On March 6, leaders from across Greater Bendigo, including Council representatives, community partners, industry and the Youth Council executive team, came together for a major conversation about the future. The focus was simple but bold: what will Bendigo look like in 2050? With around 80,000 new residents expected over the coming decades and roughly 38,000 new homes needed, it was clear that the discussion needed to stretch far beyond population growth. It was about shaping the kind of community we want to be and the experiences we want people to have as Bendigo evolves.
The summit continued the momentum of earlier strategic work and community consultation, including the Managed Growth Strategy endorsed in 2024, which identified where Greater Bendigo’s future population could be accommodated and the areas best suited for growth. Bendigo 2050 builds on this foundation by adding the human dimension, shifting the focus from where people will live to how they will live. The conversations encouraged leaders to imagine how residents will move around the region, how young people will grow into adulthood here, how learning and work will evolve, and how communities will stay connected physically, digitally and socially as Bendigo expands.
The event was intentionally energising and interactive. Instead of long speeches, independent facilitators guided fast‑paced discussions that encouraged curiosity, creativity and honest reflection. Small‑group workshops and whole‑room conversations helped uncover gaps, blind spots, shared hopes and the areas where collective leadership could make the biggest
Young leaders played an important part in shaping the conversation.
Youth Mayor Alyssa Beaton reflected on the energy in the room, saying, “It was incredible to work alongside a room full of dedicated leaders. Seeing the genuine care everyone has for our city, and the collective alacrity to take action, shows that Bendigo has a very bright 2050 ahead.”
Deputy Youth Mayor Ella Filsell added, “I had an amazing time at the 2050 leadership summit. It was wonderful to see so many passionate people wanting to make Greater Bendigo a beautiful place to live, work and play in 2050.”
Their insights throughout the summit reinforced the importance of including young people in long‑term planning, especially when they will be the ones living the outcomes of today’s decisions.
The day finished with a networking lunch, offering time to continue conversations, explore different perspectives and strengthen relationships formed during the sessions. Many participants left feeling energised and united in their commitment to Bendigo’s future. The City of Greater Bendigo will now refine the Bendigo 2050 document using the insights collected throughout the summit, ensuring the final version reflects community priorities and a shared ambition for a region.
Overall the summit made one thing clear: the future of Bendigo is something we shape together, and that collaborative work is already underway.
