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Celebrating 10 Years of The Dialogue
In August, the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue proudly celebrated 10 years of leadership, partnership and impact at Accor Stadium – the very venue where the Dialogue was launched in 2015.
Joined by NSW Premier Chris Minns, more than 300 leaders from across politics, business, health, education and community came together to reflect on a decade of advocacy and collaboration – and to look ahead to the next 10 years of growth and transformation for Western Sydney.
From championing world-class infrastructure, to giving Western Sydney a stronger voice in the national conversation, our mission has always been clear: to move the dial for Australia’s fastest-growing, youngest and most diverse region.
As our Chair, Christopher Brown AM, reminded us, “Western Sydney has gone from Sydney’s problem to Australia’s solution.”
We were also proud to recognise this year’s Patrons’ Award recipients – Prof. Les Bokey AM and Dr Jamal Rifi AM – for their outstanding contributions to the region.
This milestone was not just about looking back, but about celebrating the partnerships that made it possible. Every campaign, every summit, every big win – has been driven by collaboration.
- Ten years ago, we started a conversation.
- Ten years later, it has become a movement.
- And ten years from now – it will be a transformation.
Thank you to all of our patrons, partners, collaborators and supporters who continue to back Western Sydney’s rise. The best is yet to come.
And our CEO, Adam Leto, said, “The next decade is about building a Future Made in Western Sydney – innovation, smart jobs, housing, culture, and global opportunities.”
A special thank you to our Platinum Partners – Deloitte, Western Sydney International Airport, and Western Sydney University.
And to the supporters who made the night possible – All Things All Creatives, AV1, Gema Group Pty Ltd, and Venues NSW.
Relighting the Flame
The Dialogue has released its newest report , Re-lighting the Flame – Building a Bright Future for Sydney Olympic Park, has been released on the 25th anniversary of the Sydney Olympic Games, which highlights how the precinct can become more than just an “events destination.”
In the report – The Dialogue has called for a fresh focus on Sydney Olympic Park to unlock the precinct’s potential, with more ambitious housing and commercial targets, new and upgraded venues and day-night activations to attract more residents and businesses.
2025 South West Sydney Development Forum
The Dialogue’s second South West Sydney Development Forum was back in Campbelltown.
Attended by more than 200 business, government and academic leaders, the Forum opened with a keynote from the Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, who spoke about building a resilient future for South West Sydney to meet the growing demand for housing, infrastructure and jobs.
The need for a new city strategy was also raised at the Forum, with the Minister confirming that the Greater Sydney Region Plan was currently being updated, and a draft expected to be released shortly.
Senior representatives from NSW Govt, Monica Gibson (DOPHI), Said Hirsh (INSW), Angela Jeffery (Sydney Metro) and Trudi Mares (TfNSW), shared how their government agencies are aligning under a whole-of-government approach.
Greg Warren MP, Member for Campbelltown along with local government leaders Andrew Carfield, Kate Stares and Ben Taylor spoke about the importance of collaboration and the key projects that will support the future growth of the region.
Health, skills and education experts Simone Proft (Ingham Institute), Chloe Read (TAFE NSW) and Professor Zoe Terpening (UNSW Sydney), along with Billie Sankovic (SWSLHD), explored the importance of growing a local skills base and creating education-to-employment pathways to support the region’s future economy.
And Amanda Harvey (Mecone) spoke with Louise Beer (Sydney Water), Bob Browne (LLIA) and Thomas Fehon (Stockland) on the need to do development differently – focusing on cleaner, greener and better-designed communities across South West Sydney.
The Dialogue thanks our guest speakers, panellists and delegates who all provided such important insights on how we continue to support a thriving South West Sydney.
CLP is back for 2025!
The Dialogue also launched the Collaborative Leadership Program for 2025 – set to be one of our most exciting years yet.
Joined by this year’s delegates, alumni and partners, Dialogue CEO Adam Leto opened the evening in conversation with Minister the Hon. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, who shared his path to leadership in Western Sydney and the importance of determination and resilience throughout his career.
We then heard from CLP alumna Professor Jua Cilliers, who reflected on her time in the program – the lessons learned, the connections made and the inspiration she continues to carry into her work today.
Delegates also had the opportunity to hear from Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, and Amanda Larkin, Acting Chief Executive of Western Sydney Local Health District, who shared their experiences as leaders in the region and their long-standing support for the CLP program.
With the initiative kicking off shortly, we look forward to sharing highlights from this year’s program as we support the next generation of Western Sydney’s leaders.
New Airport Consultation Group
Dialogue CEO Adam Leto has been named as an inaugural member of the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG).
Chaired by Professor Peter Shergold, the group is designed to be a forum for open and constructive dialogue, ensuring that the planning, development and operation of WSI reflect community needs.
Bringing together an experienced and diverse group of leaders from across Western Sydney, Adam joins representatives from key sectors across government, business, tourism, sport and community, many of whom the Dialogue has worked closely with for many years, including:
- James Baulderstone – CEO, National Intermodal
- David Borger – Executive Director, Business Western Sydney
- Cr. Todd Carney – Mayor, Penrith City Council
- Prof Azadeh Dastyari – Director, Centre for Western Sydney, WSU
- Lindy Deitz – CEO, Campbelltown City Council
- Kiersten Fishburn – Secretary, NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
- Cr. Mark Gould – Mayor, Wollondilly Shire Council
- Ross Grove – Western Sydney Regional Director, Property Council of Australia
- Nathan Hagarty MP – State Member for Leppington
- Dr Matilda Harry – Postdoctoral Research Fellow, WSU
- Amanda Lampe – CEO, Business Events NSW
- Amanda Larkin – CEO, Western Sydney Local Health District
- Matthew Leavey – Chief Commercial Officer, Panthers Group
- Cr. Ned Mannoun – Mayor, Liverpool City Council
- Josh Murray – Secretary, Transport for NSW
- Billie Sankovic – CEO, Western Sydney Community Forum
- Anne Stanley MP – Federal Member for Werriwa
- Greg Warren MP – State Member for Campbelltown
Adam’s appointment to the Airport Community Aviation Consultation Group comes as the Dialogue continues its work with the WSI Airport readiness campaign, Take Flight 2026, working with key stakeholders to help ensure Western Sydney is ready to welcome the world with the opening of NSWs only 24-hour airport in late 2026.
Vale Gregory B Whitby AM KSG
The Dialogue extends its condolences to the family and friends of Greg Whitby, following his passing.
Greg was not only a great friend and supporter of the Dialogue during his leadership of the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, but a champion of change, and someone who truly believed in the power of education.
He was an innovator, thought-leader, and advocate, and someone who fought tirelessly to provide access and opportunity for young students in the region.
He will be missed, but long may his legacy remain.
Vale Professor Edward Blakely
The Dialogue extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Professor Ed Blakely, following his passing.
Professor Blakely was not only a friend of the Dialogue, but a visionary urbanist, strategist and thinker who made an enduring contribution to Western Sydney and cities across the world.
He was a mentor, innovator and provocateur – someone who challenged convention, sparked debate, and inspired new ways of thinking about the role of cities, communities and leadership.
His work left a mark on Sydney’s growth and global reputation, and his ideas will continue to influence generations to come.
Future Rail Plans Leaked
Recent media reports have revealed the NSW Government’s draft plans for a future rail network, which includes the prioritisation of the electrification of the T8 South line, from Campbelltown to Wilton – a move that is welcomed by the Dialogue which called for this investment in its Wollongong and the West Discussion Paper last year. As outlined in the SMH report, with the current rail network at capacity, there’s an urgent need to accelerate the planning and prioritization of future metro and heavy rail connections, including the South West and North West Metro extensions.
Planning Changes in NSW
With Western Sydney set to welcome almost 1 million new residents by 2040, housing remains one of the region’s greatest challenges.
The NSW Government has recently introduced the NSW Planning System Reforms Bill 2025 – a move welcomed by The Dialogue as a positive step towards building more homes and easing Sydney’s housing crisis.
Partner Highlight – Systra
The Dialogue congratulates our partner Systra on their recent win after being awarded the contract for the Western Harbour Tunnel Project.
Newest Partner – Business Events Sydney
Welcome to our newest Partner, Business Events Sydney.
