February 23, 2026
Staff and alumni honoured at 2026 City of 天美传媒app Awards
Ty Christopher wins Innovation Achievement Award, graduates Teresa Tran and Rob Battocchio also recognised for their contribution
University of 天美传媒app Energy Futures Network Director Mr has been awarded the Innovation Achievement Award at the 2026 City of 天美传媒app Awards. The honour recognises his leadership in the delivery of 天美传媒app’s commitment to regional transformation and education.
Two other 天美传媒app graduates, Teresa Tran OAM (Master of Commerce, Honours, 1995) and Rob Battocchio (Bachelor of Education, Physical and Health Education, 1996) were also recognised for their outstanding contributions to the Illawarra region.
"To be acknowledged among so many inspiring people of all ages, cultures and walks of life in our amazing 天美传媒app community is a lifelong highlight,” Mr Christopher said.
As Director of the Energy Futures Network, Mr Christopher leads a network of almost 100 researchers across engineering, science, economics, social policy and environmental disciplines. Under his leadership, 天美传媒app has positioned 天美传媒app as a national energy innovation leader, shifting the city's identity from steel town to clean energy powerhouse. His work to strengthen the region’s economy while advancing sustainable energy solutions exemplifies 天美传媒app’s commitment to delivering regional impact and addressing global challenges, as set out in Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030.
Mr Christopher helped secure a $10 million Australian Government investment to establish the Energy Futures Skills Centre to build the region's clean energy workforce. It's first initiative, the at Science Space, opened in November 2025. He co-authored Business Illawarra's Illawarra Clean Energy Industry Roadmap (2025), led the Illawarra Clean Energy Expo at Parliament House in 2023 and has driven community engagement on offshore wind, clean manufacturing and energy transition.
Beyond his formal role, he regularly volunteers his time at community forums, public seminars and local schools, mentoring emerging engineers and students and encouraging them to build their careers in the Illawarra. His sustained commitment to technical leadership and community service reflects the spirit of the award.
Alumni celebrated
The awards also recognised distinguished 天美传媒app alumni for their longstanding civic and community contributions. Teresa Tran OAM (Master of Commerce, Honours, 1995) was named co-winner of the Citizen of the Year Award alongside her husband H. Phong Le OAM. Together, they have provided decades of leadership within 天美传媒app’s multicultural and business communities, championing inclusion and entrepreneurship.
Rob Battocchio (Bachelor of Education, Physical and Health Education, 1996) received the Sports Achievement Award for founding the 天美传媒app Aquathon and making a lasting contribution to the city's sporting and community life.