MPARNTWE (Alice Springs)

MPARNTWE (Alice Springs)

DATES 11-13 September 2025

LOCATION Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Central Arrernte Country. Primary venue for Thursday and Friday will be the John Flynn Memorial Uniting Church, 50 Todd St, Alice Springs NT. On Saturday delegates will travel to the Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National Park) where the event will conclude.

CPD 10 formal points available across the three days

ABOUT THE EVENT
Creative Directors Bobbie Bayley, Owen Kelly and Tonielle Dempers set out to provide an experience that examines the complexity of the arid and remote places of Central Australia.

Over three days in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and surrounds this gathering will invite delegates to gain a deeper understanding of local complexities.

We will hear, discuss, tour and experience how architecture and adjacent disciplines look different.

We will be exposed to the conditions here that amplify the cultural, ecological and climatic considerations for design thinking. The overlaid challenges of distance, cost, availability, appetite for design and the weight of bureaucracy. Together we will learn how climate change is and continues to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities of Central Australia.

There will be stories of the ancient and powerful landscape, with rich culture, diverse languages, deep knowledge, energised communities and inspiring visions for the future.

THE FORMAT & LOCATIONS
Days 1 & 2 (Thursday & Friday) - the first two days will take place in Mparntwe/Alice Springs and set the scene around the complexities of working in Central Australia, the landscape, climate and further afar. Once an understanding of the context has been gained, presenters will reveal different ways they are working within these parameters, sharing stories of success and failure. Presentations will be interspersed with workshops on the first two days of the event.

Day 3 (Saturday) - on day three, delegates will travel to the Tjoritja (West MacDonnell National Park) where further engagement with local culture will take place.

RAA events are open to associated disciplines and interested community members as well as RAA members.

RAA members attending can access a 10% discount on Non Member tickets for fellow practice staff. Discount code is available in member area.

*Please note that event program and details are subject to change.