By Jorge Jorquera, Coordinator Borderlands Co-operative on behalf of the Conference Organising Committee
With so much happening locally and globally, it feels like an especially important time for people committed to community solidarity to gather.
That’s why we’re thrilled that Footscray is hosting the Regenerating Communities Conference this October starting with a special evening at the City of Maribyrnong Town Hall.
You’ll be alongside a rich mix of active citizens, community leaders and volunteers, students of community development, advocacy groups and lived experience advocates and practitioners, policy makers, researchers and academics working across community development, social policy, and systems change.
Conference organisers have already been overwhelmed with session submissions and support. A range of participants have registered from Neighbourhood Houses and Centres, the broader community and not-for-profit sector, local government, public and community health, the community arts sector, and the cooperative and social enterprise movement.
The Conference will host over 50 different keynote speakers, local storytellers, skill-building workshops and hands-on learning. It will also include spaces for reflection, connection, and creativity, with lots of opportunities to connect with other community development practitioners, advocates, policy workers, activists and organisers.
Sessions will explore a range of issues, problems and initiatives including: nature and community; building meaningful community connection; movement building; challenges of facing change; ecology and the economy; sport and community health and connectedness; community leadership; the future of community committees; literacy and community; experiences of migrant women in urban and regional settings; carers and community; community recovery; intercultural approaches; reclaiming our streets; community gardens; resilience and climate justice; neighbourhood house experiences; collaborations among trade unions, faith groups and community organisations; a variety of campaign experiences and case studies; and diverse community development models.
Stay tuned
We aim to have an initial agenda posted on the Conference website soon. We will also be posting further venue details, transport tips, and how to get the most out of your time with us. In the meantime, please tell your friends, share on social media, and stay tuned to our webpage for updates and announcements.
We can’t wait to welcome you in Footscray this October!
