SDG 08 Decent Work and Economic Growth

2025 Report

13th in Australia

Research and Innovation

Lyngo AI: Transforming patient communication

From repairing iPhones at 16 to co-founding Lyngo AI, University of Newcastle alumnus Cameron Moore is reshaping healthcare communication with a virtual AI receptionist.

Unanswered calls are a major issue in healthcare, with more than 50% going unanswered. Lyngo AI solves this by offering 24/7 phone support that integrates directly with Practice Management Systems. Lyngo AI can answer general questions, create patient records, book new appointments, and reschedule or cancel bookings in real time all while following clinic policies. By providing reliable, round-the-clock communication, Lyngo AI is helping practices strengthen patient trust, reduce missed opportunities, and ensure more seamless access to care. Developed through the University’s entrepreneurial and innovation programs, Lyngo AI showcases how Newcastle graduates like Cameron Moore are driving economic growth through digital innovation.

Lyngo AI’s mission is to become the world’s leading AI receptionist for healthcare.

Lyngo. (2025) Photo of Tanmay Patel (left), Co-Founder & CEO, and Cameron Moore (right), Co-Founder & CEO/CTO.

Teaching and Learning

Filling the gap – University’s vision for dental and oral health on the Coast

To reduce waiting times and increase dental services for the region of the Central Coast, the University of Newcastle has shared its vision for a dentistry school and 50-chair public dental clinic and training facility. To meet these urgent demands for public dental services, the University of Newcastle’s proposal for the Central Coast School of Dentistry and Central Coast Public Dental Clinic would offer a fast-tracked pathway for students studying Oral Health Therapy to become dentists.

The opportunity for up to 30 students supervised by fully accredited dentists could see upwards of 40,000 appointments per year for the public dental clinic in just the first year. This initiative represents a transformative step towards improving direct health outcomes, building workforce capability, and strengthening long-term community wellbeing. Importantly, there is a direct relationship between oral health and overall health, meaning the benefits of this vision will extend beyond dentistry to reduce broader health burdens across the Central Coast community.

Operations

University receives Keys to the City in its 60th year

In a milestone celebration, the University of Newcastle has received the Keys to the City in recognition of six decades of transforming lives, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth across the Hunter region.

The honour was presented by Lord Mayor Dr Ross Kerridge during a graduation ceremony at Newcastle City Hall, acknowledging the University’s deep and enduring partnership with the city it calls home. Chancellor, the Hon. Patricia Forsythe AM, accepted the Keys on behalf of the University, joined by Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Wollotuka Elders in Residence Aunty Cheryl Newton and Aunty Amanda Kelly, students, and alumni spanning the University’s history.

Professor Zelinsky said the award symbolises the collective achievement of the entire University community and its role in Newcastle’s progress. From educating 1,700 students in the 1960s to more than 37,000 today, the University has created pathways to education, jobs, and innovation that have reshaped the region. Lord Mayor Dr Kerridge said the University’s influence is woven through the city, inspiring generations and transforming Newcastle into a hub of learning and aspiration. With the highest number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at any Australian university, the institution continues to champion inclusive growth and opportunity.

In its 23rd year Hunter Innovation Festival 2025

Community Outreach

Beyond the Spectacle: Events as Strategic Investments in Newcastle’s Future

With the City of Newcastle ramping up its investment in events, there is a significant opportunity to ensure that these events and celebrations serve as more than fleeting spectacles. Instead, they can become powerful catalysts for lasting economic growth, social cohesion, and cultural impact.

Events in Newcastle are increasingly recognised as powerful tools for shaping the city’s future, delivering long-term economic, social, and cultural benefits. More than entertainment, events have the potential to strengthen community pride, activate public spaces, and support local industries when planned strategically. The idea of event legacy ensuring benefits last well beyond the closing ceremony is central to this approach. Large-scale events bring global attention and economic influx, while community-led events sustain engagement, showcase cultural diversity, and contribute to Newcastle’s unique identity.

To achieve this, events must be deliberately connected to Newcastle’s broader vision for urban and cultural development. Like seed capital in business, they can spark growth when linked to industry networks, creative collaborations, and infrastructure that continues to serve communities long after the event ends. However, research shows legacies don’t occur automatically they require coordinated, well-resourced efforts.

The University of Newcastle is helping drive this change through its Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events, developed with industry input to ensure graduates are prepared to deliver ethical, inclusive, and sustainable events. Working alongside local businesses and cultural organisations, the University equips future professionals to align with Newcastle’s goal of becoming a premier event destination.

Ngarrama 2025