Ready Communities

Why do some regional towns thrive while others are barely surviving ? There is no doubt food, art, history and a pleasing streetscape make for reasons to stop. (As do clean toilets). But it’s rare for a one business town to make this happen. Towns that thrive connect. An inspiring stop in #Hahndorf #Southaustralia Quite busy mid week with most cafes and shops open, accommodating retailers and cafes and easy parking. #regionalaustralia

At the Community Centres SA conference, Adaptive Futures: exploring sustainable community development today in Adelaide with special Ready Communities guest Mae Douglas. Today’s program provided a special opportunity for Ready Communities co-founder Kerry Grace to speak on the role of accidental leaders, the importance of strengths based practice and how to enable communities to realise what matters most using the Ready Communities process.

This week we’ve been in stunning Bussleton, WA for the annual SEGRA conference. It’s so good to connect with other regionally based practitioners and learn how critical challenges are being addressed across the country. Our networks are a very important aspect of our work and we are always keen to hear how others are making their own regions great places to live. Get in touch if you want to share a story. #regionalaustralia SEGRA: Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia

Are you creating impact in your regional community? We want to hear from you. Ready Communities and Social Impact in the Regions are advocating for more practical support for regionally based changemakers. Contribute your thoughts before 25th November and please share. #regionalaustralia https://lnkd.in/gsRPFXvv

We will be presenting the Ready Communities place-based model across Australia in coming weeks. Including the Hunter Innovation Festival in Newcastle, EDA Forum in Melbourne, SEGRA in Busselton, the Community Centres SA conference in Adelaide and then to Canberra. We know we will meet with a range of passionate people wanting to create sustainable change in their regional communities along the way. And looking forward to learning as we go. If you’re at one of these events please reach out will be great to catch up. #regionaldevelopment #regionalaustralia

Independent economist Dr. Kim Houghton will host a webinar next week showcasing new research into what's attracting people to move to regional Australia. With staff and skill shortages across the regions the webinar will give some interesting insights around what it takes to spark interest in moving to your regional community. When: 22 October, 2pm-3pm (AEDT) Register: https://lnkd.in/gEAQFRGS #regionalaustralia #socialimpact

We are on the road and visiting a range of communities over the following month as we scope out the best fit for the next Ready Communities program. What makes a good fit? - the community is regional, rural or remote - the population is under 50,000 and depending on the program (we are also supporting regional clusters) could be as little as 800 - there is support in the community for us to join you over the 24 months - there is capacity to host the annual Social Impact in the Regions conference in, or close by. We will start our next community in February 2025. And as for year 2, Ready Macleay - we will be in town in the week of 21 October to review the year and share our plans for 2025. #regionalaustralia #siitr

Social Impact in the Regions 2024 kicked off a day earlier with a social impact investor tour of several Macleay Valley based social impact initiatives. The Macleay Valley Country University Centre, YP Space and Kempsey Anglican Church all got right behind Ready Macleay giving us time to understand their initiatives and support requirements. This was a great opportunity to showcase the entities, to link them with potential support and also to reinforce skills in pitching and showing off their hard work. Ready Communities works deeply in the host community aiming to identify, support and showcase a range of local individuals, organisations and businesses. This community snd economic development approach will have lasting impacts in the host community. #socialimpact #regionalaustralia #siitr24

Main streets are important in small regional communities offering opportunities for local business, for community members to connect and also to generate pride in the local community. Through the CBD Activation meetings we've been speaking about a shop local program and, as a special treat to local, Macleay Valley businesses Ashley Watt is coming across for the conference to speak about encouraging shopping local and how Why Leave Town can support this. Tickets are only $24 and the revenue will be donated back to the Macleay to kick off your own shop local program. Don't miss this great opportunity to hear from Ash and also to make the time to discuss a local program. https://lnkd.in/gvHwDtef

What a fun night at the Bandbox Cinema Kempsey last night celebrating local entrepreneurship, community and connection. Congratulations to all the pitchees and Chonny who was nominated by the judges as the emerging business who would benefit most from pitching at the upcoming Social Impact in the Regions National pitchfest. Thanks to those who joined us to celebrate these brave entrepreneurs; the judges Courtney Tune Julie Humphris and Chad Renando and to the Bandbox for hosting us.