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GWS Digital Future Takes Shape
Western Sydney’s emergence as a national digital powerhouse is building momentum.
Last month, we proudly hosted our inaugural TechWest Infrastructure Forum, bringing together more than 300 leaders from government, industry and the technology sector to explore the region’s rapidly expanding data centre boom.
It was a timely and important conversation – one focused not just on growth, but on getting it right. As investment accelerates, our priority remains ensuring these projects deliver real, lasting benefits for local communities, including high-value jobs, industry innovation and meaningful skills pathways.
We reinforced this position through our submission to the NSW Government’s data centre inquiry, with hearings set to begin in May. This is a critical moment to help shape the policy settings that will underpin the sector’s future.
Encouragingly, the Forum also saw NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey unveil the NSW Data Centre Consultation Paper and confirm that 15 projects are now progressing through the Investment Delivery Authority, with 10 located in Western Sydney.
The message is clear: Western Sydney is at the centre of Australia’s digital future.
A Decade of BOOMTOWN!
This month, we celebrated a major milestone — Ten years of BOOMTOWN!
It was a night that captured both how far the region has come and where it is heading next as we announced the Dialogue’s Project of the Year winners.
Western Sydney International Airport’s new terminal and runway took out top honours, winning Project of the Year— a fitting recognition for a project that will redefine the region’s economic future.
In total, 19 projects were recognised on the night, each playing a role in shaping the cities, communities and infrastructure of tomorrow.
This year’s awards were held at Novotel Sydney Olympic Park and for special offers, you can visit here.
Next Steps for Sydney Olympic Park
The long-awaited release of the NSW Government’s masterplan for Sydney Olympic Park is an important step toward shaping the precinct’s next chapter.
While we acknowledge this vision is more ambitious than the draft that was released last year, moving from concept to delivery will be crucial, as will the provision of critical infrastructure such as Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, Metro West and local road upgrades.
As we outlined in our Relighting the Flame paper, our firm view is that Sydney Olympic Park can be more than just a centre for sport and major events. With the right planning, governance structures and investment, along with a commitment to engage with local landowners and businesses, there is great potential for it to evolve into an activated residential, commercial, sports and entertainment precinct.
WSI Moves Closer to Take-Off
Western Sydney International Airport reached another major milestone last month.
The Dialogue was delighted to be on site to mark Singapore Airlines becoming the first international carrier to release tickets for flights from WSI – a powerful signal of global confidence for Sydney’s only 24-hour international gateway and the region’s future.
We also saw Air New Zealand announce new flights between WSI and Auckland, with flights commencing October 26.
A couple of weeks earlier, we also saw the official unveiling of the $2.1 billion M12 Motorway, which will deliver faster, safer and more reliable connections straight to the new Western Sydney International Airport.
New Medical Research Facility Opens
The Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building officially opened its doors at a special ceremony recently.
This state-of-the-art facility brings together education, research and healthcare in one place – creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and skills development in the region.
It’s a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, industry and education work together with a shared purpose.
SBS Missed Opportunity
This month also brought disappointing news, with the Federal Government confirming it will not proceed with funding an SBS hub in Western Sydney.
For more than a decade, we have championed the relocation of Australia’s multicultural broadcaster to the region. This decision represents a missed opportunity and a broken commitment at a time when sharing Western Sydney’s stories have never been more important.
While the outcome is disappointing, we remain committed to the vision and hopeful that a Western Sydney presence for SBS can still be realised in some form in the future.
Collaborative Leadership Program 2026 Launches
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Collaborative Leadership Program (CLP). Now in its 5th year, CLP invests in the professional development of an invited cohort of existing and emerging leaders from organisations with an interest in Greater Western Sydney.
Running this September, our five-day program allows the cohort to experience deep immersion in institutions and local communities. With sessions and training in collaborative culture, thought leadership, regional advocacy and community engagement, we look forward to generating another stellar professional network of graduates.
With more than 120 engaged delegates now part of the CLP community, the Dialogue was excited to also launch the CLP alumni network, creating opportunities for past and future participants to stay connected, supported and actively engaged.
Welcome New Partner
Transgrid
We’re pleased to welcome Transgrid as our newest Dialogue Partner, and were proud to have them sponsor our recent TechWest Infrastructure Forum.
Transgrid’s high-voltage transmission network is crucial for the region’s future in data centres, increased transport, new industry and housing.
