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