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Sector leaders back precinct to strengthen Canberra’s community, connection and future growth
Canberra’s business, tourism and community leaders are backing a new convention and entertainment precinct as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the city’s social fabric, create new community connection, and support a more vibrant region.
The Canberra Convention Bureau (CCB) said the precinct would play a critical role in bringing people together, not just through major events, but through the everyday connections, development and opportunities that help communities thrive.
The call is being supported by the Canberra Region Tourism Forum, the Canberra Airport, the Australian Hotels Association ACT, and the Canberra Business Chamber, amongst others.
CCB Chief Executive Officer Michael Matthews said events at the conference centre are often overlooked for their broader community impact.
“Big events, like the recent Gala Ball for Ronald McDonald House ACT and Southeast NSW, are all about people and what it means to be from our region. They bring our community together, create shared experiences, and open doors to new ideas and opportunities,” he said.
“This is about nurturing the kind of city we want to see Canberra become. A place that is connected, outward-looking and full of opportunity for our entire region.”
CEO of Ronald McDonald House, Eoghan O’Byrne, said an expanded convention and entertainment precinct wasn’t just about bigger conferences and international acts. An expanded precinct had the potential to significantly increase community involvement with charities across the region.
“Our Gala Ball shows just how generous the people of Canberra and surrounds are, when it comes to supporting local charities like ours. This generosity is only limited by the size of the venues we can access. A bigger venue provides scale for a larger event, and while we have the hottest ticket in town, we would welcome that,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“More attendees and a larger giving pool would assist us to deliver our mission of keeping families close during adverse times. A larger space would be a beacon for the region, allowing more people from Batemans Bay to Eden and from Yass and beyond the opportunity to support us and others like us.”
The events sector already contributes more than $1.1 billion annually to the ACT economy and supports jobs across the region.
With a new precinct, that contribution is expected to grow significantly, enabling Canberra to host larger and concurrent events, attract more visitors, and increase the flow-on benefits to local businesses, workers and the community sector.
Mr Matthews said those benefits are felt well beyond the events themselves.
“This new precinct is about more than just economic growth. It’s about building communities and services, attracting innovation and social enterprise, and creating a sense of energy and momentum in our city and our region,” he said.
“For Canberra, this is an opportunity to build on our strengths as the national capital and create a precinct that reflects our future. One that is connected, confident and full of possibility.”