Castlemaine Festival for Democracy
Description
What if democracy wasn't just about elections? What if our communities got to decide, and led the way our democracy works?
Join Really Local and the Castlemaine Institute for a day of conversation, ideas and connection exploring what a genuinely citizen-led democracy could look like.
Including:
An informative session with democracy leaders from across the State
A hands-on, playful afternoon practicing the the skills democracy needs, and
An evening Dinner for Democracy with live music, dancing and the official launch of our People's Assembly.
And more!
In a moment when cynicism about politics runs deep, this is a chance to step back from the despair and practice imagining what a stronger, more participatory democracy could feel like, and what it would take to build it.
Drawing people from Castlemaine and across the wider Victorian community, all are welcome.
With support from ned.org.au and Castlemaine Institute.
Agenda
- 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Festival overview
Morning — "The What" (10:00am–12:30pm) We open with a public forum asking: what if our democracy was genuinely citizen-led? Keynote speakers to be announced alongside Voices for Bendigo and Really Local's own people's assembly team, before an interactive session invites everyone in the room to explore what citizen-led democracy could actually mean for us, here in Victoria. Afternoon — "The How" (2:00pm–4:30pm) Democracy takes skill, not just goodwill. This session is a first-of-its-kind, hands-on pilot of "prosocial games" playful, interactive exercises designed to build the muscles democracy actually needs: listening, negotiating, finding common ground. Expect theatrics, laughter and a genuinely different way of experiencing civic life. Dinner for Democracy - "The Fun" (6:30pm–9:30pm) The day closes with a community dinner with live music, dancing and stories from the day. It's also where we officially launch Really Local's People's Assembly, with an open invitation for anyone in the room to get involved in shaping how it runs. Come to any one event, or register for all. We are open to adding more events - if you would like to host one, get in touch! connect@reallylocal.au
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
