Sue Dugdale and Miriam Wallace work in arguably one of Australia's toughest places to run an architecture practice, Mparntwe (Alice Springs). An extreme climate, transient work force and  political tug-of-wars are some of the forces they work with and against. After 30 years of they still finds more questions than answers: what is the best climatic response for buildings in Australia’s vast interior? Why do living environments for many Aboriginal people continue to fall short? What is the best way to give form to the cultural complexity and environment of the region?

Delegates will start their MPARNTWE experience with a sunrise tour at the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens on Thursday 11th September, day one of the event. HERE, the landscape is the starting point. It’s a constant, shaping presence - defining how people live, move, and connect with the place. IT is a starting point for the MPARNTWE experience.

Warren Haasnoot will present high-street renewal through the lens of a commercial site in Dungog. This freestanding corner shop on Dungog’s high street received DA approval for extension and modification that proposes different modes of occupation, through a singular intervention (a new rear building) and a light-handed upgrade of the original building.

Caroline Pidcock will present ideas around VITAL resilience in architecture through a conceptual and cultural lens. Adjunct Professor of Practice at University of Newcastle and recipient of the 2024 Emerald Green Award, Caroline believes that design is our human superpower and that architects hold a unique responsibility (and opportunity) to reimagine the spaces where we live, work, and play in a regenerative, low-carbon future. Our built environments can either deepen the crisis or become powerful resilient solutions.

The Royal Hotel Dungog will host us for the Thursday Community Dinner (buy your own) followed by Maitland musician Dave Wells taking the stage.

Emily Knight of Sydney based Emily Knight Design has been a RAA committee member since November 2023, having been inspired to give back to an organisation that made her feel very welcome and whose events she particularly enjoyed attending. It follows that Emily’s biggest achievement in her time on the committee has been her contribution to the planning and smooth running of in person events.

Sarah Aldridge of Byron Bay practice SPACEstudio is currently in the role of secretary and has been on the committee since the RAA’s inception in 2021. As a committed regionalist, Sarah strongly believed there was a desperate need for a representative body for regional practitioners, recognising that advocacy on behalf of regional practitioners at governance level is essential to the sustainability of regional practice. 

Dr Sarah Breen Lovett will present the FAST SLOW project, for personal and planetary wellbeing. The University of Newcastle, and Industry Partner Mudtec are working on this innovative housing solution, bringing together a FAST prefabricated structural system to facilitate SLOW DIY earth building. This project utilises the efficiency of prefabrication, with low carbon reused site materials to create high performing eco-homes that are more affordable and more mindfully created. The first FAST SLOW house is now in planning for the Narara Ecovillage on the NSW Central Coast.

Elliat Rich and James B. Young offer a rare insight into design and making, deeply rooted in the social, cultural, and ecological fabric of Mparntwe. Rich works across disciplines—from public art to cross-cultural resources—exploring the ethical and imaginative possibilities of design across Australia. Young brings a generational lineage of shoemaking to his bespoke leatherwork, where precision and tradition meet the raw materiality of the desert. Together, their practices speak to a form of creative practice that is thoughtful, place-based, and alive to the responsibilities of working within complex histories. As long-term locals and makers, they invite us to consider how design can hold knowledge, tell stories, and build lasting connections.  

David Donald offers a grounded perspective on the complex intersections of housing and health in remote Australian communities, informed by decades of listening, observing, and working on the ground, around the world. His work as an architect and Director of Healthabitat speaks to the broader role design thinking can play beyond traditional practice to create meaningful change.

Friday will conclude with dinner at the fabulous James Picture Theatre followed by a screening of ‘Wilding’ based on the bestselling book by Isabella Tree.

Look to the skies with former ABC Weatherman Graham Creed, who will look at regional weather extremes and the national outlook in the age of climate change. 

Jason Elsley of Derive Architecture will present Murrook Culture Centre, Newcastle. This collaboration between Derive Architecture & Design and the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC), began in 2013.

As a partner of this year’s Sydney Build, the Regional Architecture Association is pleased to share the news below.

Sydney Build Expo Announces Official Support from the Premier of NSW and a Record Government Attendance! 

Sydney Build is proud to have the official support of the Premier of NSW. Chris Minns MP invites the industry to attend the nation's largest construction, architecture, and infrastructure show on May 7-8.  

Don’t miss key government announcements and updates from top speakers over the two days, including: 

The Resilient Homes Expos will provide businesses with the opportunity to learn more about grants available for resilient building through the Resilient Homes Program including a new grant available to cover a managing consultant to coordinate /deliver high level feasibility assessment, detailed drawings and development approval for homeowners seeking home raising, rebuild or relocation.   

Janne Ryan and Peter Salhani are the creative directors for RAA’s upcoming Dungog event VITAL: Questions of Resilience.

Marni Reti of Kaunitz Yeung Architecture has been involved in extensive community engagement consultation processes for buildings delivered in remote locations, including Yutjuwala Djiwarr - the first culturally appropriate residential aged care in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land.

Bobbie Bayley, Owen Kelly and Tonielle Dempers are the creative directors for the RAA  Mparntwe (Alice Springs) event 11-13 September 2025. They live and work in Mparntwe, where they are continuously shaped and reshaped by the unparalleled complexity and presence of Central Arrernte Country. 

Starting at the National Gallery, Canberra based artist Ham Darroch will speak about his working relationship with Bridget Riley before taking delegates to view an installation of his own work. The tour will then wrap up at Ham's studio at the Gorman Arts Centre.

Contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter will give an overview of her work and discuss her design process, followed by a tour of her studio in small groups. Participants will then be guided through the process of designing a bracelet to be made from sheet metal.

Rob Stefanic will discuss managing the structures and environments (including heritage) of the Parliament and similar institutions.

GET READY for CONTEXT in Canberra with Lymesmith’s highly regarded CPD course for Architects and Spatial Designers:  FOUNDATIONS OF ARCHITECTURAL COLOUR DESIGN

Date:  March 19, 2025
Time:  1pm to 5pm
Venue: Civic Hub Quarter, Northbourne Ave, Civic, ACT
CPD:  3 Formal CPD Points

Limited to 14 people

Canberra based Landscape Architect Dr Julian Raxworthy will introduce the location as a place and environment.

Architect Joanna Nelson​​​​​​​ will discuss finely crafted interventions across multiple locations through the lens of her projects.

Congratulations to the graduates! RAA is pleased to be backing the next generation; those who will join the movement towards a brighter, more sustainable future for built environments in the regions and their communities.

Recordings of all RAA's 2024 online events are now available on demand via humanitix. Free for members and $35 each for non members. Members can also access the recordings through the website as before.

Molonglo Director Nikos Kalogeropoulos will speak about directing growth at the periphery as part of CONTEXT in Canberra.

Australian architectural photographer Thurston Empson will talk about his sensitive and carefully curated approach to photography of the environment at CONTEXT in Canberra.

Byron Bay locals can now experience in-person, the award-winning design and high-performance qualities of Tait outdoor furniture at their new pop-up store in Banksia Drive.

Hal Guida of Guida Moseley Brown Architects and RAA president Tim Lee are the co-creative directors of CONTEXT. Hal’s focus will be the main seminar day on Friday 21st March, with Tim concentrating on the fringe and social events.