National Bush Summit 2026
Frontier Services joined national conversations on the future of rural and remote Australia, listening to communities and advocating for practical, compassionate change
September 7, 2026
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In late August, Frontier Services joined leaders from across the country at the 2026 National Bush Summit held in Dubbo, New South Wales.
National Director Dave Parker, Volunteer Coordinator Therese Clancy and Bush Chaplain Noel Williams represented Frontier Services at the two-day event. Together, they listened to the experiences of people from rural and remote communities and contributed to conversations about the challenges and opportunities shaping life beyond Australia’s major cities.
Under the theme ‘Build the Bush, Back the Future’, the Summit brought community representatives together with political and industry leaders, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor to engage in conversation regarding the critical factors shaping rural and remote Australia. The event focused on the pressing challenges surrounding healthcare, regulations, roads, water and power supply with a focus on practical responses informed by the people most affected.
While life outside major urban centres offers deep community connections and an enduring sense of independence, it also presents unique difficulties. Prolonged droughts, economic shifts, geographic isolation, and limited access to essential services continue to place immense strain on individuals, families, and local businesses. Engaging in these open discussions helps promote support and encourage practical solutions that honour the lived experiences of regional Australians.
Crucially, the summit highlighted that Frontier Services does not walk this path alone. Across the country, countless passionate organisations, local groups, and dedicated individuals are working tirelessly to make a tangible difference in regional and remote communities. Frontier Services takes pride in collaborating to advocate for real change, strengthen community resilience, and ensure that those living in the bush are never forgotten. By fostering these vital relationships and showing our support in national policy conversations, Frontier Services reinforces its ongoing commitment to supporting outback Australia through compassionate care, practical help, and by standing alongside rural communities into the future.
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