LFRA kicks off the year with Tuatara Structures NSW 2026 Explore & Forum
The LFRA Tuatara Structures NSW 2026 Explore & Forum marked a strong start to the year for the Large Format Retail Association, bringing together members, partners and industry leaders in Sydney for a day defined by insight and collaboration. The event reflected the strength and evolution of the Large Format Retail Association and the sector it represents.
From the outset, a packed agenda addressed the key issues shaping Large Format Retail, from regulatory reform and economic conditions to operational challenges on the ground. Members heard from Bill Fragos, Special Counsel at Moray & Agnew, who provided an update on the new Mergers & Acquisitions regime introduced on 1 January 2026. His session outlined the practical implications of the ACCC-administered framework and reinforced the importance of ongoing engagement as the regime evolves. It also highlighted the important advocacy role the Large Format Retail Association continues to play in seeking a more streamlined and effective regulatory environment.
This was complemented by an update on Large Format Retail performance from MST Marquee’s Craig Woolford, reinforcing the strong fundamentals underpinning the sector nationally.
A key highlight of the Forum was the panel discussion on customer and staff safety and loss prevention, an increasingly critical issue. Moderated by LFRA Chief Executive Officer Philippa Kelly, the panel brought together leaders from retail, security and law enforcement to share practical strategies and insights.
Philippa Kelly said, “Creating safer retail environments requires a coordinated effort across industry, government and law enforcement, and forums like this are critical to driving that collaboration.”
The Forum also provided an opportunity to consider the broader economic landscape. Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist at HSBC, delivered a compelling overview of global and domestic conditions. While global growth has proven more resilient than expected, supported in part by investment in AI-driven infrastructure, Australia continues to face productivity constraints and supply-side pressures. Paul’s insights provided valuable context for decision-making across the sector, reinforcing both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A special moment in the program was the recognition of 20 years of leadership from LFRA Chief Executive Officer Philippa Kelly. The milestone reflects her contribution and the growth of the sector, which today represents a $106 billion industry supporting more than 478,000 jobs across Australia.
LFRA President Zac Fried said, “Philippa’s astute thinking, steady hand and wise counsel have been the cornerstone of our growth. Philippa has steered us through numerous reforms to planning and zoning laws that have enabled Large Format Retail to flourish.” Under Philippa Kelly’s leadership, the Large Format Retail Association has also delivered several initiatives designed to better connect and inform the sector, including this publication, LFRE (Large Format Real Estate), and a strong program of domestic and international study tours that continue to provide practical value for members across Australia and New Zealand.
The Forum also marked the announcement of the LFRA Overseas Study Tour Scholarship recipient, with Anthony Caltagirone from Super Retail Group named as this year’s winner. He will join the upcoming tour to Denver and Phoenix in April.
A special thank you to all sponsors for their support, especially Tuatara Structures, who once again hosted the event at Crown Towers Barangaroo. The company’s continued involvement highlights the growing strength of the Large Format Retail Association’s trans-Tasman connections.
Ultimately, the 2026 NSW Explore & Forum demonstrated a dynamic and forward-looking association. The depth of discussion and active participation of members reflect the leadership of the Board and CEO, the contribution of the LFRA team including Michelle Wong and Carmel Trecate, and a strong culture of collaboration across the sector.
Reflecting on the day, Philippa Kelly said, “The strength of the Large Format Retail Association lies in the engagement of our members and our shared commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to the sector.”
