Keynote Speakers

Biography

Robert Freestone is Professor of Planning in the School of Built Environment at the University of New South Wales. His recent books include Planning a Continent of Cities (with Julian Bolleter, UWAP, 2025), Community Green (with David Nichols, Routledge, 2024), and Australian Urban Policy: Prospects and Pathways (edited with Bill Randolph and Wendy Steele, ANU Press, 2024). He is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, and the Australian Academy of the Humanities.

A planning ultramarathon: Legacy placemaking at Sydney Olympic Park

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics now attracting headlines, it seems worthwhile revisiting the experience of the Sydney Olympics staged a quarter century ago. The 2000 Games were an archetypal urban mega-event channelling and refracting global considerations played out in a specific local setting. This presentation picks up on the legacy theme of the conference to explore how the afterlife of a fortnight-long event continues to reverberate on planning and development. The focus is on the major games precinct of Sydney Olympic Park in the middle western suburbs. It provides a case study of how innovation and sustainability have had to be continually renegotiated through land use planning, infrastructure development and urban design to secure shifting public interest and political aspirations. Set against a backdrop of Olympic legacy discourse, a longitudinal approach highlights a succession of planning initiatives beginning pre-Games seeking to balance event planning with a built environment afterlife. The central paradox is a history of arguably one of Australasia’s most planned set-piece precincts regularly rethinking the quest for a convincing and lasting strategy. Such is the nature of planning as an ongoing mission. But this story also highlights the vexed legacy of staging the Olympics, a dynamic balance sheet of benefits and costs, the endless curation of urban form and structure, and the quixotic notion of determining a finite legacy in reconciling local needs with global imperatives, a far from unique challenge. 

Biography

Nicole Gurran is Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney, where she directs the Henry Halloran Urban & Regional Research Initiative. Over two decades her research and publications have focused on housing affordability, urban planning, and climate change. She has authored several books including Urban Planning and the Housing Market (Palgrave) and Politics, Planning and Housing Supply in Australia, England and Hong Kong (Routledge). She is committed to informing public policy and debate through her research, media commentary, and advice to governments, and most recently served as Co-Commissioner on the People’s Commission into the Housing Crisis.

State of Australian Housing: Prolonged Crisis or Progressive Change?

Australia is not alone in facing high house price inflation, stagnant new construction, falling rates of home ownership and rising homelessness. So too the existential risks threatening homes and communities under climate change, and deepening social rifts exacerbated by housing inequality. Thanks to decades of research and advocacy, we have robust evidence about the causes and consequences of these intersecting crises. Yet housing precarity continues to worsen while political responses reinforce rather than rectify unfair tax and tenure settings.  This lecture situates Australia’s housing crisis in international context and asks whether a disconnect between research and practice explains chronic policy failure or whether deeper forces are at play. In imagining change – ranging from micro-interventions to systemic transformation – we need to look beyond our disciplinary boundaries and policy confines to engage with wider communities of knowledge and practice.   

Biography

Dr Nayomi Kankanamge is a lecturer in Urban Design and Town Planning at the University of the Sunshine Coast. She is an urban planner and researcher dedicated to integrating advanced technologies into urban planning to create smarter and more resilient cities. Her recent publications focus on the innovative use of urban big data, including social media analytics, gamification, and crowdsourced data, to enhance urban design, disaster preparedness, and community engagement.

Transforming urban planning: The impact of digital technology on sustainable and inclusive cities

The role of digital technology in urban planning has become a game-changer, fundamentally reshaping how we design and manage our cities and communities. More than ever, data and technology are advancing to support both  the general public and professionals, enabling us to make better decisions by understanding urban patterns and behaviours. Technologies such as Generative AI, 3D modelling, digital twins, virtual reality, and augmented reality have revolutionized our ability to visualize and communicate future development scenarios. These innovations make the planning process more transparent, collaborative, and accessible. Furthermore, these technology-enabled platforms promote public participation, empowering communities and fostering a sense of ownership and inclusion. Smart technologies, including AI, IoT, and real-time environmental monitoring, are laying the foundation for cities that are sustainable, adaptive, and resilient. They optimize vital systems such as transportation and energy, while also addressing critical challenges like climate change and disaster management. Ultimately, digital technology is not only transforming the field of urban planning but is also shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric future for all of us.

Keynote Panels

First Nations Panel

Biography

Owen Cafe is a proud Whadjuk–Pindjarup person and Principal Landscape Architect at Blaklash. His work is grounded in a commitment to social, ecological, and cultural justice, using design as a tool for connection, healing, and change. At the heart of Owen’s practice is a deep engagement with the intersection of culture, identity, and ecology, informing spaces that foster meaningful connections to Country. Beyond practice, teaching across several Australian universities, Owen works to embed Indigenous perspectives into design education, curriculum, and development. He also contributes to national reform through his roles on the QLD AILA Executive Board and Connection to Country committees.

Biography

Dr Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei is a Registered Architect (BOAQ, NZRAB), Researcher, and Educator at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland. Charmaine serves as the director of Fofonga, the University’s Platform for Pacific Research Excellence. Her research investigates how Indigenous peoples’ values shape space, and reciprocally, how those values are informed by space. Charmaine specialises in Tongan and Fijian architectures, Indigenous design praxes, and the built environments of the Pacific diaspora. As an architect, Charmaine has practiced in Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga, and Australia, and led projects in other Southwestern Pacific Islands. She works as a consultant Cultural Engagement Designer/Senior Architect at Guymer Bailey Alliance (GB-A). She is director of Charmaine ‘Ilaiū Talei Architecture which is devoted to research-informed projects that are meaningful to Pacific communities. In 2025, Charmaine joined the Education Committee for the Commonwealth Association of Architects representing the Pacific Region (New Zealand Institute of Architects).

Biography

Greg is Wakka Wakka and a qualified urban and regional planning professional (UQ Hons.) with expertise in Indigenous Community Planning (ICP). Greg’s career achievements combine 25 years across government, community and private sectors with a focus on: Country grounded planning, sustainable land use and major infrastructure planning/development, social housing and asset management, Indigenous engagement/consultation, organisational regulatory evaluations; and doctoral level research and publications. Greg will soon submit his PhD through Griffith University, as part of an ARC Linkage project: Being on Country Off Country. His research overarching theme is to validate and value urban and peri-urban Aboriginal people’s connections and relationships with Country, within contemporary planning systems. At present, Greg works as an ICP consultant and provides professional advice and services to government, industry and community. Greg guest lectures in ICP across various planning courses at Griffith University and the University of Queensland. At SOAC 2021, Greg was conference track winner for City Nature and Environment and Reckoning with Settler Colonial Cities.

Women in Urban Research: Shaping Cities, Shifting Narratives

Urban research in Australia has long been shaped by diverse voices, yet the contributions of women - particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds - remain underacknowledged in mainstream discourse. This panel brings together leading and emerging women scholars, practitioners, and activists to explore how gendered perspectives are reshaping urban theory, policy, and practice. Through a dynamic conversation, panellists will reflect on their diverse experiences in designing, promoting and using the urban research, and share insights on priority themes from their own perspective. Topics will include feminist urbanism, intersectionality in city-making, mentorship and leadership, and the role of women in driving transformative change in planning and urban studies.

Biography

Nicole is the National Head of Advocacy and Public Affairs at the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), where she champions planning as a force for public good. With over 15 years’ experience as a qualified and registered planner, she has worked across the private sector, local government and non-profits in Queensland, bringing deep expertise in city-shaping, precinct planning, and the integration of transport and land use. At PIA, Australia’s trusted voice on planning, Nicole leads national advocacy to elevate the profession’s role in creating thriving, liveable and resilient communities. She is driven by collaboration, bringing people together to solve complex challenges. Nicole believes planning is central to addressing issues like housing, climate resilience and equity, and is committed to inspiring greater understanding and support for the profession.

Biography

Dy Currie AM is a global Cities Advisor and Principal of Dyan Currie & Associates, with national and international expertise in urban planning, economic development, and Olympic legacy strategy. She is the former City Planner for Brisbane City Council (Australia’s largest local government), where she led preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Dy is Co-Chair of UN-Habitat’s Stakeholder Advisory Group, a Past President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners (representing more than 40 000 planners), and a former member of the World Economic Forum Global Future Council on Cities of Tomorrow. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2020 for significant service to planning.  Dy enjoys working in Councils of all sizes and helping Cities achieve their potential.

Biography

Rebecca McIntosh (Bec Mac) is a nationally recognised Artistic Director, Campaign Specialist, and Arts Journalist. Her Churchill Fellowship establishes her as a leading expert in the night-time and arts economies, focusing on how these sectors can foster safer cities for women.

As co-founder of Chrysalis Projects, she revitalises public spaces through impactful public art, uniting communities. Bec Mac pioneered arts media with POPSART and co-led an activist campaign for First Nations artist Richard Bell at the Venice Biennale. Her unique work intersects the public realm, digital content, journalism, and creative placemaking, bringing innovative thinking and successful community engagement to every collaboration.

Biography

Isabella Webb is a Spatial Designer and PhD Candidate at Monash University’s XYX Lab. Her research examines approaches to women’s safety and inclusion across transport, sociology, feminist theory, and design, using innovative methods grounded in intersectionality to account for diverse identities and social positions. Her current case study in Victoria examines how participatory methods and design interventions might improve safety, inclusion, and mobility for women, contributing to more sustainable and equitable urban development.

She has contributed to research projects, exhibitions, and workshops, including the HyperSext City 2 exhibition in Western Australia. She is the lead author of the recently published book chapter, "Developing Advocacy: Insights from Gender-Sensitive Placemaking Training in the Public Sector." Her interdisciplinary expertise in design thinking, spatial practice, and visual representation enables her to support her work across a wide range of projects.

Biography

Stephanie is a practicing urban and social planner, with a strong interest in ensuring city-makers and community builders (government, industry and community) have the knowledge and capabilities to plan and design a better future for our cities, towns and communities. In her current role as Professional Planner in Residence, she is focused on building and strengthening understanding and links between academia, students, industry, the professions and community through a range of teaching, research and engagement activities. Stephanie has significant industry and leadership experience, prior to joining The University of Queensland she held a senior position with a national multidisciplinary property, planning and design firm  where she was responsible for the social planning and engagement offer in Queensland.  Between 2016-2022, she was a non-Executive Director for South Bank Corporation Board, overseeing the planning, management and operation of Queensland's premier lifestyle, community and cultural precinct. Stephanie is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and is actively engaged in community-led initiatives across the city.