Meet Ben Hobby

Ben Hobby, CEO, itree

Itree develops intelligent software for government agencies and regulators in Australia and New Zealand and has done so for 20 years. Our solutions save lives and environments by improving safety, productivity and efficiency in the areas of regulation, compliance and enforcement.

We have a total of 101 employees working for Itree; 94 of those working in Wollongong. Our remote workers reside in Melbourne, Brisbane, Wellington and Dunedin. We thrive on diversity; having 16 nationalities, 25 languages spoken and ages spanning over 40 years!

Question

How does being based in Wollongong help with your work-life balance?

Answer

Being based in Wollongong is truly fantastic. Many of our employees enjoy a comfortable and happy life outside of work, which when mixed with an innovative and productive time at Itree, allows precious time to spend at family events such as school assemblies, sports days, house maintenance, or personal activities.

“It is so important for the positive wellbeing of our employees.”

With a gym on campus, bicycle lock up facilities and the beach at our doorstop, we drive an active lifestyle during and outside of work time.

Question

What experience have you had recruiting the workforce you need in Wollongong?

Answer

Recruitment has been good at the graduate and junior level as we have a strong relationship with the UOW; specifically, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. As an Awarded Employer of Choice and being named Illawarra Business Chamber Employer of the year, we are fortunate to receive a large number of unsolicited expressions of interest.

Question

What are some of the things you love about living in Wollongong?

Answer

Wollongong is a community driven area and is the perfect region to live life to the full, whether it be lifestyle, raising a family or education.

“The outdoor lifestyle is extremely appealing with the beach never too far away, quality sporting teams and events, and fine dining in beautiful locations.”

Wollongong is also appealing because of our multicultural society – everyone feels welcomed. The Community spirit really drives the region.

Question

If a company was thinking of establishing their business in Wollongong, what would you tell them?

Answer

Wollongong is such a community driven area, with a lot of people deciding to either start a family here or move here to give their family the best possible life. The outdoor lifestyle and dining is extremely appealing with the beach, parklands and bush reserves never too far away.

“Within the Wollongong area, there is a great mix of established businesses and start-ups. Both of these attributes create an innovative growth environment, which attracts and retains talent to the area.”

These businesses are able to harness strengths from the vast multicultural society.  The community spirit really drives the region and in turn, this is a region where people feel safe and the perfect place to get the right kind of people to steer your business into success.

Question

What advice would you give to a new business exploring establishing in Wollongong?

Answer

Connections are key to making a business succeed. Leaders within the Wollongong community have been driving the networking opportunities within the area. Establishing connections within the Business Chamber, local tertiary education establishments and domain specific organisations will assist in creating a successful business.

Question

What have you found to be the advantage of basing your business in Wollongong?

Answer

With Wollongong being the 3rd largest City in NSW, we find this to be a huge advantage for a growing business like itree.  Supplying employment in the area can offer our employees a fantastic work-life balance without the long commute to Sydney, something that many people in the region have to do each day.

“I feel like we have everything we need here but it is nice to have the big smoke only 1.5 hours away.”

Itree first began operation at the main campus of the University of Wollongong. As the business grew, we relocated to the UOW innovation campus as their second tenant. Over the years we have built a wonderful relationship with the UOW and the wider community. For example, we have supported the UOW Excellence awards which allows us to seek out amazing talent and prospective employees. Over 10% of our workforce are graduates from the UOW, with the majority employed in a part-time capacity during their studies.

Question

Has working in the regional area provided opportunities that would not have occurred if you operated somewhere else?

Answer

Yes – potential and current clients appreciate that Itree is a very successful regional based IT software organisation that has been operating for just under 25 years!

Question

What has been the company’s biggest achievement from operating in Wollongong?

Answer

With almost 23 years of hard work, stamina and quality software under our belt, we have accomplished a lot but the three that stand out for us are:

• Retaining a strong, local and loyal workforce – our longest standing employee has been here for 22.5 years!
• Promoting and achieving a true work-life balance with a flexible work ethic.
• Remaining successful and continuing to grow for quarter of a century.

Question

What kinds of local activities do you/your family enjoy doing recreationally – tell us more?

Answer

The outdoor lifestyle that the Illawarra has to offer is just phenomenal, here are just a few things we like to do:

• Bush walks – There are so many beautiful bush walks to do within the region. We recently did the Minnamurra Falls walk through the rainforest and it was just breathtaking.
• Sporting events – Win Stadium holds an array of events, not only do we get the best sports teams from around the world battling it out here, we also get artists from all over the globe performing here such as Billy Ocean and Elton John.
• Beach – You are never too far away from a beach in the Illawarra region, and who doesn’t like going for a swim on a hot day?
• Jamberoo recreation park – To have something as big as this attraction in our region is just amazing, perfect for families who want to do something fun with the kids but don’t want to drive to Sydney or go to the Gold Coast.
• Dining out – With such a diverse culture in the Illawarra comes the different and delicious choice of food that we have on offer. Plus Eat Streets in Wollongong Mall on a Thursday is just great.
• Music festivals – Yours and Owls, it’s something for the younger audience. With the attraction of more big names every year means that it is growing in popularity.

Question

What would be your top must see things in Wollongong for newcomers?

Answer

There are too many to add here but I would have to say:

• Sublime Point walk (café has great food and that amazing view!)
• Blue Mile Walk – Located along the shoreline, it is the perfect way to see what Wollongong has to offer.
• Nan Tien Temple – Is the largest Buddhist Temple in the southern Hemisphere, the temple tour and walk around the beautiful grounds is picturesque and definitely a must-see.
• Mount Keira Lookout has breathtaking views.
• Mount Kembla Pub is a very quaint and quirky traditional pub that is great for a pub feed!

Question

Do you have any tips for people moving here from overseas?

Answer

I would suggest taking a beach safety course as surfing and swimming are enjoyable activities in the Illawarra. It is recommended that new people to the area go to the Wollongong Tourist Information office to get a map and local information.

“To feel part of the community, get involved in charity work around the region and/or join a sporting team or club.”

Question

How does living in Wollongong/Australia differ from your home country of the UK?

Answer

The weather is just sensational, even in winter the sun shines! The culture is very similar to the UK, and the people just seem to go out of their way to be friendly to everyone.

Question

Why are more and more people moving to the region?

Answer

Wollongong is more affordable than Sydney for housing and living. It is also by the beach and has a more family friendly community. More businesses are moving to the Wollongong area, which in turns means more employment, it is a win/win for everyone.

“The people of Wollongong are so welcoming, friendly and are all about building a positive community vibe.”