Shaping the Illawarra’s housing future with evidence, leadership and action

Housing 2.0 builds on the momentum of Business Illawarra’s landmark 2023 housing advocacy, bringing business, government and community leaders together to track progress, influence policy and shape what comes next.

Housing Advocacy Event | 20 February 2026 | Wollongong

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Register Your Interest

INTRODUCTION

Housing remains one of the most critical challenges facing our region.

Through Housing 2.0, Business Illawarra is leading the next phase of regional housing advocacy, moving beyond setting the agenda to measuring progress, sustaining momentum and influencing outcomes throughout 2026.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Business Illawarra has a long history of leading advocacy for housing solutions across the region.

In July 2023, we launched the Illawarra First Housing Report, headlined by Minister Paul Scully MP. Developed in partnership with Dr Judith Stubbs and Associates and supported by key regional stakeholders, the report provided a clear regional “manifesto” for action.

Since then, the NSW Government has delivered significant reform and investment, including the Parliamentary Inquiry into Essential Worker Housing, ongoing planning reform and increased investment in affordable housing.

In 2024, Business Illawarra strengthened this work through the launch of a Key Worker Housing campaign.

THE NEXT STEP: HOUSING 2.0

While the 2023 report set the agenda, Housing 2.0 focuses on delivery and accountability.

Housing 2.0 will:

  • Track government and industry actions against the 2023 report’s recommendations

  • Celebrate progress achieved while highlighting ongoing gaps

  • Maintain political, industry and community focus on housing throughout 2026 

HOW TO BE INVOLVED

Co-brand a robust, repeatable Housing 2.0 scorecard that turns data into influence, supporting media engagement, policy submissions and shaping the region’s housing agenda for 2026.

Join the Housing 2.0 Steering Group to help set priorities, align government and market efforts, and be visibly involved where regional housing decisions are being shaped.

Be recognised as a leader committed to delivering housing solutions that balance growth, liveability and long-term community outcomes.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Research Report Partner – Housing 2.0

We are inviting collaborators to contribute to our 2026 Housing Agenda.

Your involvement will ensure Business Illawarra can maintain momentum on this critical work and continue to influence government, industry and community action.

Business Illawarra has engaged Astro Lab to deliver the Housing 2.0 research project.

Partner benefits include:

  • Participation in the Housing 2.0 Steering Group

  • Logo inclusion in the published Housing 2.0 Research Report

  • Recognition as a Research Report Partner across communications

Target completion: Before June 2026 (subject to collaborator confirmation)

HOUSING ADVOCACY EVENT

Future of Housing Forum

20 February 2026
8:00am – 11:30am
Wollongong

A high-level business and government stakeholder forum focused on the key housing challenges and opportunities facing the Illawarra and broader region.

EVENT SPONSORSHIP

Partner with Us – Housing Policy Event

As an event sponsor, your organisation will be positioned at the centre of the housing conversation.

Sponsorship inclusions:

  • Banner placement at the event

  • Two (2) complimentary tickets

  • Formal recognition by the MC

  • Logo inclusion across event promotions

Investment:

  • FIRST + Leaders: $4,500

  • BNSW Insights + Non-Members: $5,500

Partner With Us

SPEAKER – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

We are seeking speakers with expertise in housing, planning, development, economics, sustainability and place-based leadership.

EOI Open: 1 December – 30 January
No fee to submit an EOI

Register Your Interest

RESEARCH PARTNER - HOUSING 2.0

Business Illawarra has engaged Astro Lab to complete this project - participate in the steering group, logo included on the report.

Investment:

  • FIRST + Leaders: $5,500

  • BNSW Insights + Non-Members: $8,500

Join the Research Team

COMBINED OPPORTUNITY

Be Part of the Event + the Research Steering Group

A comprehensive partnership for organisations wanting to play a leadership role in both advocacy and evidence-building.

Includes:

  • Event sponsorship

  • Participation in the Housing 2.0 Research Steering Group

  • Logo inclusion on the Housing 2.0 Research Report

Investment:

  • FIRST + Leaders: $8,500

  • BNSW Insights + Non-Members: $12,500

Collaborate With Us