Social Impact in the Regions conference: Your reflections and what's next
Chad Renando
Supporting Australian entrepreneurship and innovation, Research Fellow UniSQ, CEO Startup Status, MD - GEN Australia
And that's a wrap for the 2024 Social Impact in the Regions conference! From 3 to 6 September, over 250 delegates from every Australian state and territory (and the world) connected in Kempsey, NSW. The conference brought together funders, practitioners, policy makers, artists and creatives, educators, researchers, health providers, corporates and industry, and more all focused on the idea of advancing social impact in regional communities.
There is much to be said, including immense gratitude for the sponsors, volunteers, providers, exhibitors, speakers and facilitators, delegates, and the local town of Kempsey who all made the event the collective experience that it was.
Each one of our sponsors and providers have become friends and partners for impact as we align our efforts for shared value. These include the Siddle Family Foundation, Westpac Foundation, Seaton Foundation, University of Southern Queensland, Gowing Bros Limited, Kempsey Shire Council, Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA), FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal), Country Universities Centre, Misty Mountains Lifestyle Retreat, Start Something Good, Alt-collective with Courtney Tune, Regional Development Australia - Mid North Coast, Community Housing Ltd, TAFE NSW, Anglican Diocese of Kempsey, Business For Good Network (BFGN), JC Entertainment & Events, Mangiato catering, Valley Garden Centre, and Alinta Energy.
Over the next few weeks we will share more about the conference outcomes and impact. For now, here is a quick recap, a capture of public posts, and an indication of what's next.
Conference recap
Each day of the 2024 Social Impact in the Regions conference had an intentional focus.
The day before the conference started included an investor tour and Dunghutti Express bus tour from Sydney to Kempsey. The investor tour visited local impact enterprise programs at the Kempsey Country University Centre, YP Space Ngurra Temporary Accommodation Centre, and the Kempsey Anglican Church conservatorium opportunity. The Dunghutti Express, supported by the Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA), carried ten delegates from Sydney to Kempsey via Maitland with a visit to a social enterprise cafe and presentation by Alex Brennan on the Newcastle region's social impact ecosystem.
The first official day of the conference opened on the topic of Investing in Regional Impact with a global perspective from Philip Gaskin who shared about the need for access to funding, resources, networks, and knowledge, a national view from Liz Ritchie on the Regional Australia Institute's Regionalisation Ambition, and practical local insights from David Hetherington who shared about funding with the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) Grants from Impact Investing Australia. The speakers and panel were followed by a series of Masterclasses covering local ownership, place-based program design, funding, and advocacy. That evening the national Pitchfest showcased four social impact initiatives reducing youth offender recidivism, financial literacy, domestic violence, and retail activation connected to entrepreneurship. The day ended with welcome drinks for delegates to meet and share insights from the day before heading into town for dinner.
The second day of the conference opened with an overview of the Ready Communities program and how it aligns with the Social Impact in the Regions conference with Jo-Anne Kelly and Kerry Grace. This was followed by presentations and a panel on amplifying regional voices with Fiona Nash, Commissioner for Regional Education, Phil Haines with Voices for Indi, and Adam West from the Community Housing Industry Association of NSW (CHIA), moderated by Lucy Brotherton from the City of Parramatta. The afternoon included ten breakout sessions on topics including self-care, theory of change, personal strengths, social impact measurement, main street activation, grant writing, housing innovation, governance models, and diversity.
The Gala Dinner on the evening of Day 2 was held at the Anglican church with a theme of "On the Fringe". With a full choir, a blessing from Father Jesse the Anglican priest, a circus performer, live DJ, and costumes that included a blow up unicorn, the evening set a new standard. There is a chance this standard might be exceeded with next year's theme of "Superhero" defined by the evening's dance off champion.
The final day of the conference opened with presenters and a panel on understanding regional challenges, including insights from Natalie Egleton from FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal), Mary-Anne Scully from ACRE - Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, and Jamie Hutchinson from Community Housing Ltd, moderated by Kylie Flament from Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA). The day closed with a session to embed learnings and inspire next steps facilitated by Talitha Devadass and Emilee Rigby from Futures Isle. Also to note the city activations including the temporary public art installation Impressions of Tomorrow: Local Stories Through Portraiture by Mid North Coast artist Ronnie Grammatica.
Conference reflections on LinkedIn
A play-by-play description of activities does not begin to convey the energy and connection of those in the room. We will be reporting more on outcomes and impact over the next few weeks including the results of pre- and post-event surveys. For now, a sample of comments from those who have generously shared on LinkedIn are captured below.
Kerry Grace’s deep commitment to strengthening regional communities is evident in every part of the Social Impact in the Regions conference. It’s only Day 1 but the energy in the 250+ delegates is palpable, the insights coming out of panels and workshops is valuable, and the connection to community here is inspirational.
Here’s a few of my key takeaways. Affirmed: the huge difference it makes when people who really understand life in the regions are leading at the state or national level to redefine the frameworks for change, in ways that work for the regions. Learned: about the many initiatives that are happening in and around my region, many led by people with real experience of how the right support at the right time changes the pathway of a life. Wondered: I’m good at connecting the dots and pulling the pieces together. Where do I want to channel my time and energy in the Coffs Coast community?
It's all about place in the most significant of ways. I can't wait to see what Kerry, Chad and Ready Communities have put together with the people of Macleay.
At the Social Impact in the Region Conference here on Dhungutti Country. We soft launched our Body Scrub and already sold 3. Not bad for a soft launch and its only 9:36am. We are proud sponsors of the Wellness aroma at the Conference in many rooms. Manda, thank you for the very early start.
Our takeaway…investing in the people who care so much for others is essential to the success and wellbeing of our region.
Love the fact that this amazing conference has people from across Australia here in Kempsey - visiting, being and learning about our community! The CBD was a hive of activity today - it was just a beautiful sight!
It was a lot of fun talking to and workshopping all things Strengths at the #SIITR24 Social Impact in the Regions National Conference in Kempsey this week.
Highlights from day one; a check in and coffee overlooking the Macleay river with FRRR (Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal) delegates from communities across NSW; connecting with sector colleagues and getting inspired by the curiosity and knowledge being shared in every space; co-facilitating a masterclass on place-based design with the always fabulous Jesse Taylor Jo-Anne Kelly and Chad Renando; ending the day in awe of the community leaders who pitched their innovative ideas for social impact. All with the overarching generosity of the Kempsey community who have embraced this event in such creative ways, supported by the wonderful Kerry Grace who is so genius at activating creative spaces for connection and innovation.
The diverse conversations, the national network of people who care, the challenge now is to see how we can make a difference. What I've found is 'My Vibe' and that makes me smile, knowing who's out there and who I can reach out to whenever I need that 'sound check'.
What stands out to me so far is the intensity of the personal experience that impact workers in regional Australia confront every day, and their deep sense of connection and attachment to community. Big shout out to Kerry Grace and her team for organising this event. You’ve done an incredible job!
What an inspiring and affirming few days it was at the Social Impact in the Regions conference in Kempsey on Dunghutti country. Hats off to Kerry Grace and Chad Renando for artfully bringing together a room full of people from across the regions to learn from each other and to be fully immersed in the place. It was wonderful to connect with new people, reconnect with people I met last year at "year zero" and to finally meet people "in real life" from my own community.
I was so pleased to be part of the Social Impact in the Regions conference held in Kempsey over the last 3 days. Such a great conference. Deeply embedded in the community, it was held in a disused part of a local shopping centre, with some sessions held in the cinema, and lunch provided by local shops. The conference dinner was held in the grounds of the Anglican Church.
A fantastic day of inspiration and connection with passionate regional change makers. Honoured to represent Charles Sturt University at the second annual Social Impact in the Regions in the Macleay.
Thank you Kerry Grace and team for the opportunity to showcase the work of two Macleay artists as part of the Social Impact in the Regions conference!
Imagine a place where all your favorite people and admired peers gather—a place where individuals from across Australia and New Zealand come together authentically to learn from leading subject matter experts, share ideas and explore novel approaches to place-making, community development, housing renewal, social justice, campaign strategy, social enterprise and so much more. A co-created, educational, fun environment established as a temporary village for social impact excellence. That’s what Social Impact in the Regions brought to Kempsey this week. I felt transported—though we could have been in any city or town on the planet, there we were, on Dunghutti Country, connecting in context, recognising that we’re all pulling in the same direction as we "Learn the Macleay."
Empty shops and under-utilised spaces are on everyone’s minds in Kempsey, particularly as we go into a local government election. How can we attract investment, build up small businesses and make our CBD more vibrant? Running a conference in a shopping centre is very bold, but Social Impact in the Regions has nailed it. Congratulations Kerry Grace for bringing this space to life! Amazing what you can do if you think outside the square.
It was so awesome to be part of Social Impact in the Regions - I had a grand time talking to folk about regional governance with Sarah Callaghan and I loved being part of the Kempsey community for a few days. I’ll definitely be back…
Making change in our communities requires getting everyone around the table. The Social Impact in the Regions conference has been an awesome reminder, as a solo practitioner, to get myself a seat around the table of people that genuinely want to change the current state of mental health for families in regional SA.
As newbies in the social impact space it’s so good to connect with other changemakers for learning and inspiration. Attending and speaking at the Social Impact in the Regions Conference this week was such an opportunity. At the same time it’s great to celebrate these events and the impact we make with some frivolity.
As a pracademic, conferences such as Social Impact in the Regions are incredibly valuable as they bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, and provide opportunities to learn about on-the-ground experiences in regional communities.For me personally, I have left with critical insights and a refreshed understanding of how social purpose leaders and managers can look after their own wellbeing while they nurture innovative ways to engage in place-based work, achieve social and economic impact, and build strong partnerships across sectors...and (hopefully) the start of some lovely conversations!Beautifully done Kerry Grace and Chad Renando and thank you for including Dr Naomi Ryan and I!
Spent a wonderful few days at the Social Impact in the Regions conference in Kempsey. Presenting with Dr Aastha Malhotra we shared our research insights and reflections with social purpose leaders and managers. This has strengthened our knowledge of how they look after their own wellbeing whilst engaging in the important work they do.There were many highlights of this conference for me, however, the regional showcase was a standout. Hearing the stories of those people on the ground delivering for purpose services was inspiring to say the least. A big thank you to Kerry Grace and Chad Renando, the conference was so well done! The utilisation of the community and the spaces was innovative and quite possibly a logistical challenge, but you nailed it, it was fabulous!
It was fabulous to attend and speak at the Social Impact in the Regions conference yesterday, and co-present with Emma Broomfield and Father Jesse Poole, who stepped in at the last minute and offered so much insight into the topic of amplifying regional voices. A big thanks to our audience for offering their perspectives on the issues they face and their contribution to the conversation. What a great opportunity to connect and learn from social impact leaders in our regions. Thanks for organising Kerry Grace, looking forward to the growth of this wonderful event.
I had the privilege to speak at the Social Impact in the Regions conference in Kempsey. It was wonderful to share the work Home in Place is doing on "place making" in Taree. And so proud to be a featured case study for Adam West of Community Housing Industry Association NSW.
It's not every day you end a conference with singing, dancing and a yarning circle but Social Impact in the Regions finished as powerfully as it started by building stronger connections, support networks and an advocacy platform for rural and regional social impact practitioners. Many of these folk around the circle are the only "social entrepreneur" in the village and they came from all across Australia to find their tribe. I was there to listen, learn and connect with some of our amazing social enterprise partners in the regions like ShoreTrack Beacon Laundry and BackTrack Youth Works. The experience really reinforced the need for place-based solutions led by the community, meeting people where they are at and building trust though meaningful connection. Big thanks to the organisers Kerry Grace Chad Renando and our wonderful hosts in Kempsey and the Dunghutti community. Marrungbu
Start with Love- Kerry Grace What a powerful experience at Social Impact in the Regions. The energy, the stories, the connection... I could feel it all. A special thanks to the Dunghutti elders who shared their wisdom with such grace and authenticity. I left feeling enriched. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend, the knowledge I gained from incredible speakers, the support from new friends I met in Kempsey, and the funding I received as a bursary to make it all possible. As one of the phenomenal speakers Philip Gaskin taught us, with the four pillars of access, opportunity, knowledge, and support, nothing can hold us back. Thank you to all the speakers, volunteers, the locals of Kempsey and to my new connections who I will call friends. I look forward to catching up with you soon.
A conference in place: Ready Communities and Social Impact in the Regions
The Social Impact in the Regions conference integrated two delegate experiences. The first experience is as a stand-alone conference. The conference started in 2023 as the brainchild of founder Kerry Grace who referred to the first year in Coffs Harbor as "Year Zero" and the recent 2024 conference as "Year One".
The second conference experience acknowledges the conference as a mid-point in the two-year Ready Communities place-based program. The Ready Communities program in 2024 is called Ready Macleay and started in January 2024 focused on Kempsey and the wider Macleay Valley region. You can ready more about the program overview, where it is positioned in a map of place-based programs in Australia, how it maps emerging initiatives to existing strategies, and the approach to understanding outcomes through mapping connections.
Around 49% of delegates who responded to the pre-conference survey were not aware of Ready Communities or the Ready Macleay program. Another 23% of delegates had actively participated in Ready Macleay. This highlights different delegate experiences - those embedded in the local place-based change process and those attending the conference on its own merit. The magic happens at the cross-section of diverse ideas from those intimate with the local place and others who can be considered as "boundary spanners" bringing outside perspectives.
The Ready Communities program diagram below highlights the stages. These stages include initial engagement, mapping and research, cluster development around five focus areas, a series of activations, building capability and capacity in local support organisations, the three-day conference, and a 12-month follow-on support. This is all done in collaboration with a local emerging or established backbone organisation who will be the custodian of the conversation after the program is complete. For Ready Macleay, the local backbone is Learning the Macleay with Jo-Anne Kelly and her team.
The Social Impact in the Regions conference is a key feature in the Ready Communities program. The conference acts as a focus point for the efforts, provides a milestone for initiatives, and connects outcomes and impacts beyond what might otherwise be seen from a conference. As highlighted by the Ready Communities program logic below, the outcomes and impact from the program are assessed alongside those of the conference.
The outcomes are considered as five overall place-based categories of Clarity, Connection, Capability and capacity, Collaboration for purpose, and Advocacy and promotion. Each subsequent annual conference also provides opportunity for greater longer-term impact across the six dimensions of community resilience: economic, individual, social, institutional, infrastructure, and environmental.
Next steps: Share, Select, and Support
Our vision for Ready Communities is to be a a catalyst for positive change through supporting strengths development in regional Australian communities. We do this by amplifying the voices of the community and drawing out what really matters through the identification of initiatives to address change the community wants to see. The approach is designed to address gaps in equitable access, acknowledge the systemic nature of challenges through integration of economic and community development, and provide a framework to support and align with existing place-based initiatives.
The past ten months in Kempsey have validated the approach. We have learned much in community, including the need to intentionally acknowledge and have a shared understanding of the past and culture, to work in the current context of practical outcomes, and invest in the future. The future emphasis relies on young people - not just adding youth voices but framing the program on outcomes for young people and what will best enable young people to thrive in community.
With the conference complete, we turn our attention to three focus areas.
The first area of focus is to Share for collective learning and impact. This includes completing the conference evaluation, integrating the conference data into the Ready Macleay program data, and sharing the information through posts like this one, webinars and podcasts, and a white paper to inform policy on future place-based work. Your input will be essential to craft an accurate narrative from the information. Our intention is to build in public with transparency to increase feedback and advance the collective learning as much as possible.
The second focus area is to Select the next region. With outcomes and data in hand, we are working with a few regions through September and October to confirm the approach for 2025 and the location of next year's Social Impact in the Regions conference. Additional regions will enable greater scale of outcomes and impacts as we share insights and create cohorts of change makers.
The third focus area is to Support the local Macleay Valley community. The conference was the ten-month point of a two-year program. We are hosting sessions through October with Ready Macleay to share the data, collectively learn, advance initiatives developed over the past ten months, and plan for the next year. We will also connect delegates from the Social Impact in the Regions conference who indicated a desire to support with local opportunities for further impact.
Thank you
In my closing note of thanks on the last day of the conference, I expressed gratitude for those who have gone before from whom we have collectively learned, to those who now journey alongside us, and to those who continue after us learning from our success and addressing our mistakes. If you are reading this, you are likely in one or more of those three categories. Thank you.
Kerry Grace and I are keen to continue to hear your experiences from the Social Impact in the Regions conference and your experience in Kempsey. If you are involved in place-making efforts, we look forward to sharing and collaborating. For those who supported the work in principle, financially, and with their time, thank you.
We look forward to sharing more about the conference outcomes, the continued journey in Ready Macleay, and the development towards Ready Communities in 2025.
Alt-Collective - Adventures in Business
1wGreat to be a part of it Chad Renando...look forward to the next adventure!
CEO at Regional Australia Institute
1wBrilliant job team, I thought Year 1 surfaced many opportunities but also provided the container to hold the hard and soft work that is necessary for our regions to thrive. I met so many kindred spirits who are equally purpose driven people leading with their, heart, mind and problem solving spirit!!! Kudos Chad Renando and Kerry Grace, I hope you're both resting this week!!!
Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)
1wThanks for sharing this insightful wrap Chad Renando. Congrats to you, Kerry Grace and all who brought Social Impact in the Regions to life - an incredible opportunity to learn more about the diverse approaches and models that people are utilising to unlock, and support change in place. And - it was fun!
Building capacity for people and purpose🌻
1wSuch a great wrap up Chad Renando and a call to action that the important work continues fueled by the energy and connections from Kempsey. I’m also hoping you have a few moments of rest and relaxation in your near future - you and Kerry both deserve a holiday 🏖️
Regional Impact Facilitator, speaker, author
1wWhat Chad Renando said ! Again, enormous thanks to everyone for your support. More pics on the way and stay tuned for updates on the next Ready Communities and Social Impact in the Regions conference location/s.