The 2018 Annual Research Symposium for the CBNS was held at Terrigal on the NSW north coast. After battling the elements to avoid the rain and flooding affecting flights into and out of Sydney, we also found some sunshine and beautiful scenes at this idyllic location. Julia Walker, Kye Robinson, and Dr Christian Fercher (postdoc shared between NEL and Mahler group, AIBN) presented posters on their latest research and Simon summarised the activities in the sensors and diagnostics project within the centre. With over two years left to go in the centre, its really time to capitalise on the unique collaborative opportunities that these centres present.