Local governments play a critical role in shaping the future of community sport, recreation and active living.
From planning and investing in facilities, to maintaining sports grounds and delivering programs that drive participation, councils sit at the centre of creating healthier, more connected communities.
The National Sports and Physical Activity Convention (NSC), taking place on 1–2 July 2026 in Melbourne, brings together the full ecosystem that supports this work – and for local government professionals, it offers a highly relevant and practical opportunity to learn, connect and benchmark.
A key focus of NSC26 is the future of sports facilities, sports grounds and aquatics. Across dedicated conference streams, councils will gain insights into planning and designing facilities for long-term community impact, innovative funding and procurement models, sustainable surface solutions, and strategies to maximise utilisation and participation.
Sessions will explore how to create multi-use, inclusive environments, future-proof infrastructure to meet changing community expectations, and leverage data and technology to support smarter decision-making and asset management. The program is strengthened by international perspectives, with experts such as Darryl Condon (hcma architecture plus design), Pavit Singh (Ileseum Clubs), Sarah Murray (Recreation Aotearoa) and Mark Bowater (World Urban Parks) sharing global insights and practical case studies.
With over 150 speakers, 50 plus sessions and more than 30 international experts, alongside a large-scale industry expo, NSC provides a unique platform to connect with solution providers, explore new ideas and build partnerships that can be applied locally.
For councils looking to deliver better outcomes from their facilities, grounds and aquatic centres, NSC26 is a valuable opportunity to gain practical insights and be part of the conversations shaping the future of the sector.
National Sports Convention – National Sports Convention
