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LET'S TALK IMPACT

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 Catalyst Infrastructure, Innovative Governance and Sustainable Regional Development. Most recent initiatives are listed below:

 

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EDA July Journal: Vol 16 No 2. Prepared an article titled “Could Micro Precincts Boost Regional Vitality?.” This Article explored the role of micro precincts and how to develop place-based themes to ensure their success. 2023


SEGRA 2023: Toowoomba, Queensland, 27 July: Presented a paper titled, " Can Micro Precincts Save Small Towns" This paper outlined the latest insights to developing micro precincts in regional, rural and remote areas using the case study of Quilpie Wellspring. 2023


SEGRA TALKS PODCAST: Invited to discuss current thinking about how to approach facilitating ideas that make a difference in regional, rural and remote Australia. 2023


EDA July Journal: Vol 14 No 1. Prepared an article titled “Preparing for the Purpose Economy” This Article provided a snapshot of the emerging paradigms of Transformational Finance, Public Mission and Systems Innovation. 2021


Best Idea - 3 Day Challenge: A Free online 3 day challenge for local leaders to kick start place-based recovery ideas that strengthen community and attract investment 2020


SEGRA Covid Impact Online Series: A collaboration with SEGRA Convenor Kate Charters to run weekly zoom discussions with regional leaders as to the impact of Covid 19 on communities and business in regional Australia. 2020


Rural Economies Centre of Excellence: Inaugural Annual Forum, University of Southern Queensland, 2 October: Participated as a Panel Member: Panel Topic “Setting the scene on regional economic development: a place-based view” 2019


EDA Webinar Series: “Circular Economy – A New Catalyst for Regional Development” This Webinar provided a practitioner overview of the Circular Economy and provided insights through the Quilpie Wellspring case study application. 18 September 2019


SEGRA 2019: Barooga, New South Wales, 21 August: Presented a paper titled, “How to Turn Collaboration into a Money Magnet for Regional Economic Development “. This paper outlined three recent case studies that reflected the application of innovative design thinking to enhance the investability of public catalyst infrastructure. 2019


SEGRA 2018: Mackay, Queensland, 24 October: Presented a Keynote Presentation titled, “Collaborative Innovation in Regional Economic Development”. This keynote outlined the latest insights to developing investable business cases for regionally significant projects. 2018


SEGRA Webinar Series: “Design Thinking 101″This webinar provided a quick overview of Design Thinking and explored it’s potential application to regional economic development and discussed how it can be used to attract funding for Catalyst Infrastructure. 13 June 2018


ARDC Conference: Twin Towns Services Club, New South Wales, 18 September. Presented a Paper titled, “Leveraging Regional Growth with Place-based Enterprise”. This paper outlined insights from recent place-based case studies regarding developing ideas into investable business cases for growth that deliver local employment and lifestyle. 2018


Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns, Queensland, 17 July. Presented a paper titled, “Leveraging the Science with Catalyst Infrastructure”. This paper discussed some of the latest transferable learnings for developing the Best Ideas for place-based investment that set the foundation for successful private-public investment partnerships. 2018


Great Barrier Reef Restoration Symposium: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns, Queensland, 18 July. Co-presented a paper titled, “Leveraging the Science with Collaborative Capital”. This paper was jointly presented with Paul Niederer to outline the latest trends in Collaborative funding and the potential to leverage this emerging financial sector at a scale that will position the GBR at the epicenter of marine collaborative investment. 2018


ANZRSAI Conference: Toowoomba, Queensland, 8 December. Invited to participate on an expert panel to discuss “Dilemmas and Opportunities in Regional Economic Development”. This session explored how regional development occurs and what needs to change to enhance the development of functional, liveable and prosperous regions. 2017


SEGRA 2017: Upper Spencer Gulf, South Australia, 26 October: Presented a Paper titled,”Can Collaborative Investment Deliver Better Jobs for Regional Australia?”. This paper explored the potential of developing local growth ideas into the BEST ideas to attract investment funding from public and private investors. 2017


Inspiration for Small Towns – Economic Development: Killarney Area Promotion Association: Killarney, Queensland, 5 November: Presented a paper titled “How to Find the Best Ideas for Small Town Growth”. This presentation outlined current insights and practice revealed through the recent development of the Regional Solutions Framework. 2016


Highfields Growth Forum: Highfields, Queensland, 3 November. This event was resourced by the Highfields & District Business Connections with MC from Faifax Media. Presentation supported local leaders presentations with an outline of key regional trends and the attributes of an investable business case for Public Catalyst Infrastructure. 2016


PIA 2016 Rural & Regional Planning Conference: Stanthorpe, Queensland, 27 October. Presented a paper titled, “Turning Big Ideas into the Best Growth Ideas for Regional Growth. This paper outlined a systematic way to separate the BEST ideas to accelerate regional growth that strengthens the long term sustainability of regional communities. 2016


EDA July Journal: Issue Two. Prepared an article titled “Can Design Thinking Fund Innovative Economic Development?.” This Article explored the potential opportunities of design thinking to develop investable business cases for catalyst infrastructure using the Regional Solutions Framework as a current case study in this space. 2016


Biloela Bold: Biloela Enterprise, Biloela, Queensland, 12 July. Facilitated a one day workshop and local stakeholder discussions. These sessions outlined the fundamentals of developing an investable business case for catalyst infrastructure. 2016


Highfields & District Business Connections: Highfields, Queensland, 5 July: Business Breakfast Keynote Presentation on the topic of “Creating Catalyst Projects for Good Growth”. This presentation provided insights to relevant trends and investment attraction opportunities for regional infrastructure projects. 2016


How to Fund Catalyst Infrastructure – Webinar: 19 May: Co-hosted a Collaborative Investment Webinar discussing how to use the emerging opportunities of internet financing to attract new investment partners for catalyst infrastructure. 2016


SEGRA 2015: Bathurst, New South Wales, 22 October: Business Breakfast Keynote Presentation titled “Investing in Catalyst Infrastructure”. This Breakfast presentation outlined the latest crowdfunding thinking and platform development for integrating new funding partners into Regionally Significant Projects. 2015


SEGRA 2015: Bathurst, New South Wales, 22 October: Facilitated the “Right Start Right Project” Masterclass. This workshop reconfirmed the Regional Solution Framework (RSF) basics and highlighted the latest advancements and insights since the previous SEGRA conference. 2015


SEGRA 2015: Bathurst, New South Wales, 21 October: Co-presenter with Michael Campbell for the “Designing and Implementing Projects that Deliver Policy Intent” Session. This session outlined current approaches to delivering practical outcomes for sustainable growth projects in regional Australia. 2015


Regional Collaborative Investment Summit: Bathurst, New South Wales, 19 October: Co-facilitator and presenter with Paul Niederer for the “Business Case Bootcamp” session. This session provided a business case “Shark Tank” for four regionally significant projects with panel and audience participation. 2015


NEDC15 Future Proofing Australia: It’s Time To Re-think Everything! : Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, 11 September: Co-presenter with Michael Campbell and Paul Niederer for the “Strategic Investment & Crowdfunding” Session of the “Resilience Building – Reworking Everything!” Master Class. This workshop raised key concepts for resilience and explore a range of perspectives on the capacity to be resilient in a dynamic economic world. 2015


NEDC15 Future Proofing Australia: It’s Time To Re-think Everything! : Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, 10 September: Key note presenter and panel participant on “Community, Place and Value Creation” Session. This presentation explored the role of Placemaking in the 21st Century to support sustainable economic development. 2015


Greater Taree City Council: Taree: August 17: Presented an overview of “Future Proofing Old Bar – A Coastal Erosion Model for Australian Coastal Communities.” This presentation provided an outline of an innovative approach to funding public catalyst infrastructure through collaborative funding. 2015


Collaborative Investment Roundtable: Sydney: July 23: Co-facilitated the first roundtable table discussion on the emerging opportunity collaborative funding for Regionally Significant Projects. The event was hosted by the SEGRA Foundation and RDA Sydney. 2015


Queensland RDA Conference: Gold Coast City July 9: Presented an overview of the Regional Solutions Framework (RSF). This presentation outlined the principles and processes of developing investable business cases for Regional Significant Projects. 2015


Darling Downs & South West RDA: Toowoomba: July 1: Facilitated a one day workshop titled “Right Start Right Project” for regional Local Government Economic Development Officers. This workshop provided an overview of trends, principles, and tools of the Regional Solutions Framework. 2015


RAK: November 8: Created a 2 minute sketch video titled “Creative concepts for Ras Al Khaimah Regional Eco-Tourism Network”. This video illustrated innovative forms of artificial reef structures for marine tourism and research. 2014


EDA December Journal: Issue Four. Prepared an article titled “Unlocking the Power of Crowdfunding for Regional Economic Development.” This Article explored the potential opportunities of a new web based platform to support increased local investment in catalyst infrastructure. 2014


SEGRA 2014: Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 10 October: Co-presented a workshop with Kate Charters titled “How to Design, Fund and Sustain Regionally Significant Projects“. This workshop outlined the Regional Solutions Framework and launched the RSF Collaborative Investment Platform. 2014


SEGRA 2014: Alice Springs, Northern Territory, 9 October: Co-presented a Spotlight Session with Cassandra Stipanicev titled “Innovative Small Towns“. This session drew on findings from the recently released “The Evolution of Australian Towns” by BITRE. 2014 


Free Project Development Webinar: 17 July: Co-presented a free one hour webinar on the latest innovations in developing regionally significant catalyst projects. This webinar outlined the new Regional Solutions Framework and how it responds to the design, funding and management needs of regional projects that help the long term sustainability of regional communities.


Mulgrave & District Chamber of Commerce: Gordonvale, 24 February: Presented a lunchtime Seminar titled “How Small Towns Can Thrive in The Future”. This seminar and facilitated discussion covered key issues facing the sustainable future of small towns and discussed relevant actions that could help the transition of Gordonvale to a more vibrant future. 2014


FNQ Regional Economic Officer Forum: Cooktown, 21 February: Provided an overview of the catalyst and funding potential of the Cooktown Foreshore Master Plan to Cook Shire representatives and Economic Development Offices from adjacent local government areas. 2014


Cooktown & Cape York Business Conference: Cooktown, 20 February: Invited as a keynote speaker to present a paper titled “Perfect Storm to Reshape Local business” . This paper provided an overview of current trends in Technology, Demographics, and Commerce relevant to regional local business. 2014


Australian Tropical Agriculture Precinct (ATAP): Malanda 18 February: Invited as a keynote speaker on Regional Context issues for a local forum on the potential of a Catalytic Infrastructure Initiative for Malanda. this was a half-day session that focused on the potential of an Agri-business hub on a Council Depot site in the heart of Malanda. 2014


Tablelands Regional Council: Atherton: 17 February: Regional Regeneration Mini Forum -Presented a half-day information and participation session to Councillors, Executive Officers and representatives of the Atherton Tablelands chamber of Commerce on development and application of a regional catalyst canvas prototype. 2014


Malanda Chamber of Commerce: Malanda, 20 November: Presented an Evening Seminar titled “Surviving the Edge Town Demise – Could Malanda be the Model?”. This evening seminar and facilitated discussion covered key issues facing the sustainable future of small towns and discussed relevant actions that could help the transition to a more vibrant future. 2013 


Highfields & District Business Connections: Highfields, 13 November: Presented an evening business seminar on “What is the Right Business Mix for Highfields”. This presentation provided insights to relevant trends affecting local business in Highfields and how to capture future opportunities for long term business growth. 2013


SEGRA 2013: Coffs Harbour, Central Coast NSW, 16-17 October: Presented a paper titled “Creative Industry Villages”. This paper used a recent case study to illustrate the issues and conceptual response to develop a new rural village on the fringe of a Queensland regional city. 2013


The Future of Our Region Forum: Cairns, 30 September: Invited as a Keynote speaker to present on the topic “The Future of Regional Communities”. This presentation outlined the trends and opportunities for regional communities to help shape the region to deliver good growth – change that will make local communities stronger economically, socially and environmentally. 2013


Highfields Better Business Group: Highfields, 2 July: Presented a business breakfast speech on “Business Trends and the Emerging New Norm”. This speech provided insights to megatrends affecting local business and how to profit from applying these insights. 2013


EDA Autumn Journal: Vol 6 No 2. Prepared an article titled “Queensland’s New Economic Development Act – Could it be a Game Changer for Regional Communities?” outlining the potential for regional communities to benefit from the Queensland Governments increased focus on facilitating new development. 2013


Tablelands Regional Council: Atherton: 17 January: Presented an information session to Councillors and Executive Officers on economic development opportunities for encouraging sustainable growth of regional communities. 2013


Queensland Planner: Summer 2012/13 Vol 52 No4. Prepared an article titled “Planning for the future of Mainstreet Shopping” outlining current insights to trends affecting the design and development of traditional Mainstreets. The TYTO Precinct in Ingham, Queensland was used as an example of rural innovation that seeks to capture the benefits of change within the regional economic landscape. 2012


SEGRA 2012: Terrigal, Central Coast NSW, 20-22 November: Presented a paper titled “Can infrastructure promote regional growth AND local lifestyle?”. This paper draws on the first hand experiences from the development and delivery of recent place-based projects in regional areas to reveal insights to the silent but powerful trends transforming the critical need for smart regional infrastructure. 2012


TEDxGympie: Gympie, 23rd October: Invited to present a paper on Regional Innovation to support TEDxGympie an independently organised TED-like event run under license from TED.com and following in TED’s footsteps, TEDxGympie is about ideas worth sharing, especially in relation to innovation in rural Australian communities. 2012


Placemaking Master Class Panel: Surfers Paradise, October 19: Invited to be part of the Australian Expert Panel to assist the Placemaking One Day Master Class facilitated by PPS Vice President Ethan Kent at the 13th International Cities Town Centres and Communities Conference. 2012


13th International Cities Town Centres and Communities Conference: Surfers Paradise, October 17-19: Accepted to Present a Case Study paper titled “Place-based Regional Growth”. This paper draws on the insights from recent project experience to outline a framework for applying place-based thinking to the development of infrastructure that supports regional growth and strengthens local identity and lifestyle. 2012


PIA Reinvigorate 2012: Cairns, 3-5 October: Invited to present a paper titled “Age, Sex and the Internet: How to shape Regional Communities to thrive in the future.” This paper will provide insights to the transformational shift occurring in regional and sub-regional communities. 2012


Panel Member: Region Event Hypothetical Murray Now SRD 2012: Albury Entertainment Centre, 13 July: Hypothetical Panel Member facilitated by Richard Morecroft covering the controversial theme of “Population Explosion”, Richard and a panel of eight local and national experts highlighted the issues and solutions that regional Australia faces with skill shortages, infrastructure needs, decentralisation and food, and water security. 2012


Murray Now SRD 2012: Albury, 13-14 July: Invited to Present a paper titled “Smart Infrastructure for Regional Growth”. This paper used recent project work to present current insights and trends affecting the long term growth of regional towns and local communities. 2012


Cairns Chamber of Commerce & PIA QLD Division: Cairns, 18 June: Presented a Business Breakfast Seminar titled ” Smarter Regional Infrastructure = More Profits” How to shape a better future through infrastructure that promotes growth, better lifestyle and creates more profit for local business. 2012


PIA Planning with Altitude 2011: Toowoomba, 21-23 September: Presented a paper titled “Local Ecommerce Reveals the Secrets to Growth”. This paper provided insights to the transformational shift occurring through the ubiquitous adoption of digital technology and the need for long term employment growth in regional and sub-regional communities. 2011


4th Healthy Cities Conference: Noosa, 27-29 July: Presented a paper titled “Local Ecommerce and Sustainable Towns”. This paper outlined the unexpected synergy between sub-regional decline and the growth opportunities of the emerging digital economy. 2011


Border Rivers Chamber of Commerce: Goondiwindi, 22 February: Presented a free seminar on the trends and opportunities for local eccommerce in regional towns and the potential impacts on business profits and local employment. 2011


PIA Utopia 2010: Hyatt Coolum, 10-12 November: Presented a paper titled “Small Town Secrets Determine Regional Sustainability”. This paper revealed new ways to identify the critical trends determining the future of regional communities through the challenges and opportunities of sub-regional townships. 2010


SEGRA 2010: Townsville, 19-21 October: Presented a paper titled “NQ3 Enterprise Strategy: New Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This paper used the case study of a sub-regional collaboration of local government in North Queensland to reveal the hidden value of sub-regional communities and their critical role in securing the liveability of regional Australia. 2010


3rd International Urban Design Conference: Canberra, 30th August – 1st September: Presented a paper titled “Regional Growth Secrets Revealed by Capital City Edge Town”. This presentation focused on the areas that have traditionally been most ignored by growth management strategies of our regional cities. Through the use of a case study the ideas of proximity, economic transformation, aging and lifestyle enterprise were explored? to provide innovative solutions to this critical but, often forgotten area of regional sustainability. 2010


Healthy Cities Conference: Brisbane, 12-14 July: Presented a paper titled “Regional Growth: Liveability Curse or Cure?”. This presentation used a case study to reveal the challenges of regional growth that is sustainable and strengthens the identity and lifestyle of local communities. 2010


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


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. 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 2004Guest 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

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