The inaugural Summit, held on Monday 16 October 2017 at Parliament House, Canberra included keynote lectures, panel discussions and presentations by diverse speakers.

Speakers included:

• Jack Archer | CEO, Regional Australia Institute
• Sheena Boughen | Strategist, Mentor and former Chairperson, Four Winds Bermagui
• Vic McEwan | Artistic Director of The Cad Factory.
• Jessie Williams | Executive Director, the GroundSwell Project
• Jenuarrie | President, Arts Nexus
• Tony Grybowski | CEO, Australia Council for the Arts
• Jim Rimmer | Senior Project Officer, Mental Wellbeing & Arts, VicHealth
• Dr John Endacott | Geriatrician & Clinical Director, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

Renowned Yolngu songwriter and musician, Gawurra, was the featured artist at the 2017 Creative Regions National Summit.

The Parliamentary Friends of Regional Arts hosted the Creative Regions National Summit Reception. The Reception provided the opportunity for Summit attendees, Members of Parliament and Senators to discuss and reflect on the themes of the Summit.