HOW COULD OTHER REGIONAL COMMUNITIES REPLICATE THE "MONA EFFECT' TO GROW AND DIVERSITY THEUR ECONOMIES?

Ask any Australian what they knew about Tasmania just a decade ago and you would have heard words like wilderness, and beautiful scenery. Then a random, enormous, lightning bolt of weirdness struck the island.

Former Premier of Tasmania, David Bartlett, will share some of the behind the scenes stories of the origins of MONA - Museum of Old and New Art, and through those stories will extract wisdom and learning for other regional economies.

How could other regional communities replicate the 'MONA effect' to grow and diversify their economies? And how do regions that have a significant industrial legacy both build on this and honour it, while also transforming for a prosperous future?

The overarching theme for the 32nd annual Hunter Economic Breakfast Series will be collaboration and vision.

The first breakfast will help to set the scene for ongoing discussions, challenge people to think differently, and imagine new possibilities. Join 250+ other guests on 1 March. Be informed, challenged, inspired and 'connected'.

Placemaking expert and author of The Place Economy, Andrew Hoyne, will discuss best-practice placemaking around the world, and its social and economic impacts.

HRF Centre Lead Economist, Dr Anthea Bill, will help set your business compass for the year ahead with her unique insights on the local economy including business and consumer expectations.

The HRF Centre's latest edition of the Hunter Region Economic Indicators will also be available on the morning.

Buy a 2019 series ticket. Save dollars, time and receive priority seating at the event.