Why the Economy Isn’t Working & How We Can Fix It: 'Purpose' Film Screening

What if the economy was designed to help people and the planet thrive?

Most of us grow up thinking “the economy” is something abstract — a distant system run by experts, politicians, or big institutions. Something outside our daily lives.

But the truth is simple:

the economy shapes everything.

The cost of groceries and housing.

The time we have with our families.

The health of our local environment.

The stress we carry into work each day.

🎬 About the Film

Purpose is a powerful and uplifting documentary that asks: What is the purpose of our economies, and how can we change it? Instead of chasing endless growth, what if we built a system that prioritised wellbeing, community, fairness, and ecological health?

The film follows two individuals — Katherine Trebeck and Lorenzo Fioramonti — who develop ground-breaking political projects in order to shift our economic systems — away from endless GDP growth, towards what really matters for people and planet. They envision a world in which we no longer serve the economy, but the economy serves us.

Through real stories, inspiring voices, and hopeful solutions, Purpose shows how a wellbeing economy is not only possible — it’s already happening.

🗣️ Panel Discussion to Follow

After the screening, join us for a facilitated panel conversation exploring:

• How a wellbeing economy can ease cost-of-living pressures
• Why economic systems deeply affect our mental health, community life, and relationships
• What a healthier economic system would look like in Australia
• Practical steps communities can take to build local resilience and prosperity

Speakers will be announced soon.

Expect a mix of community leaders, researchers, and changemakers working at the front lines of economic transformation.

✨ Why This Matters

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Why is life getting more expensive?”
• “Why does everything feel like it’s speeding up?”
• “Why are we working harder but not feeling any better off?”
• “Why is environmental damage getting worse, not better?”

…then this event is for you.

You don’t need a background in economics.

Just curiosity, concern for the world, and a desire to imagine something better.

A wellbeing economy is not a dream.

It’s a direction — one grounded in common sense, compassion, and community.

👥 Who Should Attend?

• Anyone feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis
• Students, parents, carers, workers, and community members
• People curious about local solutions and community resilience
• Those interested in sustainability, wellbeing, and fairness
• Changemakers from any field

In short: this event is for all of us.

Because the economy belongs to everyone — not just the experts.

Before the Purpose film screening begins, join us for the Brisbane Community Seed Swap happening in the same space. 🌱🤝 It’s a warm, grassroots example of the sharing economy in action — a chance to meet locals, exchange seeds, and reconnect with the simple joys of growing food. Participating in the seed swap is a beautiful way to ground yourself in community before diving into the documentary’s deeper exploration of how we can redesign the economy for people and the planet. 🌏💛