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.

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.

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.