News Australia kicks off its annual National Bush Summit with Commonwealth Bank, Optus, Qantas and Woolworths as national partners for the event series, alongside national presenting partner Hancock Prospecting and S Kidman.
Regional Tour
The summit brings together influential decision makers and local leaders to address the mounting challenges facing rural areas. The summit begins in Broome (WA), before travelling to Mount Gambier (SA), Toowoomba (QLD), Wagga Wagga (NSW) and Ballarat (VIC), where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver the keynote address. The tour concludes in Darwin (NT) on September 1.
Each event has secured additional backing with Ampol, QRC and Suncorp in Queensland; SA Government and G’day Group in South Australia; ClubsNSW and Sydney Airport in New South Wales; City of Ballarat and Federation University in Victoria; and APA, Minerals Council Australia and NT Government in the Northern Territory.
Woolworths Bush Champions
New to the Bush Summit this year is the search for Australia’s most inspiring rural and regional leaders. The Woolworths Bush Champions initiative recognises excellence across three categories including Young Champion, Agricultural Champion, and Community Champion. Winners will be crowned at a dinner in Ballarat with the Prime Minister.
Toyota Road Trip
Toyota Australia is onboard as the key supporter of the National Bush Summit Road Trip featuring News Australia cartoonist and adventurer Warren Brown. He is travelling 3000kms in a Toyota HiLux over 10 days from Toowoomba to Mildura documenting his journey as he visits local communities and celebrates bush life.
Political Speakers
As well as the Prime Minister, other political leaders taking part in the Bush Summit include Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and National Party Leader David Littleproud. They will be joined by Premiers David Crisafulli (QLD), Jacinta Allan (VIC), Chris Minns (NSW), Peter Malinauskas (SA) as well as Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti (WA) and Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro (NT).
Agostino Giramondo: ‘Together we hope to drive meaningful change and celebrate the best of the bush.’
News Australia’s State and Communities Managing Director, Victoria and Tasmania, Agostino Giramondo said: “Now in its seventh year, the Bush Summit has become one of our most important advocacy platforms giving voice to the millions of Australians who call regional and rural areas home.
“The support, from both our returning and new partners, demonstrates the growing recognition that the bush is the backbone of our nation’s prosperity. Together we hope to drive meaningful change and celebrate the best of the bush.”
Comprehensive Coverage
This year’s Bush Summit will be supported by a comprehensive editorial campaign in The Australian, Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail, The Advertiser, The Toowoomba Chronicle, NT News, The Weekly Times and AgJournal.
Live streaming of the events is available at bushsummit.com.au, with coverage and highlights featuring on Sky News, Sky News Extra, Sky News Regional and SkyNews.com.au.