We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and the Traditional Custodians of Ngunnawal Country, the land on which we meet today. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also recognise any other people or families with connection to the ACT and Region.
Kieren Perkins OAM, CEO Australian Sports Commission on the future plans for the AIS’s rejuvenation
Kieren Perkins shared an update on the revitalisation of the Australian Institute of Sport's (AIS) Bruce campus and its role in shaping the future of Australian sport. Welcoming over 5,000 athletes, coaches and officials annually across 37 sports, the AIS continues to deliver world-class facilities and services to support Australia’s sporting excellence.
He celebrated the reactivation of the AIS Arena as a vibrant venue. Currently housing an ice rink for the Canberra Brave home games, it has hosted several major events, with everything from the Goo Goo Dolls to the Wiggles drawing in diverse audiences.
Kieren shared that the recent $249 million federal investment—the largest since the AIS's founding—will fund three major new builds: a state-of-the-art testing and training centre, an indoor sports dome, and fully accessible athlete accommodation. He also highlighted the need for ongoing investment in cutting-edge projects like an altitude residence and environmental training chamber.
Tourism remains key to the site’s identity, with over 300,000 annual visitors. Popular school tours and interactive exhibits like SportX are being modernised, alongside the development of premium experiences as part of the Cultural Attractions of Australia program.
Kieren invited ongoing engagement and support as the AIS drives innovation, high performance, and dynamic visitor experiences—on the road to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Question: Knowing what you're developing, is there an opportunity to host events and conferences related to sports science in the Future?
Kieren said the AIS are drawing more and more of those events back, with future bookings for several technical conferences confirmed. In relation to conferencing more broadly, he said 100%, the arena is open and absolutely open to engaging in more of those sorts of activities.
Margy Osmond, CEO Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) on TTF’s strategies for 2025
Margy Osmond highlighted key insights from the Tourism and Transport Forum 's (TTF) national tourism advocacy and research. Representing major industry stakeholders, TTF focuses on anticipating trends and influencing government policy to support a thriving tourism and transport sector.
She noted the significant shifts in consumer behaviour post-COVID and underscored the resilience of the domestic market. Despite cost-of-living pressures Australians are prioritising holidays over retail spending, often opting for shorter trips or staying with friends and family.
International travel is rebounding and Margy highlighted growth opportunities for Canberra from the US and India, encouraging industry to advocate for expanded international student caps—valuing them as both workers and attractors of inbound visitors.
A major theme raised was sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Without local production, Australia risks losing long-haul business events and travellers due to growing carbon-conscious restrictions, particularly in Europe. With Queensland leading SAF investment, Margy stressed the need for other states to follow suit.
“Every other state in Australia needs to get with the game”
She also flagged the need to reinvest the Passenger Movement Charge into border services, noting poor airport experiences can shape visitor perceptions. TTF is actively working with Border Force to improve arrivals and departures through the Seamless Border Group.
Looking ahead, Margy urged the sector to plan for workforce pressures leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and embrace First Nations tourism. Her call to action: stay agile, align with emerging traveller preferences, and seize the moment to strengthen Australia’s tourism appeal.
Anna Edwards, Research Fellow in Urban Studies at the Centre for Cities at the University of Melbourne on how cities are growing their night-time economy
As a Research Fellow in Urban Studies at the Centre for Cities, University of Melbourne, with over 15 years of experience in the field, Anna Edwards shared insights into how cities around the world are reimagining life after dark—not simply as nightlife, but as a vital part of urban vibrancy.
Traditionally centred on food, drink and entertainment, the nighttime economy now encompasses a wide range of activities, with a growing emphasis on diversity.
“Tourists want safe, vibrant experiences at all hours, not just during the 9 to 5.”
Internationally, cities are embracing this shift and implementing 24-hour economy strategies. Australia is keeping pace, with New South Wales leading the way and Queensland closely following suit.
Canberra is steadily gaining momentum. Anna highlighted the establishment of nighttime entertainment precincts in Civic and Gungahlin, and acknowledged Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for the Nighttime Economy. Data shows that over 2,200 food, drink and entertainment businesses contribute $4.5 billion to Canberra’s economy and employ nearly 35,000 people. Yet opportunities remain—particularly in improving transport access, enhancing precinct collaboration, and supporting the city’s 70,000 night shift workers.
To become a truly 24-hour capital, she emphasised the need for ongoing investment in data-led planning and creative initiatives that activate local precincts and move beyond traditional nightlife offerings. Encouraging businesses to work collaboratively as opposed to competitively, in order to identify opportunities as well as solutions.
"Collaboration over competition"
Anna believes Canberra has a unique opportunity to build a vibrant, inclusive and safe nighttime economy—one that supports tourism, creative industries, shift workers and residents alike.
Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Leaders Forum highlighted:
The National Capital Authority (NCA) has released the Commonwealth Park Concept Vision. Visit their website before 20 June 2025 to have your say: Your capital your say - Commonwealth Park
The Canberra Region Tourism Award are now open. Visit their website to learn more and enter the awards: Canberra Tourism Awards
Update from Jonathan Kobus, Executive Branch Manager VisitCanberra:
VisitCanberra will be hosting an industry information session on Thursday 26 June at the National Portrait Gallery - spaces are limited so please reserve your place before they run out here: Visitcanberra-industry-update-tickets
The 2025 VisitCanberra Conference will be announced soon, stay tuned for all the details to come.
Next forum Thursday 3 July 2025.
Speakers will include: Dr Paul Grimes PSM, Chief Executive Officer The Australian Trade and Investment Commission; Gillian Geraghty, ACT Chief Engineer and Director-General Infrastructure Canberra; Richard Snow, Group Head of Property Capital Property Group