National Small Town Reinvention Conference 2026

National Small Town Reinvention Conference 2026
“Prosperity Through Connection, Collaboration and Community”

When:    Sunday 6 September to Friday 11 September 2026
Where:    Western Queensland based in Longreach with learning excursions to a host of a host of nearby outback towns.
Cost:        $1185 (GST incl) which includes most meals, learning bus excursions and social events.
(*Excludes accommodation and travel to and from Longreach)

Theme

“Small Town Prosperity Through Building on Local Assets, Stories, Creativity and Community Connection”

 Preamble

Following on from another highly successful National Small Town Reinvention Conference in Kapunda, South Australia in 2025, plans are underway to convene the next such learning and networking event in September 2026. Through the support of the Longreach Regional Council and a range of Western Queensland Councils, businesses and community organisations, the 3^rd National Small Town Reinvention Conference will be convened in Longreach, Queensland.

This Conference is being organised to provide an opportunity for Community Builders and organisations who care deeply about the future of small-town Australia, and who desire to discover renewed passion, and new skills, knowledge and resources about rural and remote small-town reinvention.

This Conference is not your normal come ‘sit and listen’ event but has a strong focus on seeing and interacting with best practice initiatives and rural ‘movers and shakers’. Besides practical workshops, storytelling and sharing sessions facilitated by practitioners from across rural and remote Australia, this Conference will be the opportunity through three ‘Learning Bus Excursions’ to spend time visiting and learning from eight Western Queensland communities bubbling with community creativity and innovation- Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Longreach, Tambo and Winton.

Looking for a week of fun, learning and networking, consider joining rural community builders in Longreach in September.

Cost and Registration

The Conference fee is $1185 (GST incl) which includes most meals, three learning excursions (bus journeys) and social events. It excludes accommodation and travel to and from Longreach.

Registration is through the website of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. website.

 Conference Organiser

Bank of I.D.E.A.S.

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has been committed since its establishment in 1989 to supporting the growth of enterprising, sustainable and vibrant small-town communities and economies. Their facilitation endeavours have involved 2000+ rural communities and project work in 67 countries.

Conference Sponsorship

A range of Conference sponsorship options exist. Please click here to view.

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

 

 Expressions of Interest to Share

The Conference Organising Team would welcome any expressions of interest from communities and individuals keen to present, facilitate a Masterclass or share a community case study.

Please note: As the Conference is not a commercial venture, and to minimise Conference fees, no organiser or presenter will be paid.

Please contact Peter Kenyon on Mobile: 0417183719 or Email: pk@bankofideas.com.au

 Current Draft Program:

*** Please note: Program is subject to change as new experiences and contributors are added.

  Download Flyer of Program

For further information or any questions, please contact Peter Kenyon – Mobile: 0417183719 or Email pk@bankofideas.com.au