Regional Futures Forum 2026

With Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray

The Honourable Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Minister for Emergency Management

Keynote: Liz Ritchie, CEO, Regional Australia Institute Liz Ritchie brings an evidence-based perspective on the key trends reshaping regional Australia. Drawing on RAI’s research, she will explore how regional leaders can position for opportunity in a rapidly changing national landscape.

Emeritus Professor Roy Green AO, Special Innovation Advisor, University of Technology Sydney Australia’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ agenda is reshaping national industry, energy, and investment priorities — with regions central to its success. This session explores how decarbonisation, supply chain security, and sovereign capability are driving new opportunities, and what regional industries must do to position for long-term growth and capability building.

Keynote: Prof. Veena Sahajwalla AO Facilitator: Emma Avery, RAMJO Panellists: Tim Pasley, Manager, Circular Economy, Liverpool City Council John Day, General Manager Environmental Systems and Operations, Northeast Water Circular economy innovation is reshaping Australia’s regions, turning waste and materials into valuable economic assets. This session explores practical steps for regional communities, the rise of decentralised manufacturing, and the role of technology and partnerships in unlocking new industries, local jobs, and long-term sustainability across regional Australia.

Facilitator: Ross Dixon, RSM Panellists: Rebecca Ransford, VP Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing, SunRice Group Andrea Cook - Head of Innovation, Northern Victoria Institute of TAFE Nick Robinson, Director, meetpat Advanced manufacturing is becoming a key driver of regional growth and competitiveness. Across Australia’s regions, manufacturers are embracing new technologies, improving processes, and building more resilient, future-ready operations that strengthen productivity and position regional industries for long-term success. The discussion focuses on practical steps manufacturers can take to lift productivity, unlock new markets, and build partnerships that strengthen long-term regional competitiveness and growth.

Facilitator: David Coleman – Director, Transficient Panellists: Belinda Batagllia, COO, Medlog, Rebecca Ranstead, VP, Global Supply Chain and Manufacturing, SunRice Group Mark Bergamasco , Head of Trade and Supply Chain at Port of Melbourne This session will explore the critical role regional freight and logistics play in driving economic growth and connecting regional producers to national and international markets. It will examine infrastructure, intermodal connectivity, port access, and emerging supply chain challenges and opportunities. Designed for logistics providers, exporters, policymakers, and the community, the discussion will highlight how efficient and resilient regional freight networks underpin competitiveness, trade diversification, and long-term regional prosperity.

With Ben Finkel, Managing Director, Australian Regional AI Network (ARAIN) ARAIN will deliver an interactive, hands-on AI session designed as an energising “now what” workshop, helping attendees turn ideas from the day into practical action. Through live demonstrations of tools such as ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, Ben Finkel will show how AI can support analysis, scenario thinking, decision-making and clearer communication in real regional business contexts.

Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray