So often I speak with people in regional communities who are frustrated with how slowly change happens. They can see and feel the problems, and despite their best efforts things just don’t shift. Or they shift for a while, then the grant runs out, or a great staff member or volunteer leaves and the momentum
Want change? Start with what you need, not what’s on offer Read More
Of the 789,645 businesses based in regional Australia a whopping 97% are considered small, that is employing 0-19 people (ABS, 2023). When someone decides to establish a business in a regional area they do so knowing (or just about to find out) they will face a range of challenges that will at some point impact
The role of local procurement in building regional capability Read More
Aunty Jo-Anne Kelly often speaks about weaving together elements of community to create change. Led by the people elements, drawing the strategies, programs and resources in place to create something lasting and reverent is what she aspires to, and works steadily towards every day. Weaving community may start with an engagement activity, or a consultation
Weaving community connection Read More
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
I first learned the term ‘social enterprise’ around 2009 when I was managing an Aboriginal Corporation and my funding partner had told me we had 24 months to make the entity sustainable. The entity was essentially a community centre i.e. an entity established to support the community and act as a conduit to valuable services
Why it’s time to invest in rural social enterprise eco-systems Read More
Most weeks I speak with people who have ideas about how they would/could/should change their community, and often the whole world in some way. Very few of these people ever actually move into action. Why? There are always valid reasons… I’m too busy, I don’t know where to start, it’s not my place, I don’t
If you want to create change in your community don’t just talk about it, do this instead… Read More
What legal structure operate within is a challenge that many impact practitioners face at some point. The story usually goes something like this… Step 1: Have a great idea to create positive change in someone’s life Step 2: Become highly excited, search, search, learn, learn, shuffle contradictory advice Step 3: Fuelled with filtered compliments decide
When not to start a not for profit Read More
So. You want to deliver a message into a regional community but you’re not sure where to start. I’ll be straight with you, unless you have a gazillion dollars to spend on reaching your regional audience your best methodology will always be word of mouth. But – how do you get that word of mouth
Reaching the regions: PART ONE where to connect Read More
I’ve had too many conversations with women who tell me they felt they became invisible at 50. Certainly, there is a lot of truth to this idea, it does happen. But I also believe there is an incredibly powerful flip side, a flip side that honours the experience and wisdom of these women and also
What’s age got to do with social impact? 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