REFLECTIONS: A Regional Architecture Association Journey

DATES 17-19 September 2026

LOCATION Cobar NSW on Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan Country. The Friday main seminar day will be at Cobar Youth & Community Centre, 1 Harcourt St, Cobar NSW.

CPD 6 formal points available on the Friday

THE EVENT
Join us in the unique outback setting of Cobar NSW on Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan Country for RAA’s final 2026 event.

Regional practice requires an agility and focus tied to location, environment and demography. As regional practitioners we are working across all aspects of architecture and architectural practice. Our influences and experience inform only a small portion of the placemaking and design programs we develop. Country, social, political and cultural demographics unique to regions underpin our governing subconscious, impacting our change and growth as designers and architects.

Our Cobar event will examine how we evolve over our careers as designers, thinkers and technicians and provide learnings that can impact our future practice directions. We will be asking participants to begin this event by documenting the journey to Cobar. The travel journal will be the spring point for investigation into the practice of architecture against the backdrop of change and growth.

Revitalisation of town centres, housing pressures and infrastructure challenges all play a part in the future of our regions and Cobar is celebrating significant design projects undertaken by prominent architects DunnHillam, King and Campbell and Glenn Murcutt. We will have an opportunity to experience the heritage and significance of this unique region coupled with detailed investigation of the programs and initiatives driving change in regional areas.

THE LOCATION
Cobar is a characteristic outback town in western New South Wales, located at the crossroads of the Barrier Highway and the Kidman Way. Known as the Copper City, its story is closely tied to mining, with copper discoveries in the late 1870s helping shape the town’s growth and identity. Today, that history remains visible in Cobar’s old buildings, museums, memorials and mine lookouts, while the surrounding landscape reflects the rugged beauty of the outback. Local features include the Great Cobar Museum, Fort Bourke Hill Lookout, and the world-renowned Sound Chapel. Cobar’s economy continues to be driven by mining, alongside strong agricultural activity. For visitors, Cobar offers a compelling mix of history, authentic country character, striking landscapes, and cultural significance, making it a rewarding destination for travellers seeking a genuine regional Australian experience.

FRINGE EVENTS | THURSDAY 17TH & SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER
A fringe program of optional events is being provided on the Thursday and Saturday offering the opportunity to engage with the local area in a fun and relaxing way. Fringe event registration will become available closer to the event and full event ticket holders will be notified. Full event ticket holders have access to all fringe events, usually at no additional charge, though RAA may seek to cover costs incurred for specific sessions if required.

ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL
We highly recommend booking accommodation at time of ticket purchase for this event. More info about accommodation options and travelling to Cobar is available on the event info page.

Program info & updates are available via the RAA website.

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.

Reduced price tickets will be available to members of our partner organisations ACA, Parlour and Architeam and will come online after the early bird phase.

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

Contact the host of REFLECTIONS: A Regional Architecture Association Journey

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