GOVERNMENT + ARCHITECTS: Collaboration for Smarter Regional Public Works - event wrap by Katharina Hendel
Royal Artie Smith Oval Pavilion, 16th April 2026.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY Brad Amos
Morgen Figgis of Barnacle Studio leading a tour of the project, photo by Brad Amos
RAA’s first Community Conversation event, GOVERNMENT + ARCHITECTS, brought together members, practitioners and government representatives at the Artie Smith Oval Pavilion for an engaging evening focused on smarter regional public works procurement. Hosted in a publicly procured project itself, the event began with a tour of the pavilion and grounds led by Morgen Figgis of Barnacle Studio, followed by speaker presentations and a lively round table discussion.
Renee McGuinn of Local Architect South Coast, photo by Brad Amos
Renee McGuinn, RAA’s treasurer and director of Local Architect South Coast, spoke about her experience transitioning into public works and reflected on the challenges regional practices face. Danae Vitnell, from Goulburn Mulwaree Council, offered a local government perspective, outlining the priorities, opportunities and practical realities councils face when delivering civic projects. Jilian Hopkins, representing Government Architect NSW, presented on the ways the office encourages sound procurement processes, along with the guidance, tools and resources available to support better project outcomes.
Danae Vitnell of Goulburn Mulwaree Council, photo by Brad Amos
Jillian Hopkins of GANSW, photo by Brad Amos
The conversation openly explored frustrations many small regional practices face when navigating procurement systems that can feel complex, resource-heavy and poorly scaled to regional realities. At the same time, the evening highlighted genuine opportunities for reform, stronger engagement, the practical support and resources available, and reaffirmed the value of regional practices sharing their experiences and working together towards great outcomes for government-procured projects in regional communities.
It was also a fitting occasion to acknowledge the late Wesley Hindmarch, one of the architects of the pavilion. Wesley’s contribution to the built environment as founder of Local Architect South Coast, and to architecture in the regions more broadly, leaves a lasting legacy. His work helped shape a generous and thoughtful civic place that provided a meaningful setting for the evening’s discussion.
A special RAA thanks to Founding Technical Member AWS, who made this event possible through major sponsorship and were on hand to offer their technical expertise on the night.
RAA president Tim Lee acknowledging AWS as major sponsor of this community conversation.
