recent events

Special Guest:

• The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Premier of NSW 

The year 2020 has been like no other from drought, fire and flood to the health and economic impact of the pandemic. The challenges and changes have tested the State, the City, and business.

From jobs, infrastructure, investment and industry development there is much to do to get our State back on track. The annual Premier’s briefing for Sydney First members where she will share with us the path ahead and what government settings, priorities and plans are in place to ensure NSW is the number one State.

Thank you to our digital partner: AWARE SUPER

Special Guest:

The Hon. Mark Speakman SC MP, NSW Attorney General, Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

Covid has impacted the lives and livelihoods of people across Sydney in so many ways, it has changed behaviour, changed the economy and changed social structures.

Our Justice system plays a critical role in mediating, balancing and finding resolutions to the changes and inherent tensions to uphold our society and our social values.  From should we be compelled to wear masks on public transport, the surge in domestic violence, and indigenous recognition and incarceration through to administrating the justice system under social distancing restrictions these are some of the key challenges the NSW Attorney General, The Hon Mark Speakman has been managing over the past months.

Join us for an informative and insightful discussion on issues that are at the centre of our civil society.

Special Guest:

The Hon Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Water, Property and Housing

Housing availability, affordability and accessibility has always been a critical issue for Sydney and the State. This has become even more critical as we navigate through the health and economic challenges brought about by COVID 19 and respond to the environmental, population and affordability changes and the preferences and needs of the community.

The NSW Government has released a Housing Discussion Paper to inform a 20 year plan to the ensure the State has right type of housing was delivered in the right location. 

Join us for a conversation with the Minister for Housing, The Hon Melinda Pavey MP, to discuss the Housing policy directions and actions of the NSW Government and have input into shaping the Housing Strategy and priorities.

Thank you to our digital partner: lendlease

Special Guest:

The Hon Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Transport and Roads

Mobility in a COVID environment has changed our City's transport requirements, demand and patterns. How we respond to adapt and how we plan for the future will mean adapting what we have and potentially trialling new approaches and modes. Join us for a conversation with the Minister for Transport and Roads, The Andrew Constance MP, to hear more and contribute to shaping our transport priorities under COVID-19 restrictions-operations and creating opportunities to keep our City moving over the long term.

Thank you to our digital partner: ARCADIS

Special Guest:

The Hon Rob Stokes MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

COVID 19 has fundamentally changed how our city works, from the use of buildings and infrastructure, to modes of transport and the prioritisation of land and projects.The State Government has take steps to ease the burden of planning red tape, improve the timeliness and transparency of development, and fast track projects to help drive our economic recovery.

Join us for a conversation with the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces  The Rob Stokes MP, to hear more and to share your ideas as to how we can continue to reform the State's planning framework to improve the design, development and delivery of public and private spaces and places.

Thank you to our digital partner: AECOM

Special Guest:

The Hon Gladys Berejiklian, MP, Premier of NSW 

Over the past three years as Premier, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian has driven economic growth, delivery of major infrastructure projects, and improvements in transport, jobs and prosperity for the people and businesses of NSW. The impact of the recent bush fires, drought and COVID pandemic has challenged and changed our State like never before.

Join us for an exclusive Sydney First member online forum with the NSW Premier Local Government Minister to hear about the government plans for the road ahead, key priorities and how business can be a part of the solution.

Thank you to our digital partner: LAING O'ROURKE

Special Guest:

The Hon Dominic Perrottet, MP, NSW Treasurer at Parliament of NSW

The aim of the online forum is to update our Sydney First members to hear directly from the Treasurer the measures that are being undertaken to address the current economic challenges and to ensure a strong economic recovery. These corporations are also keen to identify ways in which they can collaborate with government to respond, recover and build back better. 

To provide business with insights into the key measures for economic recovery and reform over the next 12 months. Key topics include- infrastructure projects and prioritisation, red tape removal, Federal-State relations. 

Thank you to our digital partner: BDO

Special Guest:

The Hon Stuart Ayres MP, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney

From employment, education, and entertainment to culture, accommodation and transport, the Visitor Economy is critical to the economic health of our State and our City.

This special briefing provides you with the opportunity to raise issues and have direct input into the State's plans for the recovery and rebuilding of an industry that matters to lives and livelihoods.

Thank you to our digital partner: ​SYD Sydney's Airport

Special Guest:

• Geoff Roberts, Chief Commissioner, Greater Sydney Commission

COVID-19 is having a dramatic impact on Sydney, both through the virus itself and the restrictions and measures put in place to contain and manage its spread.

These challenges and changes provide the opportunity for State and local governments, businesses, community organisations to do things differently and to reshape, realign and reinvigorate our City.

From travel, work patterns, lifestyle and digital services the Greater Sydney Commission has collected and analysed data from across a broad range of stakeholder to understand the changes and the impacts of Covid -19 on our City.  

Join us for a briefing with Geoff Roberts, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission to hear these unique insights and importantly, discuss the opportunities for collaboration with business to meet the challenges and create a stronger global Sydney.

Thank you to our digital partner: ARCADIS

Special Guests: 

• Professor Deborah Bunker, Chair and Convener of the Communications and Technology for Society Research Group
• Professor Michael Bell, Chair of Ports and Maritime Logistics Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies
• Narelle Underwood, NSW Surveyor General & Director Survey Operations, NSW Spatial Services 

Our businesses, and cities, are constantly changing. Although 2020 has been a challenging year for most, it has made possible changes and innovations that will create a new landscape in which business can adapt and grow.

As Sydney addresses the significant economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, the question arises as to the ‘best’ approach for cities and business to interact, develop, and implement sustainable solutions.

Drawing on a range of experts across business, government and leading academics from the University Sydney, our upcoming ‘Business Adaption and Innovation’ forum aims to explore the how, why, and when of business changes and how this relates to the dynamics of a city such as Sydney.

Join us for this timely discussion on change, adapting, and the interaction between business and built environment.

Thank you to our strategic partner:  The University of Sydney.

Special Guests:

• Professor Gigi Foster, Professor of Economics, UNSW 
• Saul Eslake, Corinna Economic Advisory 
• Mark Frost, Chief Economist, Business NSW

NSW has long held the mantle of being in the top four Australian economies. Now after a terrible fire season and drought impacting many regional areas, followed by the economic devastation of COVID-19, the State is facing its biggest economic challenge yet.

With Federal and State governments pulling out all efforts to open up key sectors, accelerate infrastructure projects and manage borders, many have been prophesizing, predicting, and pushing for measures to drive economic growth.

As we reflect on the recent Federal budget and lead into the NSW State budget, join us for a discussion and debate from three leading economists on what, where and how we should spend our way out of the recession and return NSW to its rightful place on the mantle.

Special Guest:

• Shane Fitzsimmons, Commissioner, Resilience NSW

The Covid-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of our city, our systems and our citizens. 

In the face of COVID and previous disasters – bushfires, drought, flood - lessons have been learnt, measures made and changes identified to prevent, prepare and recover from any crisis which impacts NSW. As the first commissioner of a new government agency, Reslience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons oversees and co-ordinates the emergency management policy, service delivery and all aspects of disaster recovery at a state, national and international level.

Join us for a critical and timely discussion on business emergency management policy for disaster preparedness and recovery at a state, national and international level and how business can prevent, prepare, and recover from crisis. 

Thank you to our digital partner: Laining O'Rourke

Special Guests:

• Paul Graham, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Woolworths Group     
• Susie Harwood, Executive Director Freight, Transport for NSW  
• Marika Calfas, Chief Executive Officer, NSW Ports
• Dr Neil Temperley, Future Cities Data & Technology Strategy; Transport & Logistics; Clusters & Living Labs  

Greater Sydney plays a critical role in moving goods efficiently and effectively from our major land, sea and air hubs to their ultimate destination is integral to the economic recovery, prosperity, and sustainability. This requires seamless connectivity to local infrastructure, creating opportunities for shared use of rail networks, collaboration between public and private stakeholders, integrated land use planning and management and leveraging of data, digitisation, and automation. 

Join us for a highly relevant and robust discussion on innovating and improving how we move goods right along.

Thank you to our digital partner: MOOREBANK INTERMODAL COMPANY

Special Guest:

David Chandler OAM, NSW Building Commissioner, NSW Department of Customer Service 

Building and construction is a key driver to economic recovery in NSW. Projects large and small, are being accelerated, critical reforms are being made to the planning system to remove red tape, and steps are have been made to streamline delivery processes. Equally important is the integrity of the construction industry, an industry that the community has confidence in how buildings are designed and constructed and how they perform. With over forty years experience in the construction industry David Chandler was appointed as NSW Building Commissioner in 2019 and has been focused on reforming the industry to make it better, smarter, more efficient and customer facing.

From regulation, ratings systems, building skills and capabilities to enhanced procurement and technology integration there is a broad and beneficial transformation agenda.

Join us for a round table discussion on the progress and pathway to create a more capable construction industry.

Thank you to our digital partner: Billbergia

Special Guest: 

• Steve Driscoll, Project Leader, Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy, Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) 

Pyrmont Peninsula has and continues to play an economically and socially significant role in the shape of Sydney and the State. The Hon Rob Stokes, has described Pyrmont as a ‘paradox’ – a site that has some of the most intensive land use in the nation, a place that is home to thousands of residents and a place that is a global destination for tourism, entertainment, innovation and technology. The evolving shape and future of Pyrmont is critical to the local community, the City, and the State. The draft Pyrmont Place Strategy together with the Economic Strategy set out a long term vision and planning framework  to guide the transformation of Pyrmont to 2041. 

Join us for a briefing and discussion with Steve Driscoll, Project Leader, Pyrmont Peninsula Place Strategy, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and key members of the Pyrmont project team to gain further insights and have input into the future of this critical precinct. 

Special Guests:

• Elizabeth Mildwater, Deputy Secretary, Greater Sydney, Transport for NSW
• Jared Kendler, Executive Director – Precincts, NSW Treasury  
• Phil Paris, Executive Director, Development, Infrastructure NSW 

There is no better way to drive Sydney's economic recovery than in the places that offer the greatest drive return. Creating and curating specific precincts that attract, people, talent, industry and investment provide the opportunity to give us a greater social and economic return while also cutting red tape and liberalising our land use regulations.  From the Tech precinct at Central Station, Pyrmont, Circular Quay to Westmead Innovation District, a precinct approach provides opportunities for greater collaboration, connectivity and greater certainty. 

Join us for an engaging discussion on one of the Premier's critical objectives  to 'super charge new hubs across NSW' . Our panel of experts will address critical success factors, new and better ways of delivering outcomes and what the pathway ahead for key precincts looks like.

Thank you to our digital partner: AECOM

Special Guests:

• Andrew Head, CEO WestConnex, Transurban
• Leilani Frew, CEO of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency

Over the last decade, there has been significant public and private investment in major infrastructure in Sydney. From transport, health, education, water, and cultural, sporting and environmental infrastructure, these major projects have cleared the backlog, supported population growth, and delivered economic and social benefits to the community and the City. Critical to the success of these projects has been collaborations between State and Federal Government and partnerships between the public and private sector. As we turn to construction and development as a key driver for economic recovery and stability now is the time to learn from past projects and look to ways to accelerate and enhance delivery.

Join us for insights and reflections on what it takes to get the job done and what can we do to enhance project delivery with two leaders in infrastructure, Andrew Head, CEO WestConnex, Transurban  and Leilani Frew CEO of the Australian Government’s Infrastructure and Project Financing Agency.

Thank you to our digital partner: WestConnext | Transurban

Special Guest:

• The Hon Victor Dominello, Minister for Customer Service

The NSW Government has released its dual Smart Places Strategy and Smart Infrastructure Policy, to make NSW ‘a digital capital’. From streamlining planning decisions, enhancing construction modelling, embedding technology into infrastructure, improving mobility, and managing community health there are significant opportunities that technology can provide.

The Hon Victor Dominello, Minister for Customer Service has long championed a ‘government digital revolution’ to improve the lives and livelihoods of citizens of the State and is leading the development and delivery of these strategies.

Join us to gain insights into the Government policy and priorities on how data, technology and innovation has been leveraged to not only address the Covid health and economic challenges but how the Government is seeking to build ‘smart’ capability and capacity to stimulate the economy and improve liveability and sustainability across the State.

Special Guests:

• Simon Nicholls, Executive General Manager, Pacific Partnerships  
• Marie Vinnell, Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure Asia Pacific, Societe Generale Australia Limited 

Across the world Governments have turned to infrastructure to steady the economy and provide a path for recovery, jobs and growth.

In Sydney priority projects include the Metro West Rail, Western Harbour Tunnel and Beaches link and South West Rail extension as well as hospitals, schools and social infrastructure. Different funding and financing models have been used in different jurisdictions and for different projects. With learnings from the past, a significant change to economic conditions and an imperative to accelerate projects now is the time to review, realign and reform the financial arrangements associated with infrastructure projects.

Join us for the first in our City Building Series focused on infrastructure with international experts Simon Nicholls, Executive General Manager, Pacific Partnerships and Marie Vinnell, Managing Director, Head of Infrastructure Asia Pacific, Societe Generale Australia Limited and explore what is needed to secure the funding of infrastructure to keep Sydney moving and growing for the next 10-20 years.

Special Guest:

• Stephen Walters, NSW Chief Economist

Much has charged since NSW’s Chief Economist Stephen Walters prepared the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint: Investing in the State’s Future in November 2019. The global impact of the COVID crisis has not only impacted the State and national economy but has changed what happens in local communities.

Work and lifestyle patterns have become more localised, travel patterns have shifted and local businesses are struggling to survive. While many Councils have taken proactive measures to protect and stimulate their local economy there is more work to be done over the months ahead.

Join us for a insightful and timely discussion on local government and local economies including an overview of the industry impacts of COVID and critical steps needed to our support industries and business, innovate and measures to improve your local economy and the State economy.
Tailored specifically for local government, this is a critical opportunity to both gain insights and provide feedback to the State's Chief Economist.

Special Guest:

• Stephen Walters, NSW Chief Economist, Office of the Chief Economist

Much has charged since NSW’s Chief Economist Stephen Walters prepared the NSW 2040 Economic Blueprint: Investing in the State’s Future in November 2019. The global impact of the COVID crisis has not only impacted the economic challenges and risks but also economic opportunities and priorities. Governments, Federal, State and local, have taken proactive measures to protect and stimulate the economy over the short to medium term but there is more work to be done over the months ahead.

Join us for a insightful and timely discussion on the State of the Economy in NSW including an overview of the industry impacts of COVID and critical steps needed to our support industries, innovate and improve our economy. 

Special Guest:

• Geoff Roberts AM, Chief Commissioner, Greater Sydney Commission     
• Sarah Hill, CEO of Greater Sydney Commission

Over the past three years the Greater Sydney Commission has worked closely with communities, business and governments to shape our city now and for the future. With COVID 19 
COVID 19 impacting how our city works, from the use of buildings and infrastructure, to modes of transport and the prioritisation of land and projects these priorities, plans and places may have to also change.

Join us for a round table discussion with the Greater Sydney Commissions, Chief Commissioner. Geoff Roberts AM and Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Hill on how we can revive and thrive as a City in a post COVID environment.

Special Guest:

• The Hon Shelley Hancock, MP, Minister for Local Government, Parliament of NSW

Whether it is bushfires, drought or the COVID pandemic, local government is at the  front line responding, enabling the recovery and ensuring we build back better. Across Sydney, Councils are taking action to work towards meeting the changing and challenging needs of their communities backed by a range of measures taken by the State and Federal Government.

Join us for a discussion with the NSW Local Government Minister, The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP, on the critical role local government is playing to address the current health, economic and social challenges. Local streets, neighbourhoods, parks and economies matter more than ever.

Special Guest:

• Jennifer Hewett, National Affairs Columnist, The Australian Financial Review

Wow what a year 2020 has been. The bushfires challenged communities and State- Federal Relations, the pandemic challenged our health system and our economy, election outcomes have been challenged as have levels of media ownership and influence and where is  the line personal – professional relationship.

As the finale in our Corporate Affairs Series please join us and our special guest, Jennifer Hewitt, National Affairs Columnist, Australian Financial Review for insights and reflections of the national and state political dynamic.  and how this has shaped the response to the health and economic impacts of the Covid pandemic and what this may hold for 2021.

Special Guest:

• Marg Prendergast, Executive Director, Disaster Recovery, Resilience NSW

Effectively managing diverse stakeholders often with competing interests, is critical to success for every corporate affairs professional. Whether it is an organisational restructure, business re-prioritisation, merger and acquisition, or delivering a new product and service, it takes a competent and considered approach that brings people on the journey.

Join us for a robust discussion on the challenges, approaches and factors for success to effectively manage stakeholders with special guest Marg Predegast, Executive Director, Disaster Recovery. Marg has proactively managed traffic and transport for ground breaking projects including  Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Sydney Light Rail and the Sydney Airport precinct and is now at the centre of the recovery process for NSW bush fires and COVID  19.

This is an opportunity to hear first hand lessons from an experienced insider.

Special Guest:

• Sarah Cruickshank, Deputy Secretary, Transformation, Department of Premier and Cabinet 

Right now, we are constantly hearing that 'we are all in this together'.  

Collaborative State and Federal Government relations has not always been present in the past, yet we are dependent on Governments working together to enable a strong response and recovery from the COVID 19 crisis. 

Join us for an online forum with Sarah Cruickshank, Deputy Secretary, Transformation, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and former Chief of Staff to NSW Premier on how this crisis is transforming State - Federal Government Relations and what it means for the future. 

Special Guest:

• The Hon Damien Tudehope MLC, Minister for Finance and Small Business

Ninety eight per cent of businesses in NSW are small businesses making them critical to the economic health of the State. Removing red tape, improvement cash flow, advice and support and addressing local amenity and infrastructure issues will all make a difference to small business across the City. Join us for a conversation with the Minister for Small Business , The Damien Tudehope MLC to voice and share your ideas as to how business can bounce back better after the 2020 challenges of drought, fire, flood and pandemic.

Special Guests:

• Professor John Buchanan, Head of the Discipline of Business Analytics
• Dr Hayley Fisher Academic Director – Post-Bachelor and Continuing Education

COVID-19 is impacting not only the way we work but also the workforce. While the labour market had been steadily changing the cognitive, behavioural and technical skills needed and demanded, the pandemic has put a new lens on people and skills needed now and into the future.

Join our special guests from the University of Sydney, Professor John Buchanan, Head of the Discipline of Business Analytics and Dr Hayley Fisher Academic Director – Post-Bachelor and Continuing Education, for a discussion exploring the current and predicted trends in the workforce, the major challenges ahead and strategies to address development and risk.

Thank you to our digital partner: The University of Sydney

Special Guest:

• The Hon Gabrielle Upton, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Research and development is a major source of innovation and an important driver of economic growth. R&D activities not only drive jobs and investment but also support improved health and social well-being and better planning for the future. Now more than ever, we need to collaborate across universities, industry, startups and government to foster an ecosystem that can capture and commercialise innovation.

Join The Hon Gabrielle Upton, MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier to discuss your views and vision for enhancing innovation in NSW.

Thank you to our digital partner: The University of Sydney

Special Guest:

• Jan Gardberg, CEO of Ikea Australia

Business has a critical role to play in leading the global economic recovery. Operating in over fifty countries, offering some 12,000 products and responsible for approximately one per cent  of world commercial-product wood consumption, IKEA has responded and adapted its approach to forge a path of resilience and sustainability.

Join us for a discussion with Ikea Australia's CEO, Jan Gardberg, and gain insights and lesson from one of the largest global brands on ways for business to navigate the key challenges in a post COVID operating environment.

Special Guest:

• Dr Emma Calgaro, human geographer specialising in disaster risk reduction, vulnerability, and resilience.

Businesses, cities and individuals are complex, but there are key factors that can make each more or less vulnerable or resilient. Join us for a discussion with human geographer and disaster specialist, Dr Emma Calgaro on how can we build back better while also mitigating the risks of vulnerability and enhancing our resilience. Taking a systems approach Dr Calgara will share issues and insights on how we can address flood, droughts, bushfires and pandemics so that we can better live up to the Australian-ism - 'she'll be right mate'.

Special Guest:

• Amy Chester, Managing Director, Rebuild by Design

New York City has long been at the centre of global markets and now finds itself at the centre of the global COVID pandemic. 

The trajectory of the curve in NYC continues to rise as Sydney's flattens. From infrastructure, planning, governance and culture, there are valuable lessons from New York that can help City builders, creators and leaders design, shape and manage a City to be more resilient.

Special Guest:

• Dr. Simon Longstaff AO, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre

Does the health and economic crisis demand different leadership, change the tradeoffs we make or require a shift in organisational cultures? These are some of the critical questions we will be exploring with our special guest, Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, Dr. Simon Longstaff AO.

Special Guests:

• The Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for the Arts
• Leigh Small, Chief Executive Officer Sydney Film Festival
• Este Darin-Cooper, State Manager NSW & ACT, Creative Partnerships Australia

This forum will explore the trends, aspirations and opportunities for the arts and culture industry.

From changes in content, audience preference, and venues to mediums for delivery, cross collaborations with business and government and resources and talent the panel will provide insights and inspiration into what has been and what could be for this critical sector. Wrapping up the Series this episode looks to 2030 and what it will take to delivery an enduring place for arts and culture in our community and across Greater Sydney.

Special Guests:

• Olivia Ansell, Sydney Festival Director Designate 2022-2024
• Kim Spinks, Director, City People

This diverse and valuable industry has traditionally thrived in high density areas around the CBD and inner city, from the Opera House to the Capitol and State theatres, the ICC, NSW Art Gallery and the MCA.

Arts and cultural urban precincts bring the benefits of agglomeration and must be fostered however the benefits can also be captured through all areas of Sydney. We must work to activate public spaces and private places large and small – day and night - to create a vibrant and inclusive City. A broad range of live performances including music, theatre, and art, suitable for all ages, cultures and tastes. Places and activities where families, teens, grandparents, and millennials can safely enjoy.

This Forum will explore innovative ways to use arts and culture to connect and enjoy public and private spaces and places across Greater Sydney while managing the health and safety of participants, performers, and the public.

Special Guests:

• Angela Clark, Non-Executive Director, Sydney Festival
• Grant Dodwell, Creative Director, Australian Theatre Live
• Justin Paton, Head Curator, International Art, Art Gallery of New South Wales

This forum will explore how we unite and build a new innovative and creative ecosystem, via the digital revolution and advanced technologies that bring value and opportunity to the sector, now and into the future. Lockdown measures around the country are severely affecting its ability to viably distribute artistic works and creative content outside of the digital channels, reducing the diversity of cultural expression. There have been many innovative initiatives and start-ups across the art and creative sector reaching out to existing and new audiences, bringing together new collaborations, and leveraging new technology.

Here we explore the challenges of scale and capacity, impact, and resources as well as whether these initiatives triggered by the current Covid crisis have increased the resilience and sustainability of the industry.

Special Guests:

• Dr Michael Brand, Director, Art Gallery NSW
• Bethwyn Serow, Executive Director of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group

The first forum discusses and explores the economic value of the arts and culture sector to the NSW economy. From large projects such as Sydney Modern to Vivid as well as smaller festivals and exhibitions the economic drivers and outcomes of arts and culture make a difference to the State and local communities.

The social value of arts and culture can also be quantified and this forum explores and explains the social value and benefits of the industry and its importance to life in Sydney – improving its livability, social cohesion and the well-being of all citizens.