CLAIR Forum 2026: 'Innovative and Creative Approaches to Local Government Challenges'

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Centre for Local Government (CLG) at the Institute for Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) and The Japan Local Government Centre (CLAIR Sydney) invite you to an interactive panel session on ‘Innovative and Creative Approaches to Local Government Challenges’. 

This year's discussion 

Local governments in Japan and Australia are navigating increasingly complex social, economic and environmental challenges. Rapid technological change, shifting community expectations, housing pressures, workforce shortages, changing demographics and constrained resources are driving councils to rethink how they deliver services, engage communities and create public value. 

Traditional approaches are no longer sufficient to address the multifaceted challenges facing communities today. Local governments are increasingly exploring new ways of working that promote collaboration, innovation and adaptability while ensuring services remain responsive, accessible and sustainable. 

This year's CLAIR Forum will showcase innovative and creative approaches being implemented by local governments across Japan and Australia. Through practical case studies and real-world examples, presenters will explore how councils are embracing new ideas, partnerships, technologies and community-led solutions to respond to emerging challenges and seize new opportunities. 

What is the CLAIR Forum? 

The CLAIR Forum is an annual half-day seminar organised and sponsored by CLAIR Sydney and IPPG:CLG, and has been held since 1995. The Forum continues to provide an important platform for Australian and Japanese local government officials and academics to exchange knowledge and explore solutions to shared challenges. 

The Forum provides a unique opportunity for local government practitioners, policymakers, researchers and academics to share experiences, exchange ideas and learn from leading initiatives across different jurisdictions and cultural contexts. 

Delivery style 

This hybrid event, hosted both in person and on Zoom, will highlight innovative and creative approaches from local governments in Japan and Australia, showcasing practical initiatives, new ways of working and forward-thinking solutions to shared community challenges. 

Schedule 

1:45PM Arrival and registration 

2:00PM Presentations and Q&A 

3:00PM Light Refreshments and Networking 

3:30PM Presentations and Q&A 

4:30PM Networking 

5:00PM Conclusion 

Meet our panellists

Sho Kuwano is an Assistant Director at CLAIR Sydney, seconded from the Fukuoka Prefectural Government. Throughout his career, he has worked across a range of policy areas, including economic development, sports promotion, and healthcare. During his time in the Sports Promotion Division, he was involved in hosting pre-Games training camps for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and coordinating the Olympic Torch Relay in Fukuoka. In his presentation, he will introduce Fukuoka Prefecture’s experience as a host town for the Games and highlight how this initiative promoted international exchange and cross-cultural understanding.

Fumiya Nakatani is an Assistant Director at CLAIR Sydney, seconded from the Kurihara City Council of Miyagi Prefecture. Early in his career, he worked at a branch office in Kurihara, supporting resident services and undertaking general administrative duties, which gave him firsthand insight into the challenges facing rural communities. In his presentation, he will share perspectives on local economic revitalisation and community development in Kurihara City, focusing on how vacant houses, empty shopfronts and other underutilised local assets can create opportunities for new businesses and residents. 

Koki Akiyama is an Assistant Director at CLAIR Sydney, seconded from Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. He has worked in several areas related to local government, including international exchange and local government finance. He was also seconded to the Kanagawa Prefectural Government, where he worked on municipal administration and gained experience working closely with local governments in the area. In his presentation, he will introduce how Japanese local governments use “yuru-chara” (local mascot characters) to promote their regions and support regional revitalisation. 

Mayuri Ito is an Assistant Director at CLAIR Sydney, seconded from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. She began her career in the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Education and was assigned to the administrative office of Tokyo metropolitan high schools, where she was responsible for budget administration, payroll management and personnel-related matters. In her presentation, she will introduce the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s initiatives to support people seeking a partner, as part of its efforts to address Japan’s declining birth rate and support those taking the step towards marriage. 

Nathan Smith 

Nathan Smith is CEO of The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre, a Sydney social enterprise that keeps goods in use and helps furnish homes for people in need. A business founder with a background in management and marketing, Nathan ran a Sydney small business for 15 years before bringing that experience to The Bower. He is passionate about making reuse and repair practical for more people and strengthening the role of social enterprises in Australia’s circular economy. Nathan also serves on the board of Sailability NSW’s Legacy Marina Corporation. 

Rachel McIntyre 

As the Resource Recovery Planning Manager at Inner West Council, Rachel bring almost 13 years’ experience across public and private resource recovery sectors. Combining extensive waste audit, operational and behaviour change expertise, she leads the development and delivery of evidence-based programs that achieve measurable waste reduction and resource recovery outcomes. Rachel is passionate about designing practical, community-focused initiatives that empower residents to take meaningful action to avoid waste, increase participation in resource recovery and support the transition to a circular economy. 

Nate Brown 

Nate Brown is the Program Manager of the Essential Worker Attraction Program at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. In this role, Nate coordinates delivery of The Welcome Experience and the 'Make the Move' advertising campaign promoting regional NSW. For 20 years Nate has worked in government and community sector roles, with a focus on community development and social cohesion. Nate has a Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology).