On Saturday 27 July, Relocalise Northern Rivers will bring the community together again to explore how we can bolster the existing initiatives, as well as develop new practical solutions. We are inviting anyone with a passion for local, to come and share your ideas, collaborate with others, and help transform our region.

The event will start with Local Futures’ newest film The Power of Local, which features 30 examples from around the world of local businesses and other initiatives that meaningfully address community needs while also countering the negative impacts of globalism. The film highlights how these initiatives resist the pressures of global economic forces that often lead to war, economic instability, environmental destruction, and ill health.

The RNR team will then facilitate community forums on key areas of interest, such as food security, local business and affordable housing, guiding the conversation to foster collaborative support and the development of innovative strategies to bring these ideas to life and create the region we all dream of.

US economist and lawyer, Michael Shuman, who presented in Byron last year on the benefits of localisation - and inspired the creation of RNR - says that one of the most powerful things a community can do is to nurture local business. Unlike remotely owned enterprises, local businesses generate “more income, wealth, jobs, better environmental protection, better civic participation, more public health from better food.”

The audience will also be treated to a brief message from Michael Shuman, who is thrilled to hear of our progress towards increasing localisation efforts in this region.

If you have an idea or are developing a localisation initiative and need support but cannot attend this event, RNR is also offering a 6-week incubator program in September. This program is designed to equip changemakers with the tools, methods, and spaces needed to bring their ideas to life and create meaningful transformations in the communities, organisations, and systems they care deeply about. You can express your interest at info@relocalise.org.

Light refreshment included.