delivered a powerful keynote, warning of increasingly sophisticated attacks targeting local businesses and individuals.
Panellists included David Vohradsky (CEO, MyRISK) and Sermin Yavuzer (AI and Cyber Futures Institute), who offered practical advice and industry insights.
The event also featured Associate Professor Niamh Kinchin, who discussed legal considerations of AI-driven crime.
With interactive Q&As and local networking, the session reinforced the community’s commitment to digital safety in a rapidly changing world.
Recharge Fridays
Liverpool Powerhouse invites you to elevate your weekends with Recharge Fridays, a monthly event held on the last Friday evening of each month. Designed to energise and inspire, Recharge Fridays features signature cocktail specials, delectable bar snacks, and expertly crafted DJ sets to create the perfect ambience.
Whether you're winding down from the week or gearing up for the weekend ahead, Recharge Fridays at Liverpool Powerhouse promises an unforgettable blend of flavour, music, and community.
Thanks to Liverpool City Council for this great initiative.