News Corp’s Bush Summit Underway in Dubbo

For the third year running, ClubsNSW — under the Your Local Club banner — is a Major Partner, with hundreds of people from across the country descending on Dubbo for the two-day event. 

The Summit is expected to feature appearances from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns, underscoring its importance as a key forum for regional issues.

With over 60 per cent of NSW clubs located in regional and remote communities, the partnership provides an important opportunity to highlight the vital role that clubs play in strengthening regional communities.

The 2026 event opened today with the Kids in the Bush lunch at Dubbo RSL, where ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant delivered the opening address.

“Clubs across the state are committed to making sure young people in regional communities have access to the same opportunities as their metropolitan counterparts,” said Ms Riant.

In front of delegates that included NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison, Ms Riant highlighted the significant contribution clubs make to regional communities, particularly through their support of young people, grassroots sport and essential local services.

“Helping young people thrive means more than just funding programs,” she said. “It also means creating strong, resilient communities where young people want to live, work and raise families.” 

She said clubs were investing in initiatives that help young people overcome adversity, build confidence and pursue their goals closer to home — pointing to examples including Dubbo RSL’s support of young mentoring organisation LeaderLife, Wellington Soldiers Club’s support of Doin’ It for Rural Aussie Kids and Club Dubbo’s partnership with the Dubbo College Talented Athlete Program. 

She also highlighted the broader roles clubs play in delivering infrastructure and services that may not otherwise exist in regional communities.

“Dubbo RSL is a perfect example, with the Club having invested in accommodation through its four-star motel in the heart of the Dubbo CBD, helping support tourism, events and visitation to the region — including for this Bush Summit,” said Ms Riant.

“In Urbenville in the state’s north, the local bowling club built a helipad that is regularly used by rescue helicopters, and they upgraded a critical access road used by emergency services, ensuring that families can access urgent medical care, regardless of their postcode. 

“Out in Broken Hill, the Musicians Club helped save the town’s only cinema, ensuring young people don’t have to travel hours for the same entertainment that many city kids take for granted. The same club has also established a General Practitioners clinic, so the town now has a local doctor. 

“And at Muswellbrook in the Hunter region, the local RSL club transformed a disused tennis court into a dedicated Veterans Centre, creating a place where veterans and their families can connect and access vital support.” 

All of the initiatives, she said, are very different, but they all reflect the same principle.

“When communities in the bush identify a need, community clubs roll up their sleeves, invest locally and become part of the solution,” she said.

The 2026 Bush Summit continues this afternoon, with discussions exploring issues such as drought and agriculture, with a variety of panellists including New England MP Barnaby Joyce and Hancock CEO Adam Giles set to participate.

The Prime Minister and NSW Premier are expected to speak on day two of the event, alongside a range of political, business and community leaders, with featured speakers to include Federal Opposition Leader Angus Taylor and The Daily Telegraph Editor Ben English.

Attendees will also be shown a pre-recorded video message from ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant, highlighting the vital role clubs play in regional communities, which can also be watched below. 

The Bush Summit is being televised LIVE on News24, the channel formerly known as Sky News, ensuring key issues discussed and debated at the two-day event will also be publicised to a wider audience. You can read more about the program here.