National Regional and Economic Development Summit 2026

Who is it for?

Curated especially for the thinkers, tinkerers, doers and improvers of regional Australia. This year’s National Regional and Economic Development Summit will be held in Lithgow, a city rich in history and industrial significance, known for its critical power generation and manufacturing heritage. Attendees will learn about a city that is in the midst of re-imagining itself and experience an event at multiple venues in and around Lithgow in the NSW Blue Mountains.

Stay tuned for the full program release in late 2025, including keynote speakers, SEGTALKS, and site tours.

Event Details:

• The majority of the Summit will be held at the Union Theatre in Lithgow.
• Transport, meals and drinks at the Networking Dinner is included in ticket prices.
• Tours will commence at noon on Tuesday 24 March and can be purchased separately to the Summit ticket. Tours will finish by 4pm/5pm.
• Welcome drinks will be held at 5pm on Tuesday 24 March at Blast Furnace in Lithgow.
• Closer to the event, attendees will be sent session information to make a preferred choice.

Purchase tickets prior to 15 February for a personalised badge!

ABOUT LITHGOW, NSW

Located on Wiradjuri Country and nestled in the Seven Valleys beside the western edge of the Blue Mountains, Lithgow is approximately 150km from Sydney. Lithgow has played a significant role in Australia’s industrial history. Whilst it is surrounded by national parks it sits within the heart of the western coalfield. The city is known for its coal mines, which powered local woolen and flour mills and supported the development of refining industries for iron, steel, and copper.

The town's industrial landscape evolved over the years, with the decline of heavy industry post-World War II leading to the rise of light industry. In the late 1950s, a power generating plant was built at Wallerawang, further solidifying Lithgow's role in energy production. Today, Lithgow is home to the Mount Piper Power Station, one of the largest in New South Wales, and the remnants of its industrial past can be explored at sites like Blast Furnace Park.

See our SEGRA website 'Experience Lithgow: Travel, Stay & Explore' for more details.

HOW TO GET TO LITHGOW

• By car: Lithgow is approximately a 2-hour drive (150km) from Sydney via the Great Western Highway.
• By train: Direct NSW TrainLink services operate daily from Sydney’s Central Station to Lithgow.
• By air: The closest major airports are Sydney (SYD) and Bathurst (BHS). Car hire is available at both locations.

A detailed map of venues and session locations will be provided to registered delegates closer to the event.

ACCOMMODATION

A range of accommodation options are available in and around Lithgow, from boutique heritage hotels to modern motels and nearby mountain retreats.
See our SEGRA website 'Experience Lithgow: Travel, Stay & Explore' for more details. Some accommodation options have a corporate rate when contacting accommodation please use the mention - SEGRA Summit.

WHO ATTENDS SEGRA

Attendees include:

• Local government professionals working in economic and community development
• Local government Councillors
• Regional development leaders and policymakers
• Business and industry leaders
• Researchers and educators
• Not-For-Profit organisations
• Business associations
• State and Federal Government representatives

If you’re working to make a positive difference in regional Australia, this is your Summit.

TICKETING AND BOOKINGS

🎟️ Group bookings - 3 or more - attract a discount - please email info@segra.com.au - access code in Humanitix is GROUPBOOKING
💳 Prefer to book by invoice? Contact info@segra.com.au
📩 For event updates, join our mailing list or follow us on social media - see link below.

On SEGRA's website - see the footer to subscribe to SEGRA's 'Walk the Talk' Newsletter