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Oct 13, 2025

Bold Ideas and Practical Action 2025 Regions Rising National Summit Reimagined the Future of Regional Australia

The Regional Australia Institute’s 2025 Regions Rising National Summit, held on 8 October at Parliament House, Canberra, brought together leaders, innovators, and changemakers to reimagine what’s possible for regional Australia. The Summit focused on innovation and emerging technologies, future-ready skills and productivity, and building stronger, more connected, and resilient communities.

David Forbes, ISA’s Regional Industry Engagement Manager, joined national stakeholders to explore how bold thinking and cross-sector collaboration can unlock the full potential of regional Australia.

“The pressure we face is real, and we need action,” said Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute and member of the ISA Industry Advisory Council. “By actively imagining what our regional communities can become, we can drive meaningful change.”

Recent data presented at the Summit revealed that 37% of Australians were living in regional areas, with the population increasing from 9.78 million in 2023 to 9.91 million in 2024, a 1.3% growth rate. Interest in regional living continued to rise, with 40% of metropolitan residents reportedly considering a move to the regions.

However, the Summit also highlighted pressing challenges:

  • Youth disengagement: 1 in 6 regional youth not in employment, education, or training, compared to 1 in 10 in metro areas.
  • AI literacy gaps: A significant need to improve AI literacy to ensure regional communities are not left behind in the digital economy.
  • Housing shortages: a major barrier to employment and economic development in regional areas.

Through panels, workshops, and strategic discussions, the Summit explored how to build future-ready regions. Key themes included:

  • Harnessing emerging technologies to boost productivity and connectivity.
  • Building skills pipelines tailored to regional needs.
  • Developing inclusive housing and infrastructure strategies to support sustainable growth.

The 2025 Regions Rising National Summit served as a launchpad for transformation - sparking bold ideas and practical actions to ensure regional Australia not only grows but thrives.

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