West Fest 2026: Designing for Belonging

IN-PERSON (fully catered, limited seating) or via LIVESTREAM

As cities continue to densify, how can we foster a sense of belonging amid digital addiction, a loneliness epidemic and the rise of AI-driven economies? Our fourth annual WEST FEST will explore the latest research and initiatives from Western Sydney and beyond.

Please join us for WEST FEST 2026: Designing for Belonging, a symposium for built environment professionals hosted by Cumberland City Council, AILA and Street Furniture Australia. Program curated with Landscape Foundation of Australia.

WEST FEST uniquely brings together the public sector, academia and industry in one location to tackle a new theme each year. This half-day knowledge exchange includes a series of rapid 10-minute talks, two panel discussions and a networking lunch.

This event is for approved industry professionals only. Please use your company email at registration.

WEST FEST 2026 Program

08:30 Registration & Coffee

09:00 Welcome AILA, Cumberland City Council, Deerubbin Land Council

09:30 Talk 1: Designed for Loneliness? Shaping Cities for Connection Xiaoqi Feng, UNSW

09:40 Talk 2: Belonging After Dark James Granter, Cumberland City Council

09:50 Talk 3: Youth & Social Connection Hannah Richardson, University of Canberra

10:00 Morning Tea Break

10:40 Talk 4: Belonging Through Landscape Scott Jackson, Context

10:50 Talk 5: Social Infrastructure Done Well June Lee Boxsell, Street Furniture Australia

11:00 Panel 1: Q&A with Speakers Chaired by Joshua French, CE, Greater Sydney Parklands

11:45 Panel 2: Building Belonging in Local Government City of Parramatta, Cumberland City Council, Strathfield Council, Campbelltown City Council

12:30 Networking Lunch

13:00 Ends

This is a CPD activity for AILA members (4 informal points).

Hosts

Natalie McEvoy NSW President, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects

Christopher Manoski Manager Place and Engagement, Cumberland City Council

Panel Chair

Joshua French Chief Executive, Greater Sydney Parklands

Speakers (more to be confirmed)

Xiaoqi Feng Professor of Urban Health and Environment, UNSW School of Population Health

James Granter City Economy and Investment, Cumberland City Council.

Hannah Richardson Researcher, University of Canberra

Scott Jackson Director, Context

June Lee Boxsell Director of Strategy and Innovation, Street Furniture Australia

Panelists

Nazanin Azimipanah, Senior Project Officer - Urban Design, City of Parramatta

Ian Andrews, Executive Manager Strategic Design and Enablement Campbelltown City Council

Ben Michel, Landscape Architect, Strathfield Council

Christopher Manoski, Manager Place and Engagement, Cumberland City Council