Celebrating the launch of IMPACT 2025
On Tuesday, 10 September, more than 100 people gathered at The Welder’s Dog Brewery in Armidale to celebrate the launch of IMPACT 2025, the UNE SMART Region Incubator’s annual publication of founder stories.
We’re sure anyone who was able to join us on the evening will agree that the event was much more than a launch. It was a tribute to the ingenuity, persistence and imagination of the almost 50 business founders who make up the SRI community, and to the spirit of regional entrepreneurship that is thriving in the New England North West.
The night opened with a moving Welcome to Country from Uncle Steve Widders, who reminded the room of the deep cultural and historical layers that shape our region, setting the tone for an evening rooted in respect, innovation and possibility.
UNE Vice-Chancellor and CEO, Professor Chris Moran, spoke next. He described the New England and North West not only as a beautiful place to live and work, but as a region that contributes unique value to Australia’s innovation landscape. He recognised the work of the founders and the way they’re helping to build new opportunities from within regional communities.
That theme of regional impact carried through in remarks from Charlie Taylor, Chair of the NSW Productivity and Innovation Council. He highlighted the way innovation born in rural, regional and remote Australia is unique and grounded in real need, lived experience and the type of determination that comes from building when resources are scarce.
The highlight of the night was a founder panel led by Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Edwina Sharrock, in conversation with Peter Price (My Tazi), Deb Martin (Observa Care), and Bec Belfield (Growing Skills).
Each founder shared their personal “why”, the more real, deeper reason behind their work. These reflections were intimate, at times raw, and together, they really brought to life what it means to be a founder in this community.
Peter’s advice to aspiring founders was particularly memorable: imagine, visualise, believe. He spoke about the courage it takes to hold onto a vision that others may not yet see, and to persist long enough for it to take shape.
Throughout the evening, guests connected over drinks, grazing platters, and a striking cake decorated to mirror this year’s IMPACT cover. Interim SRI Director, Alex Cook, took a moment to thank the founders for their tenacity and achievements. She invited all those in the room to stand together on stage, which was almost half of the community gathered in one place. It was a great visual reminder of the scale and strength of the region’s founder network.
We want to extend our thanks to all who attended the event. We appreciate your support and are grateful for your help in making the night such a success! We hope you’ll agree that it truly felt like a celebration worthy of the work it honoured - real businesses, real ideas, and the people who make them possible.