2025 National Municipal Works & Engineering Conference Wrap Up

This year’s premier gathering of municipal leaders, engineers, and municipal works staff at the Prince of Wales Showgrounds in Bendigo was nothing short of inspiring. The conference brought together a diverse group of professionals, all dedicated to exchanging innovative ideas and best practices for improving municipal works. The focus this year? Exploring collaborative approaches to address the growing challenges faced by cities and communities.

Event Highlights

The event saw significant growth, with 90 exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies, products, and solutions, and a confidence-inspiring 900+ visitors — a 30% increase from last year. This surge in attendance speaks to the growing importance of municipalities working together to address key issues like infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience.

The Komatsu dinner was once again a highlight, with Rodney Hogg entertaining the crowd and plenty of opportunities to meet new contacts and renew old friendships in a relaxed and friendly environment. Shane Crawford’s keynote address wrapped up the conference on Friday and provided interesting insights into his sporting career.

Key Takeaways

One of the standout aspects of this conference was the emphasis on collaboration. The event showcased how municipalities, engineers, and service providers can work together more effectively to tackle everything from frontline maintenance impacts to infrastructure revitalisation. The collective sharing of best practices, new technologies, and real-world solutions fostered an environment ripe for innovation and learning.

Networking and Engagement

Beyond the presentations and speeches, the event was a prime opportunity for networking. Attendees were able to engage with peers from around Victoria, sparking discussions and partnerships that will likely carry on well after the conference concludes. The chance to connect with experts in the field and share experiences was invaluable for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. Both Mat & Dave particularly enjoyed catching up with so many of our customers in an informal environment, allowing for free-flowing conversation and laugh or two.

Looking Ahead

As the conference wrapped up, it was clear that the municipal works industry is entering a new era of collaboration and innovation. The ideas and partnerships formed will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of city planning, infrastructure, and community development. We’re excited to see how these insights will unfold in the coming months and years.

Conclusion

This year’s Municipal Works Conference was a resounding success, offering rich opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. For those who attended, the event was a reminder of the incredible work being done to improve our cities and communities. As we move forward, we encourage everyone to stay engaged, continue the conversations, and contribute to building stronger, more sustainable municipalities.