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
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
Of course there are some shining examples of thriving #mainstreets throughout regional Australia (#highlight them for me if you will in the comments), however, many of the regional town I visit are really struggling. Why? As Ready Communities co-founder Chad Renando and I have discovered as we’ve spent time in our pilot community, Kempsey NSW
Reimagining the role of our main streets. Commerce or connection? 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
With much government funding now honing in on regional Australia it’s no wonder companies are spreading their geographic wings embracing the idea of ‘going bush’ to deliver their many and varied services, or at least saying they do across the broad country. While this phenomena is far from new the increased investment brings with it
9 tips to be a better partner for change in the regions Read More
No matter what anyone tells you there is only one sure fire way to build trust in any regional community and that’s to keep showing up. Every regional community has seen its fair share of Johnny-come-lately’s who appear from out of nowhere, point out the obvious accompanied with big ideas and then disappear just as
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
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
If you were new to Regional Australian culture you’d be easily forgiven for thinking that ‘up yourself’ was a profanity. In fact, I bet a great percentage of readers cringed at the mere title of this post “you can’t say that”. Apologies in advance… this is an important community warning. Fact is. Someone has to point
Are you up yourself? Why that matters in the bush Read More