What we covered 

The day started with a roundtable hosted by the Hon. Janelle Saffin MP. Leaders spoke frankly about housing, land tax, industrial land and the Olympics opportunity. The conversation was practical and focused on action.

By 3pm, more than 80 leaders gathered at Plantation House at Tropical Fruit World to mark the three year anniversary. Founders, operators, CEO's and community leaders. People who make decisions that shape this region every day.

We heard from Jane Laverty, Business NSW Regional Director, on the strength of the network and the opportunity ahead. 

The Hon. Janelle Saffin MP shared her perspective from State Parliament and also gave an update on ProspER Northern Rivers, the development of the Regional Economic and Environment Plan 2040 and delivered through the Business NSW Regional Leaders thought leadership event program. Much of ProspERs success has ben due to the strength of the Regional Leaders network. Members shared insights, data and lived experience. That input helped define the priorities and gave the project weight. When you have credible business voices around the table, government and institutions listen.

Troy Green, Tweed Shire Council General Manager, spoke about the many developments and investments underway across the Tweed. He outlined major infrastructure & housing projects and council’s focus on creating the conditions for business to expand and invest locally.

Ben Roche, Southern Cross University Pro Vice Chancellor, launched the Regional Leaders Academy, delivered in partnership between Business NSW Northern Rivers and Southern Cross University.

The Academy includes fully sponsored places in SCU’s Industry Graduate Certificate program, available to members of the Regional Leaders Network from March 2026.

The Academy came from direct collaboration with Southern Cross University as a strategic partner. It responds to what members have said they need. Stronger leadership capability. Practical skills. A way to grow local talent instead of losing it. That feedback shaped the program.

The afternoon rolled on with mini golf on the lawn thanks to Shaun Haysom and Noahs Mini Golf.

A special thanks to the team at Raptis Investments and Ballina Fair for lending us Shaun Haysom for the afternoon. The Mini Golf Australia Champion himself kept standards high and egos in check. 

We returned him to work, still undefeated.

A hole in one competition was declared. It quickly proved harder than anyone expected. Close was as good as it got.

The nearest shots came from Tracey Maisey, CEO of Northern NSW LHD, and Ted Nabung, CEO of North Coast Community College. Both handled the pressure well. Both now have unfinished business for next year.

We launched the first annual NorRivean Cup with more confidence than skill. The lawn at Tropical Fruit World saw fierce competition and some very creative putting.

The winning team honours went to Martin Laverty, CFO at Northern Rivers Housing, and Tim Cohen, General Manager at Bennett. Steady hands. Quiet focus. A win they will not let us forget.

The wooden spoon went to Renee Tanner, National Sales Manager at NRMA Parks. In a twist of fate, the prize was a pickleball set. A generous hint that her talents may lie in another racquet sport.

Cold drinks. Fruit straight from the farm. Snacks prepared by our hosts at Tropical Fruit World.

Thank you to our partners and speakers
This event wouldn’t have happened without the backing of our event partners, strategic partners, Clarence Property, Northern Rivers Housing, Southern Cross University and Winslow and the support of Regional Leaders. Your investment in this work is part of what’s helping shift the dial on housing in the Northern Rivers. 

A sincere thank you to every speaker who brought honesty, urgency and insight to the stage: 

• The Hon. Janelle Saffin MP, Minister for Small Business,Recovery and the North Coast
• Leah Tucker, Business NSW
• Peter Bell, Par8o Property Advisory
• Elizabeth Mossop, Professor of Urban Resilience, Academic Director, Living Lab Northern Rivers
• Ray Mackeen, Northern Rivers Housing
• Alex Koerber, Stockland
• Stephen Timms, NSW Reconstruction Authority
• Paul Rippon, Clarence Property
• Liz Collyer, Homes NSW
• Vaughan Macdonald, Richmond Valley Council

Your leadership on the day helped us move from good intentions to shared priorities. 

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