Course 15 Symposium

While it is critical for leaders to have vision, they are more often judged on the actions taken to implement the vision. Part two of Course 15’s project is about turning our words into actions.

The task is to organise a one day symposium/summit to share the Course 15 vision. The symposium should expand on your solutions to your vision. We would like to engage with people who are breaking new ground in developing community resilience, showing leadership, showcasing innovative solutions or inspiring action to address issues. The symposium is an opportunity to focus attention on our issue and encourage partnering with others to reach the solution.

Friday 20th November 2009 - Canberra

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Symposium Objectives

• To raise awareness of the issues that lie within the ARLP Course 15 vision:
  ‘communities empowered to create their own vibrant future’
• To bring together leaders developing and implementing innovative solutions
  which will benefit Australian rural communities.

What are the challenges we see for rural and regional Australia?

The people of rural, regional and remote Australia are facing a range of challenges that will affect the things we care about – our loved ones, our country, our livelihoods and lifestyles. The challenges we face including climate variability; water security; environmental vulnerability; access to services; financial instability and a changing place within Australia’s identity.

In our favour, we are capable, spirited and innovative – characteristics that mean we have much to share with the rest of Australia and the world about weathering all manner of storms. The path we forge is guided by our respect and appreciation for those who came before us, and will be lit by our own strength and insight built over years of experience.

However, we believe that the people and communities of rural and regional Australia are not yet as empowered as they need to be to face and weather these challenges. Rural Australians often lack the confi dence, knowledge, skills and access to decision-making that is required to help shape the future that we want. It also means that decision-making processes and all forms of governance are sometimes not readily accessible by community members.

We strongly believe that the solutions for rural and regional Australia lie in the hearts and minds of rural and regional Australians. This capacity needs to be tapped and built, and rural governance needs to be improved to ensure a prosperous and resilient future.

Participant Personal Vision Statements