Completed...

Best Practice - Speaking, Training and Workshops

There are always better ways to enhance the physical, cultural and economic vitality of local communities.

Vital Places regularly undertakes research, development and communication to progress 'best practice' facilitation of Centre Improvement Projects.

Completed initiatives are listed below:

Judging Panel Member: Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Group – State Awards. Invited to assist judging of the bi-annual State awards for Landscape Architectural Projects across the categories of Design, Planning, Environment, Research & Communication. 2009

LGAQ Economic & Regional Development Conference: Townsville, 4-6 March: Present a paper titled “Our Town Our Future – A model for Smart Infrastructure” under the theme of Place Based Enterprise to outline the innovative thinking behind the concept of ‘smart infrastructure’ and how it can be applied to help Councils develop stronger communities. 2009

Healthy Cities Conference: Gold Coast City, 25-27 March: Presented a paper titled “Using Catalyst Infrastructure to protect local identity and lifestyle”. This presentation used a case study to show how traditional infrastructure investment can be used as a catalyst for sustainable change in towns and communities on the edges of booming regional centres. 2009

NQ Development Alliance: Committee Meeting: September 12: Presented an overview of NQ3 Enterprise Strategy and its potential contribution to future regional planning processes. 2008

Tablelands Regional Council: Council Meeting: Herberton: July 30: Presented an information session titled "Growing places to protect local identity and lifestyle" outlining a strategic framework for local government to facilitate "good growth" - change that strengthens local communities. 2008

Millaa Millaa Chamber of Commerce: Millaa Millaa: June 17: Invited to present at a public meeting titled "Millaa Millaa by Design" outlining the opportunities for the rural town to establish a long term revitalisation program in collaboration with the Tablelands Regional Council. 2008

Age Care Queensland - Retirement Living Conference: Gold Coast City: May 23: Presented a paper titled, "Future Proofing an Aging Community - The Ingham Story". This paper provided insights to the challenges of aging urban fringe & rural communities in the development of vibrant local towns. 2008

Sunshine Coast University -Planning and Design: May 8: Presented a two hour lecture supported by an one hour long tutorial on "Our Town Our Future - a case study Strategic Urban Design and Sub-Regional Planning" as part of the third year program in the Planning and Design Course. 2008

Sunshine Coast University -Public Lecture: May 7: Presented a two hour public lecture titled, "Growing Places to Protect Local Identity and Lifestyle". This lecture provided insights and discussion on the critical challenges for Queensland's new Regional Councils to be stronger local communities. 2008

Charters Towers Chamber of Commerce & Mines AGM: Charters Towers: April 15: Presented after dinner topic titled "Creating better Places for People & Business". This presentation provided insights to future challenges and opportunities for new Regional Council business communities such as Charters Towers Regional Council. 2008

North Queensland Local Government Association (NQGLA): Ingham: November 8-9: Presented a lunch speech on the "Ten Big Insights to Local Identity and Regional Council Amalgamations". This speech outlined critical insights and issues for Towns & Localities to thrive in the new Regional Council structures. 2007

Parks and Leisure Australia National Conference: Townsville: September 16-19: Presented a paper titled "Parkland Saves Town: How public open space provides the critical component of a revitalisation strategy for a North Queensland Sugar Town." This paper outlined the intrinsic value of public open space in an integrated approach to town centre revitalisation. 2007

Sunshine Coast University -Planning and Design: September 10: Presented a two hour lecture on "Activating local communities - profiting from the new economic order." as part of the third year program in the Planning and Design Course. 2007

International Urban Design Conference: waves of change - cities at crossroads: Gold Coast City, September 6-8: Presented a paper titled "Governance from the heart - having the ticker rather than tick boxes". This paper discussed the role of leadership and action by local government to deliver sustainable urban design outcomes for local communities. 2007

Highfields Better Business Group: Highfields, August 15: Presented a business breakfast speech on "How to Profit from Council Amalgamations". This speech provided insights to the opportunities for local town centres to profit socially and economically from applying place-based strategies in the formation and operation of the new Toowoomba Regional Council. 2007

Community Engagement Showcase 2007: Brisbane July 20: Presented an overview of the award winning "Our Town Our Future" as part of the Engaging at the Local Level session of a one day showcase event facilitated by the Queensland Department of Communities, Local Government Association of Queensland and the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) Australasia. 2007

8th International Cities Town Centres and Communities Conference: Auckland, June 26-28: Presented a Case Study paper titled "Our Town Our Future". This paper identified critical insights for leveraging social and economic outcomes through public infrastructure using the award winning Ingham Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy as Case Study application. 2007

6th National Mainstreet Conference: Melbourne, March 18-21: Presented a workshop paper titled "Our Town Our Future". This paper provided an outline and insights from developing an award winning Town Centre Revitalisation Strategy for Ingham, Queensland. 2007

7th International Cities, Towns & Communities Conference: Newcastle, June 6-9: Presented a workshop paper titled "Creating Corridor Centres". This paper outlined on experiences, approaches and insights from Brisbane’s current Tunnel program regarding the revitalisation of centres and neighbourhoods affected by Australia’s largest urban tunnel program. 2006

Town Centre Revitalisation Tips & Insights: Samford Village, March 29: Presented an information and motivational session for the inaugural meeting of the Samford Village Streetscape Committee to assist their formulation of an on going action plan. 2006

2nd Trans-Tasman Mainstreet and Town Centres Conference: Manukau City, October 30 – November 2: Presented a paper titled, Leadership Tips for Mainstreet Projects. This paper provided insights and tips to improve triple bottom line outcomes for Town Centre & Mainstreet improvement projects. 2005

Community Economic Development Conference: Thredbo, October 16-18: Invited by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development to present a Workshop Session titled "Breakthrough Strategies for Town Centre Revitalisation". This paper outlined insights and strategies from over 30 projects to provide a catalyst of ideas for use in the delivery of successful Projects. 2005

Newcastle Mainstreet Forum: Newcastle, August 5-6: Invited by Newcastle City Council to participate as part of an expert panel to discuss and facilitate community input to the review of the City’s current Mainstreet program. A collaborative report of recommendations was also provided. 2005

Market Positioning Workshop: Brisbane, July 13: Commissioned by FKP Limited to facilitate a market positioning workshop for an innovative mixed use project at Newstead in Brisbane. 2005

Breakthrough Strategies for Town Centre Revitalisation: Yeppoon, May 31: Facilitated two interactive training sessions limited to twelve places per session to test ideas, explore others experiences and develop individual Action Plans. 2005

6th International Cities, Towns & Communities Conference: Yeppoon, May 31-June 3: Presented two workshop papers titled "Master Planning on a Shoestring" & "Sustainable Places". These papers outlined challenges, insights and tips for more effective processes to deliver vibrant town centres. 2005

Suburban Centre Improvement Training: Toowoomba, May 24-25: Commissioned by Toowoomba City Council to provide a one day training session on centre improvement processes for Council staff and Councilors. This was followed by a one day design studio applying techniques to develop a draft structure plan for Newtown. 2005

Caloundra Downs Structure Plan & Workshop: Caloundra, February 8: Commissioned by Stocklands Pty Ltd to assist with the visioning and preparation of structure plans for Caloundra Downs as well as the preparation and presentation of a one day workshop to the local and state government working group for their comment and endorsement. 2005

200 Mile City - Designing a Sustainable Urban Future: Brisbane, 29th September - 2nd October: Accepted to present a paper titled "Brisbane: Creating Vital Centres in a 200 Mile City" for the National Conference of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects 2004

The Fourth National and First Trans-Tasman Mainstreet Conference - 'Getting down to Business': Melbourne, September 26– 29: Accepted to present a paper titled, Will Your Mainstreet Thrive in the Future? 2004

Town Centres - Their Role in Building Communities: Planning Institute Australia Queensland Division, September 15: Invited to present to present a paper titled "Building Communities in Town Centres" as part of a Livable Community Series Seminar 2004

Australian Local Government Women’s Association State Conference: Stanthorpe, August 4-6: Invited to present a workshop session titled Public Streetscapes – before and after strategies 2004

Guest Lecturer: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, July 30: Invited to present a lecture and discussion for 2nd year Design Students on the relevance of visual design to Town Centre Revitalisation. 2004

5th International Cities, Towns & Communities Conference: Fremantle, May 4-7: Presented a workshop paper titled Choice, Responsibility and Town Centre Revitalisation. This paper outlined challenges, insights and tips for more effective leadership in the delivery of revitalisation projects. 2004

External Examiner: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, November: Invited to provide external assessment of a student research dissertation topic "How Councils could use a Constructivist approach to graphic promotions." for the Master of Design program. 2003

Community Economic Development Conference: Batemans Bay, October 19-21: invited by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development to present a Workshop Session titled Town Centre Revitalisation - Secrets & Myths This paper outlined common myths, tips, stakeholders strategies and design principles for successful Projects. 2003

DIY-TC (Do It Yourself - Town Centres): Queensland Planner, September Vol 43 No3: Co-authored an article with Mark Doonar (TRACT) providing insights, tips and discussion for Local Government facilitation of Town Centre Revitalisation. 2003

From Dreams to Reality Conference: Boonah, May 9-11: Invited by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to present a key note paper titled "Are You Ready for the Challenge?" This paper outlined insights, processes and techniques for revitalising Town Centres using physical, economic and cultural initiatives 2003

Town Centre Revitalisation Success or Failure? It's Your choice: Sydney, March 13: Presented a one day workshop providing 'best practice' training to facilitate increased cultural, economic and physical outcomes for Town Centre revitalisation projects. 2003

Town Centre Revitalisation Success or Failure? It's Your choice: Perth, March 10 & 11: Presented a one day workshop providing 'best practice' training to facilitate increased cultural, economic and physical outcomes for Town Centre revitalisation projects. 2003

Town Centre Revitalisation Success or Failure? It's Your choice: Brisbane, November 20: Presented a one day workshop providing 'best practice' training to facilitate increased cultural, economic and physical outcomes for Town Centre revitalisation projects. 2002

International Association for Public Participation (IAP2): Sydney, October 24-25: Co-presented a paper with Adam Beck (ARUP) titled Connecting with People in Local Village Revitalisation outlining the consultation process and lessons from the Nundah Bypass and SCIP projects 2002

International Cities & Town Centres Conference: Caloundra, August 18-21:Presented a paper titled Ten Success Secrets for Revitalisation Projects outlining the ten key Action Areas and their principles for the successful delivering of integrated Centre Revitalisation. 2002

External Examiner: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, July: Invited to provide external assessment of a student research dissertation topic "How does the retail environment influence consumer behaviour" for the Master of Design program. 2001

Positive Rural Futures Conference: Sarina, May 10-12: Invited by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries to present a paper titled Double or Nothing - How to Double the Impact of Town Centre Revitalisation Projects outlining the process, principles and action tips for better community and business outcomes. 2001

Carina SCIP Design Tutorial: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, February - June: Provided Project Briefing and attending 3 progress reviews and debriefing for postgraduate honours design students research subject using Brisbane City Council's Carina, Suburban Centre Improvement Program (SCIP). 2001

Sarina Vision 2010 Project: Sarina, November 16: Invited by Mackay Whitsunday regional Economic Development Corporation to provide an evening presentation and workshop on the principles, processes and issues for the revitalisation of business centres. 2000

Clustering Building Better Economies in the 21st Century: Brisbane, November 2-3 & 5-6: Invited by the Queensland Government Office of Small Business to present two after dinner talks on cultural and economic integration in business centre revitalisation as a practice example for their Cluster Training Workshops. 2000

Parks & Leisure Australia National Conference 2000 & Tread Lightly Australia 2nd World Congress: Gold Coast, October 30-31: Presented a paper titled How to Transform Local Places into Dynamic Catalysts for Community Revitalisation outlining the process, principles and design tips for the revitalisation of cultural values in business centres. 2000

International Cities & Town Centres Conference: Hobart, September 3-6: Presented a paper titled Revitalisation Secrets Revealed outlining the principles, processes and insights to Suburban Centre revitalisation. 2000

Regional Centres Program Seminar: Brisbane, August 25: Presented a paper on the design process for the Suburban Centre Improvement Program as part of Brisbane City Council's overall presentation on Creating Enterprising Town Centres for the 21st Century. 2000

Biennial AGDA Awards & Conference: Brisbane, June 23-24: Presented a keynote paper titled Branding Suburban Centres outlining the process, principles and outcomes of establishing strong character brands for Suburban Business Centres. 2000

Wynnum Central SCIP Design Tutorial: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, February - June Provided Project Briefing and attending 3 progress reviews and debriefing for postgraduate honors design students research subject using Brisbane City Council's Wynnum Central, Suburban Centre Improvement Program (SCIP). 2000

SCIP Seminar: Queensland University of Technology October 19: One hour seminar presentation and discussion of Brisbane City Council's Suburban Centre Improvement Program (SCIP) for 2nd year Urban and Regional Planning students as part of their planning process studies in the Bachelor of Built Environment degree program. 1999

Lost in Space? - Negotiating Public Art and Placemaking: Queensland Community Arts Network Annual Conference October 7-8: Assisted in the preparation and presentation of Welcome to Wannebah. A collaborative presentation of workshop material outlining a hypothetical consultant response to a Town Revitalisation Master Plan for conference attendees to review and critique in later workshop groups. 1999

Review Panel Member: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, June 22nd: Invited to assist as a review panel member for postgraduate honours design studio projects. 1999

Biota Street SCIP Design Tutorial: Queensland College of Art Griffith University, February - June: Project Briefing and attending 3 progress reviews and debriefing for postgraduate honors design students research subject using Brisbane City Council's Biota Street, Suburban Centre Improvement Program (SCIP). 1999

Securing the Future: 3rd National Mainstreet Conference April 19-21: Presented a paper titled How to Build a Successful Mainstreet Project in 12 Months outlining the design principles, processes and outcomes being achieved by Brisbane City Council's Suburban Centre Improvement Program. 1999

Re: making landscape: Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Biannual Conference Sydney September 18-20: Presented a paper titled Suburban Centre Renewal outlining the design principles, process and outcomes being developed to achieve integrated multi-disciplinary design in the Brisbane City Council's Suburban Centre Program. 1998