The 2nd annual Strategic Regional Leadership for Innovation Conference commenced on Friday at the Glasshouse, Port Macquarie, with more than 300 delegates attending.
The conference, organised by Regional Development Australia — Mid-North Coast, saw more than 40 local national and international speakers, including business leaders, academics and politicians present keynote presentations and panel discussions on a wide range of topics pertinent to the region and its continued growth and development.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Trade and Investment, Minister for Regional Infrastructure and Services and keynote speaker Andrew Stoner said the conference provided an opportunity for the region to draw on the knowledge and experience of industry leaders.
“We live in an increasingly competitive global market, so embracing new ideas and methods that will lead to economic growth and prosperity is vital for regional communities,” Mr Stoner said.
“As a resident of the Mid-North Coast, I am particularly proud that this year’s Strategic Regional Leadership Conference is being held in Port Macquarie,” he said.
This year’s conference discussed how leadership is fundamental to the growth and revitalisation of regional and urban communities and why innovation encourages growth and investment in new industries, media, social capital and the new regional society.
The attendance of the Minister for Regional Australia, Simon Crean, and the NSW Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner, in addition to Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott, highlighted the importance of the Strategic Regional Leadership Conference and the Australian Government and NSW Government commitment to regional Australia.
The pre-conference workshops, which commencedon on Thursday, featured extended discussions with keynote speakers.
A cocktail party was also a highlight of the event.
