How Conquest Is Redefining Community-Led Urban Development in Eastlakes

The best developments are built with communities, not just for them. At Eastlakes, our collaboration with renowned Sydney artist Joe Rashbrook as Urban Art Curator serves as a clear example of this philosophy in action.
‍

‍
At Conquest, placemaking is not an afterthought. It is embedded into how we approach every stage of a development, from initial acquisition through to the long-term vibrancy of the finished neighbourhood. Engaging local visionaries like Joe for this project is an expression of that community-first philosophy at its most tangible.

A Sydney Muralist with Global Credentials, and Local Roots

Joe Rashbrook is an internationally recognised muralist whose career spans commissions for Disney, Virgin Voyages, Meta, BMW, and councils across Sydney. While his work places him among the most accomplished public artists in Australia, we were  specifically drawn to Joe for this project because of his personal connection to Eastlakes.

As a local resident, Joe’s relationship with this neighbourhood goes deeper than any professional credential. That authenticity is exactly what the New East precinct demands: a vision informed by someone who truly understands the fabric of the community.

Transforming Construction Hoardings into Community Art

Rather than wrapping our 1.7-hectare Eastlakes site in generic construction hoardings, we have invited Joe to transform the site boundary into a living gallery. By turning the perimeter of the worksite into a public art canvas, the community is offered a preview of the values the New East precinct is being built to embody.

This is urban placemaking that starts today, long before the first residents move in.

"Joe is an artist and he's a neighbour. His vision for the New East aligns perfectly with our multi-generational community approach." — Michael, Conquest

Giving Eastlakes Youth a Creative Voice

Central to this initiative is a commitment to the next generation. Joe will involve local youth in the creative process, providing young people in Eastlakes with a genuine outlet and a real stake in shaping the visual identity of their neighbourhood.

This goes beyond a standard engagement programme. By giving young people creative agency in their own environment, we are helping build the identity, belonging, and pride that form the foundation of an enduring community.

Setting the Benchmark for New East

Every decision made at the New East Eastlakes precinct is measured against one benchmark: does it leave people and places better than we found them?

Our work with Joe Rashbrook on this specific initiative sets a standard for how we approach our developments. It represents a multi-generational community approach that prioritises local heritage and social connection throughout the delivery of the precinct.

That is the Conquest standard. And we are holding ourselves to it at every turn.

‍

‍

‍

‍