Local Self Reliance: A Likely Future Landscape for Australian Communities?

Context

In 2016, Keith Suter and Steve England undertook Scenario Planning for Meals on Wheels NSW and identified two main drivers of change in the community sector leading to 2035.

• The level of Government Expenditure
• The level of Social Cohesion – the extent of community spirit, and preparedness of people to work together to solve common problems

COVID, environmental disasters and economic disruption has tested government services beyond their limits, and seemingly accelerated the scenario of Local Self Reliance based on low Government Expenditure and High Social Cohesion.

The Catalysts

Dave Snowden and Beth Smith, from the Cynefin® Centre, UK will be joined on the day by a range of Australian community leaders who have stories and experiences to share about the why, the what and the where of their responses to the current context, including:

• Keith Suter, Global Futurist and Co-Author of the initial scenario planning for Meals on Wheels NSW informing this session.
• John Soliman, President and Founder, reaching.org.au
• Ben Roche, Vice President, Engagement, Southern Cross University
• Jawinder Singh, Sikh Volunteers Australia

Propositions to be explored include:

• Innovation occurs in a crisis as novelty is embraced, and opportunities for innovation and radical repurposing become more possible.
• Naturally occurring forms of organisations, networks and leadership emerge in response to a crisis.
• Actions and decisions become values and core principles rather than role based.
• Community expectations for engagement and involvement have changed significantly – ignore these at your peril.
• The role that anchor organisations play in communities.
• Implications for the design and implementation of social policy.
• The great dividers or enablers? Technology, geography, workforce, skills, demographics, health

How?

A combination of catalyst ideas and examples, participative methods for exploring complex issues, experiencing ‘ in the moment’ engagement and feedback processes.

Why?

This is the beginning of a series of activities that will set the agenda for a range of future discussions and activities. Be part of

• Helping to stimulate the ongoing conversations
• Identifying areas for further research and exploration
• Celebrating and learning from the innovations to date
• Formulating ‘so what now what’ ideas for your organisation, and/ or community

Event sponsors:

• The Cynefin Centre*
• The Cynefin Centre Australia*
• Meals on Wheels NSW
• University of Technology Sydney
• Complexability

*The Cynefin Centres ( UK and Australia) focus on the application of complexity science to social good.

Group Discount & Scholarships

For bookings of 3 or more people from the same organisation, please contact events@complexability.com.au for details.

A limited number of scholarships are available, please contact events@complexability.com.au for further information.

Cancellations / Refunds / Transfers

Header Photo by Skye Studios on Unsplash