Can the Hunter Afford to Grow? Housing, Workforce and Regional Prosperity

Housing is increasingly more than a question of affordability or supply. It is becoming a critical factor in the Hunter’s ability to attract and retain workers, support families, keep young people in the region and sustain economic growth. At this Hunter Insight Series event, we will explore a simple proposition: growth needs people, people need homes, and homes need to work better. What does this mean for the Hunter? Drawing on economic evidence, housing research, industry experience and regional perspectives, our expert panel will examine how housing is shaping the way people live and work across the region. The discussion will consider: • How housing constraints are affecting the Hunter’s economic growth and workforce • Whether current housing supply is meeting the needs of residents, employers and emerging industries • The role of social and affordable housing in supporting regional communities • How housing decisions differ across life stages and what this means for young people, families and regional communities • Whether we need new approaches to housing design, construction and delivery • How we can create more adaptable, accessible and diverse housing options for the Hunter The event will feature a keynote address from Laura Eadie, Executive Director of the Institute for Regional Futures, followed by an expert panel chaired by Brad Webb, CEO, Castle. Speakers • Craig Jennion, Executive Director - Hunter, Housing Industry Association (Industry and regional growth lens) • Dr Julia Cook, Senior Lecturer, University of Newcastle (Housing behaviour, life stages and equity lens) • Professor Patrick Tang, University of Newcastle (Housing delivery, construction and innovation lens) • · Ellie Bright, President, Hunter Young Professionals (Young professionals / future workforce lens) The discussion will conclude with an open-floor Q&A, followed by a networking breakfast providing an opportunity to continue the conversation with fellow leaders, researchers and practitioners from across the Hunter. Who should attend? This event is designed for government, industry, university, research and peak-body representatives interested in the future of housing, workforce and regional prosperity. Please arrive by 7:25am. Tea and coffee will be available on arrival. Venue: University of Newcastle, City Precinct Campus Room UNH416, University House (access via Auckland Street) Cnr of Auckland and Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 Please note: photographs will be taken throughout the event for Institute for Regional Futures communications and promotional purposes. Please advise the event team if you have any concerns about appearing in photographs. For enquiries, please contact [email protected]