5–7 August 2026 | Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Northern Territory

Northern Horizons:
Linking People, Place
and Development

Step into the next chapter of northern Australia’s growth and opportunity.

Northern Australia is a place of diversity, resilience and opportunity. From the red centre and savannahs, to the tropical coastlines of the top end, it is a region defined by innovation, community and deep connection to Country.

The vast majority of the north’s land and sea Country is under First Nations rights and interests, and its future depends on approaches that are inclusive, sustainable and respectful of people and place.

The Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC) brings together leaders from across government, industry, research and community to explore these opportunities and work together to drive progress that benefits all.

In 2026, DNAC heads to Mparntwe (Alice Springs), bringing the conversation to the heart of the nation. Set against the backdrop of the stunning MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre, a place of ancient culture, creative energy and boundless horizons.

Join us in August for three days of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and inspiration as we chart the next chapter of northern Australia’s story.

About the conference

Now in its 12th year, the Developing Northern Australia Conference is the leading event for stakeholders working to shape the region’s sustainable future. Under the leadership of new Conference Chair Craig Doyle, DNAC26 marks an exciting new chapter for the conference, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy.

Our mission for a successful Northern Australia

To provide a platform for collaboration between industry, government, investors and communities across the north.
To share best practices and innovative approaches that balance growth with environmental, cultural and social sustainability.
To strengthen networks, partnerships and understanding that drive meaningful, long-term outcomes for Northern Australia.
To explore the 2026 theme Northern Horizons: Linking People, Place and Development through open, forward-thinking discussion.

"This conference consistently delivers something no other event in Australia does: an honest, grounded, and truly northern experience."

Leanne

"Great networking opportunity and conversations in addition to a massive lineup of topics and presenters."

Nicole 

"The conference was terrific! so many interesting stalls and speakers across all days with such engaging content and a strong focus on the prosperity of the north of Australia."

Matt

"The quality of the speakers was extremely high. The politicians that attended in person or via video where appropriate and at the correct level in Government. The organisation and running of the event was probably the best I have been to."

Lynda

"Informative, connected, future-focused, sharp."

Adam

Who attends:

DNAC brings together a diverse community of leaders and practitioners, including:

Representatives from federal, state and local governments
CEOs, business leaders and industry managers
Indigenous corporations and Traditional Owner groups
Researchers, academics and policy specialists
Local businesses, chambers of commerce and regional development organisations

Why attend DNAC26:

Access all keynote sessions, presentations and panels
Connect with 500+ leaders, decision-makers and change-makers across Northern Australia
Earn CPD points and receive a certificate of attendance
Attend the exclusive welcome networking function with drinks and canapés
Enjoy premium catering across all conference days
Participate in interactive sessions and discussions shaping the north’s future

What we’ll cover at DNAC26

Northern horizons: linking people, place and development

Click to expand.

First Nations Economic Leadership
- Indigenous-led development and decision-making
- Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge in land, water and agriculture
- Designing infrastructure, policy and innovation that respect culture
- Building strong native title corporations for economic opportunities
- Unlocking finance pathways for Indigenous entrepreneurs (low-collateral, seasonal-adaptive capital)
- The next generation of northern leaders – youth, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
Growing Northern Talent: Next Gen Education, Training and Careers
- Attracting and keeping a strong workforce
- Future-ready skills for industry and innovation
- Knowledge economy and skills: universities, research and innovation
- Supporting cultural continuity through employment and training
- Vibrant, liveable communities
- Pathways for youth, emerging leaders and entrepreneurs
- Sovereign workforce and population strategy
Infrastructure, Connectivity & Strategic Capability
- Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific: building resilience, security, connected system and opportunity.
- Connecting the north: air, rail, sea, data and telecommunications
- Positioning the north as a strategic and logistics hub
- Smart systems: infrastructure, microgrids, cyber and disaster readiness
- Infrastructure powering manufacturing, supply chains and export readiness
- Regional housing supply and solutions
Economic Development
- Economic precincts and investment attraction
- Indigenous, community-owned, and public-private partnerships
- Circular economy and regenerative business models
- Success stories in agribusiness, resources, tourism and manufacturing
- Financing the north: capital models, risk-sharing, and enabling investment pipelines
- Social impact
- Planning for seasonal economies: dry–wet business cycles, adaptive workforce models
- Energy development as an economic driver: local ownership, exports, and infrastructure
- Strategic resource development: Institutional architecture and financing for the north
Innovation, Technology & Sector Transformation
- AI, automation and digital platforms transforming industry
- Next gen tech case studies: environmental, cultural, knowledges, resources, agriculture, health
- Place-based locally led solutions
- Building for the north: remote manufacturing and modular construction
- Data connectivity and innovation in remote services
- Innovation partnerships between research, industry, and defence
Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition
- Indigenous land care and fire management on Country
- Cultural continuity (language, stories, land stewardship) as economic and social capital
- Biodiversity, carbon and natural capital (including coastal/marine ecosystems)
- Sustainable energy-water transitions: integrated infrastructure for resilience and growth.
- Climate adaptation and regenerative agriculture and aquaculture for food and fibre production
- Balancing development with environmental sustainability
- Post-mining transition and place-based economic renewal
Health, Community & Cultural Resilience
- Health systems for the north: workforce, technology, and culturally safe models.
- Cultural continuity as a social determinant and community strength indicator
- Community-led wellbeing strategies
- Addressing social determinants of health (housing, food security)
- Culture, arts, and sport as economic pathways
- Strengthening volunteerism and grassroots initiatives
- Public safety, youth justice, and social cohesion