PLANNING CONGRESS 2025 | DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE


           


VIEW PROGRAM   REGISTER HERE


  SEE YOU IN DARWIN!

PIA’s annual National Congress is the flagship event on Australia’s planning calendar, bringing together planning leaders, experts and decision makers for the learning, networking and fun! We are thrilled to be hosting #PIACongress25 in Darwin – a vibrant tropical city that stands at the crossroads of ancient traditions and modern development. We acknowledge the Larrakia people’s enduring connection to this land and their profound cultural heritage provide us with invaluable insights and inspiration. We honour their contributions and recognise the importance of preserving and respecting Indigenous knowledge systems, and we look forward to harnessing this unique convergence by fostering dialogues that bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary practices. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Darwin | Garramilla in 2025 and seeing you at the National Planning Congress!



  CONGRESS VENUE

DARWIN CONVENTION CENTRE

10 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT 0800
T: 08 8923 9000   |  W: www.darwinconvention.com.au/

View more venue information here


'KNOWLEDGE OF NATURE'

PIA commissioned a piece of artwork to represent Planning Congress 2025, which was completed by local Larrakia artist, Trent "Bundirrik" Lee from Bundirrik Cultural Services. 

About Trent "Bundirrik" Lee  

Trent "Bundirrik" Lee is a multi-talented First Nations artist with a rich cultural heritage rooted in his Larrakia identity. A Larrakia man through his Father, part of the large Cubillo family. He began his artistic journey at a young age under the guidance of his father, learning traditional painting techniques and later expanding into carving and crafting cultural artifacts and tools. His skills have grown over the years, leading him to excel in various artistic mediums such as acrylic painting, street art, digital design, and T-shirt design. 

Trent's artistic achievements extend beyond traditional and contemporary mediums. His cultural artifacts have found homes in prestigious locations like the Governor General's offices, Anthony Albanese's office, and with high-ranking officials from the Defense Force and the American Consulate. He has also crafted trophies and awards for events such as the Merlin Triple Crown Supercars and the NIMA's. 

Additionally, Trent has contributed to community projects, such as crafting canoes for Adina Vibe and the Northern Land Council, creating walking path stickers for the Bruce Munson Tropical Lights, and designing the magpie geese art installation at Browns Mart in Darwin. 

Trent "Bundirrik" Lee is not only an accomplished artist but also a dedicated Aboriginal cultural educator and mentor. Through his extensive knowledge of Larrakia culture and traditions, he seeks to educate and inspire others, particularly youth, about the richness and significance of Indigenous heritage. 

Through his work as both an artist and educator, Trent "Bundirrik" Lee embodies a commitment to preserving and celebrating Aboriginal heritage while empowering future generations to embrace their identity and contribute to the cultural landscape of Australia. 

About Bundirrik Cultural Services 

Bundirrik Cultural Services, founded and led by Trent Lee, is a distinguished sole trader business based in Darwin, Northern Territory. As a First Nations-led enterprise, Bundirrik Cultural Services specializes in providing a range of culturally immersive services that celebrate and preserve Indigenous heritage. 

Bundirrik Cultural Services offers cultural services, mural design, and artwork that highlight and celebrate First Nations heritage. Through workshops, cultural tours, and striking murals, Trent Lee provides authentic and engaging experiences that connect people with Indigenous culture and traditions.

About the Artwork: Knowledge Of Nature 

The name for the artwork is Knowledge of Nature The fish is to represent the saltwater and the water monitor is to represent fresh water and our country, as Larrakia are commonly referred to as Saltwater people however our land consists of both fresh and saltwater as our country extends up 50 km inland. 

The saltwater fish represents the connection to the vast oceans and the abundance of life they provide. It symbolizes resilience, adaptability, and the importance of maintaining harmony with the ever-changing tides of life. 

On the other hand, the freshwater water monitor embodies the spirit of the inland rivers and billabongs and our country as a whole. It serves as a guardian of the freshwater ecosystems and the land, reminding people of the preciousness of clean water, healthy country and the delicate balance of nature. 

These two creatures navigate not only the physical landscape but also the spiritual realm. They hold knowledge of sacred sites beneath the water's surface on some high tides and on the country that honours the land and ancestors and old people. 

Their reminder of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the responsibility to preserve the land for future generations. Through their wisdom and guidance. 

The pattern that with in the aqua and fades into the purple is my representation and acknowledgement of each Larrakia family and everyone else now living on our traditional lands. 

The black double lined shape is a rough boundary outline with the neighbouring clans and the circles with the interconnecting lines is the star pattern that shows the importance of ancient knowledge of astrology which connects in to so many stories.



  TRAVEL ASSISTANCE


We are thrilled to announce that PIA has partnered with Qantas to support our delegates for the upcoming Planning Congress in Darwin. 

As part of this collaboration, Qantas is offering discounts on selected flights for all registered delegates who are travelling to the event from within Australia and internationally*. Lower fares may be available on qantas.com at time of booking and discounts may not apply. 

Qantas is Australia's most trusted airline, with a reputation for delivering excellent service, safety, and reliability. We are proud to have them on board as our official airline partner for this year's Planning Congress, ensuring delegates can travel in comfort and style to our event. 

To find out more about the select discounted flights, delegates can simply book via the dedicated links below using the access code. The access code will be provided after registration is completed in your registration confirmation email or can be provided to you by PIA. Contact congress@planning.org.au if you have not received your code or are booking prior to registering.


Find out more details and book here


Terms and Conditions 

*Offer only available to eligible travellers. Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion unless otherwise specified. Lower fares may be available on qantas.com. Discounts apply for Q class and above. Please refer to discount table for more information. Selected travel dates apply  for domestic flights 21 May 25 - 06 June 25 and   14 May - 13 June 25 for international flights, not available on all flights or days. Discounts are subject to availability and subject to change without notice at any time.


MORE REASONS TO ATTEND!

Study Tours

Enjoy and learn
what Darwin
has to offer.

In-person Sessions

Amazing keynote
speakers and program
to be announced.

Networking

Not all about PD!
Catch up with your
fellow planners!

Holiday

Bring your family
and make the congress
a holiday!




PLANNERS SHAPE THE WORLD AND COMMUNITIES IN WHICH WE LIVE AND INTERACT

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the only national organisation representing urban and regional planners in Australia. 

 At the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) we believe that good planning has the power to improve people’s lives. We live this by advocating for good planning to decision makers and demonstrating how planning can achieve a positive difference to people’s lives and their communities. 

 PIA nurtures and supports the development of high-quality planning professionals through education and comprehensive professional development so that they can deliver good planning outcomes. PIA is the national voice for planning and the planning profession with over 5,700 members nationally.

VISIT PIA's WEBSITE HERE



CONGRESS SECRETARIAT

Subscribe to receive congress updates
nationalevents@planning.org.au

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Please contact Grace Mulraney
grace.mulraney@planning.org.au

FOLLOW US




 




PIA acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.
We pay our respect to Elders past and present.