WYNnovation 2025: Making the Future Happen now
Thank you for joining us in May for Wyndham City’s award-winning festival of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity!
This year’s theme, "Making the Future Happen Now," brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators who connected, learned, and exchanged bold ideas in an inspiring, high-energy environment.
Key Highlights
- WYNnovation Summit – 15 May 2025
The WYNnovation Summit featured a powerful lineup of speakers and conversations that continue to spark ideas and momentum across our community.
Simon Waller reminded us that deep thinking is the foundation of innovation. Winitha Bonney OAM delivered a moving keynote on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in leadership. Nornie Bero shared her passion for culture, country, and legacy — leaving a lasting impact.
Daniel Flynn challenged us to see how one moment can create a movement, inspiring attendees to take action with purpose.
Our local panel featuring Mamun Haque, Samuel Fragapane, and Mari Robert showcased the world-class talent and ideas thriving right here in Wyndham.
Special thanks to our major sponsor Victoria University and summit supporter All Green Nursery & Garden for their generous support.
- WYNnovation 2025 Pitch Competition – Open Challenge: Better City Enabled Through Technology
This year’s competition spotlighted bold ideas to shape a smarter, more sustainable Wyndham:
- First Prize: AI Mily – Mily Lee
- Runner-up: RegenX – Ishan Dan
- People’s Choice: Tala Thrive – Sonia Kaurah
- Wyndham Leaders Workshop – 27 May 2025
Held at Ironbark Fields and Pavilion, this strategic workshop brought together key local leaders and stakeholders to help shape the future Wyndham’s economic development strategy. Facilitated by Simon Waller, the session focused on identifying emerging priorities, innovation pathways, and collaboration opportunities to guide Wyndham’s long-term prosperity.
Independent Program
Throughout May, a series of business community-led events explored diverse perspectives on business and innovation:
- 6 May – Student Mentoring with Wyndham Entrepreneurs
Hosted by Wyndham Tech School, this session connected students with experienced local business owners for valuable guidance and career insights. - 9 May – Cracking the Code: Engaging and Retaining Gen Z in the Workforce
Delivered by Third Culture and supported by Workforce Australia, this interactive workshop at the Youth Centre, Hoppers Crossing focused on strategies for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent. - 13 May – Biznet Forum
Hosted by Wyndham Biznet at Village Cinema Werribee, this networking event featured industry speakers, local business showcases, and key updates on the future of work. - 20 May – Intro to CSIRO for Ag & Food Startups
Held at the CSIRO Food Innovation Centre, this session introduced startup founders to cutting-edge research partnerships and commercialisation opportunities. - 30 May – Business Development Workshop from Vision to Action: Strategic steps to make it happen now
Delivered by 3minds consulting at the Cowork + Create coworking space, this workshop helped founders and business owners turn bold ideas into strategic action.
Sponsors
For more than 100 years, Victoria University (VU) has offered accessible education to students in Melbourne’s west and beyond.
VU is one of only six universities in Australia to offer courses in both TAFE and higher education. From certificates to diplomas, degrees and postgraduate courses, you can begin your studies at any point and progress between courses to achieve your goals, regardless of your starting point.
Victoria University’s links to the City of Wyndham extend back to the establishment of the Werribee Campus in the early 1990s.
Werribee Campus has specialised facilities for teaching and research, including major research centres for water treatment, food science, biomedical science and fire safety.
The Werribee Campus hosts the Wyndham Tech School, which uses leading-edge technology to deliver innovative programs to school students.
Our flexible approach to learning and teaching supports our strategic plan. We aim to continue creating positive outcomes for education, industry and our community into the future.
Independent Program 2026
Thanks to great interest from our community, our independent program for WYNnovation 2025 is now established, and we're keeping applications open for 2026 - giving you the opportunity to develop and showcase your own events as part of the festival in May.
Express your interest in:
- Speaking or facilitating
- Becoming a supplier (e.g offering your venue)
- Sponsoring an event
- Hosting an event
Submit your Expression of Interest today by filling out the application below:
WYNnovation 2024: The Festival powering Human Connection
WYNnovation 2024 redefined innovation through the lens of human connection, leaving a lasting impact on all who attended.
The event embarked attendees on a transformative journey, where the heartbeat of a diverse city met the pulse of hidden potential. The theme, "Human Connection," celebrated the extraordinary possibilities that arise when diverse minds unite, exploring the untapped realms of collaboration in the age of technology.
The Festival featured a series of highlights: the experiential Masterclass, the dynamic Summit, the fireside Networking by Night, the thrilling Grande Finale Pitch Competition, and the celebratory Wrap Party. Each component showcased the essence of our city and collaboration, making WYNnovation 2024 an unforgettable experience.
Stay tuned for future events as we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible through the power of human connection.
For the latest updates sign up to Business Matters.
Wyndham wins National Economic Development Award for Excellence in Strategic Thinking for WYNnovation 2024
Wyndham City Council won the Award for Excellence in Strategic Thinking for WYNnovation 2024: The Festival of Human Connection. This award recognises best practice strategies where economic development outcomes are at the heart of the approach adopted.
These awards acknowledge remarkable Australian economic development professionals and organisations who are employing best practice innovation and creativity to improve communities across the country, demonstrating leadership and excellence in economic development.
This recognition of economic development excellence in such a competitive national field is a significant achievement. Wyndham proudly shares this award with the diverse community of collaborators internally and externally to deliver impactful economic development initiatives such as WYNnovation to support Wyndham's local businesses.