The 2026 Griffin Lecture

As housing pressure intensifies across Australia, the challenge is no longer simply how many homes we build, but what kind of homes, communities and places we create. This panel brings together First Nations voices, government, development and architecture to explore housing through the lenses of Country, inclusion, planning reform, design quality and delivery. The conversation will consider how local knowledge, inclusionary zoning, missing middle housing, development models and architectural expertise can support more affordable, liveable and resilient communities. Together, the speakers will explore how housing can move beyond supply targets to become a stronger expression of belonging, equity and civic value.

2026 GRIFFIN LECTURE PRESENTED BY

Jo Clay MLA, Nectar Efkarpidis, Felicity Stewart and Georgia Stynes. 

Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026
Time: 5 - 8pm
Location: The Shine Dome
15 Gordon Street, Acton ACT 2601

Overview

Housing as Country, community and civic infrastructure

As housing pressure intensifies across Australia, the discussion will look beyond housing supply alone and consider what kind of homes, communities and places we are creating.

The panel will bring together First Nations knowledge, government, development and architecture to explore housing through the lenses of Country, inclusion, planning reform, design quality and delivery.

The conversation will consider how local knowledge, inclusionary zoning, missing middle housing, development models and architectural expertise can support more affordable, liveable and resilient communities. Together, the speakers will explore how housing can move beyond supply targets to become a stronger expression of belonging, equity and civic value.

The Griffin Lecture is named in honour of Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin and has been organised by the Australian Institute of Architects since 1961. Since its first delivery in Canberra in 1961, the Griffin Lecture has addressed the big issues in architecture and design. Previous speakers include former Prime Ministers Gough Whitlam and John Gorton, architects Romaldo Giurgola and Sir Roy Grounds, historian Manning Clark, Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore, commentator Phillip Adams, art scholar Edmund Capon, and Kevin McCloud, presenter of the television program Grand Designs.

Panelists

Jo Clay MLA, ACT Greens
Jo Clay is the ACT Greens Leader and Member for Ginninderra in the ACT Legislative Assembly. She brings a government and policy perspective to the discussion, particularly around planning, community outcomes and the role of housing in shaping more equitable places.

Nectar Efkarpidis, Molonglo Group
Nectar Efkarpidis is a director of Molonglo Group, a Canberra-based development group known for design-led urban projects. He will bring a local developer perspective to the conversation, particularly around delivery models, community, mixed-use places and the role of development in shaping civic life.

Felicity Stewart, Stewart Architecture
Felicity Stewart is an architect and urban designer, and a director of Stewart Architecture. Her work spans architecture, urban design and interiors, with a focus on public benefit, inclusive city-making and high-quality design outcomes. She will bring the architectural perspective to the panel, particularly around design quality, civic value and the role of architects in shaping better housing and communities.

Moderator - Georgia Stynes, ABC Local Radio Canberra
Georgia Stynes was born in Sydney but has spent most of her adult years waving it goodbye. Canberra, London, Alice Springs and Rockhampton have all been home. Her love of travel could be traced back to being the youngest of five adventurous kids. She got sick of being the one left behind as the plane flew off. She loves most sports, but especially those where a ball is in play, and you can scream from the sidelines. She can't sing, but if she could, she is sure she'd sound like Aretha Franklin. A perfect day includes a transistor radio, a beautiful beach, a great book, eating seafood and hanging out with people who make her laugh.

Price

Member: $20
Non-member: $40
EmAGN: $15
SONA: $10

Sponsors

The 2026 Griffin Lecture is proudly supported by:
                

Parking

The forecourt area of the Shine Dome in Gordon Street is for set-down and pick-up only. Paid street parking (limited time) is available in Gordon and other local streets. Public paid carparks are within short walking distance to the Shine Dome—across the road on Gordon Street, or the Wilson carparks on London Circuit and under the Nishi Building in Phillip Law Street.                

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms and conditions for information about refunds and cancellations. By registering for this event you are agreeing to these terms.
When
12/08/2026 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
AUS Eastern Standard Time
Where
The Shine Dome 15 Gordon Street Acton, ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA

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