The 20th State of the Region Address

Housing, Growth and Infrastructure: The Issues Shaping Western Sydney Right Now

  

Step into the room where Western Sydney’s future is discussed by the people helping to shape it.

The 20th State of the Region Address is Western Sydney’s leading business luncheon, bringing together more than 500 senior leaders, decision-makers and influencers for a major discussion on one of the most pressing issues facing Sydney right now: Housing.

Hosted by Western Sydney Business Connection, this milestone event will examine how housing supply, affordability, infrastructure delivery, global events and economic growth are intersecting across Western Sydney, and why that matters for business, investment and the future of the region.

We are pleased to welcome The Hon. Prue Car, MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney, to deliver the 20th State of the Region Address.
This address will provide an important opportunity to reflect on Western Sydney’s progress, consider the region’s key priorities, and hear a forward-looking vision for its continued growth and development. As Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Ms Car will share valuable insights into education, economic opportunity and community outcomes across the region.

As pressure continues to build across Sydney’s housing market, Western Sydney sits at the centre of the challenge and the opportunity. Population growth, major infrastructure investment, new precincts and city-shaping projects are transforming the region at scale. This event will bring those forces together in one room, with insight from government, industry and project leaders on what is happening now and what comes next.

Why This Event Matters

Western Sydney is at a critical point.

Housing demand is high and rising. Infrastructure is reshaping where people will live and work. Investment is accelerating. Decisions being made now will influence the region for years to come.

The 20th State of the Region Address will explore:

  • How housing supply and affordability pressures are affecting Western Sydney and the broader Sydney economy
  • Where growth is occurring across the region, and what that means for business, development and investment
  • How major projects, including Western Sydney International Airport, Bradfield City and the St Marys Metro, are changing the future of Penrith and surrounding precincts
  • The opportunities and constraints likely to define the next phase of Western Sydney’s growth
  • What business leaders, developers, investors and stakeholders need to understand now

This is not just a discussion about policy. It is a discussion about where people will live, where jobs will be created, where investment will flow, and how Western Sydney will grow.

Join us for the 20th State of the Region Address and be part of the conversation around housing, growth and the future of Western Sydney.

With strong demand expected, early registration is recommended.

Keynote Presentation And Q&A:
The State of the Region Address

 

The Hon. Prue Car, MP

Deputy Premier of NSW
Minister for Education and Early Learning
Minister for Western Sydney

 

Prue Car is the Deputy Premier of NSW, Minister for Education and Early Learning, and Minister for Western Sydney. Prue has represented the Western Sydney seat of Londonderry in NSW Parliament since 2015 and was appointed to her current roles following the March 2023 NSW election.

 

In her role as Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue has prioritised listening to teachers, principals, and parents about improving the NSW education system to ensure every child can achieve their potential. Prue believes teaching is one of our state’s most important professions and is passionate about ensuring every child in every school receives a world-class education.

 

Together with the Premier of NSW, The Hon. Chris Minns, MP, Prue is committed to working hard for the people of NSW.

 

Presentation And Q&A
 

The Hon. John Graham, MLC

Special Minister of State
Minister for Transport
Minister for the Arts
Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council

 

 

 

 

 

Presentation: Western Sydney Lakes: From Vision to Community

Andrew Bondini

Penrith Lakes Development Corporation
Western Sydney Lakes
General Manager

 

As the Rehabilitation and Remediation Lead for Boral and General Manager of Penrith Lakes Development Corporation / Western Sydney Lakes, Andrew brings strategic, technical, and people-focused leadership to the transformation of complex land and property assets.


He leads multi-disciplinary teams across the full project lifecycle, delivering complex remediation and rehabilitation programs that meet regulatory expectations while unlocking long-term opportunities for environmental renewal and community benefit.


Outside of his technical role, Andrew is a committed advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with a particular focus on Defence Veterans and the LGBTQIA+ community and believe in communities and workplaces where everyone can contribute authentically.

 

Panel Discussion: What is Happening Now and What is Coming Next: Housing, Growth and Development

 

Ranisha Clarke

Castle Group
CEO

 

Ranisha Clarke is a highly regarded leader in Australia’s property and urban development sector, known for her strategic vision, commercial acumen, and ability to deliver transformative change.

 

With over 20 years’ experience, Ranisha has led multi-billion-dollar residential and mixed-use projects, including leading the $1.2 billion divestment of 12 master planned Lendlease Communities projects – balancing strong commercial outcomes with sustainable, community-focused growth.

 

In her leadership role as CEO of Castle Group, an emerging powerhouse property developer and community creator, and as President of the Property Council of Australia’s NSW Division, Ranisha is focused on shaping policy to create a stable, competitive environment for investment, planning and innovation in the NSW property industry – aligning business opportunity with lasting social impact, while driving operational excellence and innovation.

 

At her core, she is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a belief that property is more than projects – it’s about people and the places that bring them together.

 

Amir Awad

The Masterton Group
CEO

 

Amir Awad is the Chief Executive Officer of the Masterton Group, one of NSW’s leading residential construction groups, with a strong footprint across Western Sydney and NSW. Since joining the business in 2008, Amir has progressed through senior operational and executive roles, giving him deep, end to end insight into the residential development and construction lifecycle.

 

With more than 18 year’s experience in the construction industry, Amir brings a practical and commercially focused perspective on housing supply, regulatory reform, workforce capability, and sustainable growth. He has played a key role in strengthening Masterton’s operational performance and expanding the group through the establishment of additional business divisions.

 

Amir is Vice President of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) NSW and remains actively involved in industry leadership, contributing to policy discussions and advocacy across the residential building sector. He holds a degree in Construction Management (majoring in Construction Economics) and is a licensed builder.

 

Andrew Moore

Penrith City Council
General Manager

 

Andrew Moore was appointed General Manager of Penrith City Council in 2023. He has more than two decades of experience at Council including early roles in Financial Services, then as Chief Financial Officer, and Director of Corporate Services.

 

Andrew is a passionate advocate for Penrith and Western Sydney. His deep connection to the City and region—professionally and personally—fuels his passion for leading the organisation in this once-in-a-generation period of transformation.

 

He has a Masters of Professional Accounting and Bachelor of Commerce (Economics and Finance), and he is a Certified Practising Accountant.

 

 

The Panel will be facilitated by:

Professor Nicole Gurran

The University of Sydney
Professor of Urban and Regional Planning

 

Nicole Gurran is Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Sydney, where she directs the Henry Halloran Urban & Regional Research Initiative. Over two decades her research and publications have focused on housing affordability, urban planning, and climate change. She is committed to informing public policy and debate through her research, media commentary, and advice to governments, and most recently served as Co-Commissioner on the People’s Commission into the Housing Crisis.

A Room Like No Other

If your organisation has a stake in Western Sydney, this is a room you should be in.

The State of the Region Address attracts a highly influential audience, including:

  • CEOs and senior executives
  • Developers, investors, and infrastructure leaders
  • Government representatives and decision makers
  • Businesses seeking to understand the next wave of growth and opportunity in the region

With more than 500 attendees in a premium luncheon setting, the event offers both insight and access at the highest level.

Date & Time:
Friday 22 May 2026
11.00am - 2.30pm

Location:
Western Sydney Convention Centre
81 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750

Event Format:

  • Registration and Networking Drinks from 11.00am to 12.00pm
  • Presentations and Lunch from 12.10pm to 2.30pm

Connection Members (excluding Small Business and Construction Connect Members) are entitled to use their allocated complimentary seats for this event

  • Platinum Partners: 6 complimentary seats
  • Gold Members: 4 complimentary seats
  • Charity Partners: 2 complimentary seats
  • Silver Members: 2 complimentary seats
  • Bronze Members: 1 complimentary seat
  • Construction Connect Members: $240 + GST per person
  • Small Business Members: $240 + GST per person
  • Additional Member Tickets
    $240 + GST per person
    $2,200 + GST per table of 10
  • Non Member Tickets
    $300 + GST per person
    $2,800 + GST per table of 10

$5.00 from every ticket sold at this event will be shared amongst and donated to the Children's Medical Research Institute, Northcott Disability Services and Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney.

View our 19th State of the Region Address Highlights
This event is supported by
MAJOR PARTNER

Penrith City Council

EVENT PARTNERS

The University of Sydney

Western Sydney Lakes

Castle Group

Panthers Group

Sydney Zoo

Please note should circumstances change, this event may be postponed or transitioned to an online webinar. 

Click here for event terms & conditions.

  • Date & Time

    Friday 22 May 2026
    11.00am - 2.30pm

  • Location

    Western Sydney Conference Centre
    81 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750

  • Registration Cost

    Connection Members
    1-6 Complimentary Ticket Per Member
    *Refer to your member category
    Member Tickets
    $240 per person (+GST = $264.00)
    $2,200 per table of 10 (+GST = $2,420.00)
    Non Members Tickets
    $300 per person (+GST = $330.00)
    $2,800 per table of 10 (+GST = $3,080.00)

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