Over 480 business leaders and distinguished guests from across Western Sydney gathered at The William Inglis Hotel, Warwick Farm, in September for the sold out State of the Region Address 2018.

Weeknight Presenter Juanita Phillips from ABC News NSW emceed the event and facilitated an insightful Audience Q&A with the Premier.

For WSBC General Manager, Amanda Brisot, the key theme that shone through on the day was ‘people centric planning’.

“Talk of infrastructure is still robust and businesses in the region have many exciting projects underway. But the focus on people and communities in Western Sydney dominated - they are our greatest asset and will ultimately drive the success of these initiatives.”

A new super campus for Western Sydney

It was an honour to welcome back the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP for her 2nd State of the Region Address. She shared her government’s future plans for Western Sydney, including a super university campus at Badgerys Creek. The Premier explained that this campus will focus on STEM - planning for the jobs of the future. It is expected not only to attract students from across Greater Western Sydney and Australia but from around the world.

Amanda comments that “The announcement of the super campus at the Aerotropolis will be huge in terms of investment and development... and as a centre of innovation for Western Sydney. Bringing industry and education together in that location, catalysing with major projects including the airport, will generate a lot of activity and growth in the region.”

A passion for the region

We also heard from Mayor Wendy Waller, Liverpool City Council, a passionate advocate for harnessing the potential of the people of Western Sydney. Mayor Waller spoke of a city on the move. It is home to three universities and a growing health precinct. International businesses like Amazon and Toll are making it their home. There is a strong creative arts scene and an airport under construction on its doorstep – all contributing to Liverpool becoming a city full of opportunity.

Local career pathways

As a business community it is vital to invest in the education sector to nurture local talent if we want to continue to create a prosperous and thriving region. Western Sydney University has transformed the local workforce ensuring the region is amongst the fastest growing professional classes in the country. It is essential that we create local career pathways and opportunities for the next generation if we want to keep our talent in the region. The way forward is through collaborative partnerships between industry and education. Western Sydney University’s Penny Tribe agrees: “Events like this are absolutely essential because this is the fastest growing region in Australia and we need to work together.”

A who’s who of Western Sydney

Amanda was delighted with the attendance - “With all major councils and State Government Departments, through to industry heads and small business leaders represented, the event was a who’s who of Western Sydney today.”

Business leaders had the opportunity to network and connect, and hear about the latest initiatives in the region. There was also the chance to say hello to familiar faces and enjoy more relaxed conversation over lunch.

Our event partners shared their vision for Western Sydney with the audience, giving some wonderful food for thought. Here are some of the highlights.

World class infrastructure

Deloitte Partner Danny Rezek highlighted world-class technology and unprecedented opportunity in the region. “We are exceedingly proud to be working with government and business across the region to bring their aspirations for Western Sydney to life and in doing so spring board the enterprise, investment and job creation the economy needs.

A future western Sydney will invest in a world class technology-based infrastructure where citizens are placed at the heart of its cities – capturing the convergence of data, digital and design to strategically address mobility, the environment and livability. It will provide intelligence and responsive ecosystems in ways that support the sustained renewal of jobs and innovation and improve the quality of life in the region.”

Great opportunity for SMEs

According to Landcom Acting Chief Executive Officer Matthew Beggs, Western Sydney is where great working partnerships have flourished. “Landcom has been focused on delivering more affordable and sustainable communities for the people of NSW, and particularly for the people of Western Sydney… and has been a permanent fixture in the Western Sydney property sector for over 40 years.

The planning and construction of our Western Sydney projects provide great opportunities for small-to-medium businesses in Western Sydney.”

Shaping your future

We would like to thank our Event Partners Liverpool City Council, Landcom, Deloitte, Western Sydney University, Claxton Speakers International and Jobs for NSW. Their support makes events such as the State of the Region Address possible.

A big thanks also to the Western Sydney Youth Orchestra (WSYO), based in Parramatta, for their wonderful performance. It was the icing on the cake of a successful event.

Amanda Brisot adds “We are delighted with the positive feedback about the 2018 State of the Region Address from our members and partners. We’re looking forward to working and partnering with this vibrant and visionary group of businesses into the future, as we continue to facilitate connection and growth in the region.

In their video, our platinum partners Deloitte asked: “What would your Western Sydney future look like?” We think this is a great question for us all to take away from the day as we work together to dream big for Western Sydney.”