As I celebrate my 20th year in business #evolveis20 I’ve also dedicated some time to reflect on what it’s been like to live and work ‘in place’ (in the Mid North Coast of NSW) for two whole decades. The ‘work’ I’m referring to has lots of names from community and economic-development, regional development to place-based […]
Reflecting on 20 years in place: Where to begin? Read More
One of the things I love, and love to learn about about a regional community is what makes it’s heart beat. Thinking about my many visits to Norfolk Island I have a ritual when I visit that enables me to feel grounded in the community. Because feeling grounded is the only way you can notice
Getting to the heart of a regional community Read More
After focusing my attention on regional and economic development for the past 7 years my return to the social impact world in the context of regional Australia has been somewhat disappointing – why? It’s simple. Nothing has changed. Of course there are flurries of activity surrounding champion regional enterprises and even some communities – but
Ecosystems of change: Why things don’t change in the regions Read More
Crisis in a community is a tricky beast. While we may be told each crisis can be managed with the same set of instructions, they can’t. Unless that template is written to accommodate all place-based variables. What? Let’s take one experience I had during the 2019 bushfires. I was volunteering in a community I know
Why local knowledge is critical Read More
When my dad was diagnosed with younger onset dementia he was too young to fit in the aged care system, yet his illness was classified as an ageing disease, not a disability so he didn’t fit in that box either. This lack of fit is something that everyday folks experience every, single day. For carers
It takes a community Read More
There is no doubt the culture of many regional towns (particularly larger towns and regional cities) is shifting. This shift has been happening gradually over decades as previous city dwellers shift for work relocation, more relaxed and affordable lifestyles. The sheer cost of living (and affordability of country living) indicates this will no doubt increase
Seven rules nobody will tell you about living in regional Australia Read More
Recently I’ve been playing with some new ideas about regional retreats. Personally I can’t think of any better place to retreat, relax, rebuild. I love regional Australia and all it has to offer from the vast and varied landscapes to the people in the little towns, quirky museum collections and fresh, local food. There is
While travelling for work may seem glamorous, any road warrior will tell you it can become very tiring, particularly out on the roads of regional Australia. In regional towns things like good places to eat, appropriate places to meet, telecommunications blackspots on the road, places to fuel up without queues and more can cause issues.
A road warriors guide to working in regional Australia Read More