Exploring a regenerative future

Please join us for the first of a series of events (online in the Hunter region, Australia), which will enable us to explore how
Newcastle/ the Hunter could become a regenerative city/region.

Covid-19 presents us with opportunities to rethink how we approach our future in relation to sustainability, community well-being, economic, social and cultural development as well as job creation. The Hunter Region is facing a range of challenges related to the future. The ongoing Covid-19 crisis has affected community organisations and small and medium businesses, while significant numbers of people are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to insecure and casualised work. Coupled with the implications of economic and employment issues related to the scheduled shutdown of power stations and thermal coal mines in the region, and the environmental risks posed by climate change and natural disasters that will increase in coming decades there is an urgent need to rethink our economy and ‘business as usual’ approaches.

These realities present an opportunity to reimagine our existing systems and explore more inclusive and regenerative economic models that will enable our society, economy, and environment to thrive. The City of Newcastle has made a commitment to lead the way towards a net-zero emissions future through reducing greenhouse gasses.

Working towards zero-emission futures requires a rethink of our social and cultural systems alongside our economic systems. Kate Raworth’s model of Doughnut Economics is one such way to explore the possibilities inherent in restructuring the social, economic, and environmental future of the region.

We invite government, organisations, businesses, and individuals to join us to discuss the economic direction and social
the narrative for a post-Covid 19 recovery for the Hunter region.

For more information or to join the network, please

Email:info@gocircular.org.au

Speakers

1. Cr Declan Clausen, Deputy Lord Mayor, City of Newcastle

Opening remarks

2. Kaj Lofgren, Small Giants and Regen Melbourne

How Regen Melbourne used the Doughnut Economy model

Kaj (pronounced Kai) is the Chief Convener at Regen Melbourne, a mission-led network exploring a more regenerative future for the city. Kaj is also the Entrepreneur in Residence at Small Giants Academy

3. Tim Baker, Circular Economy Lead, Go Circular

Doughnut Economics and what it could look like for the Hunter