Governing Place Based Capital – For Communities and Collaborators

A practical learning session in governing capital

When communities govern their own capital—land, buildings, enterprises, and more—they can make sure decisions reflect local needs, values and aspirations. They can guide capital activities in ways that strengthen local wellbeing and prosperity. Governance is where power, accountability, and equity intersect, shaping who benefits and how resilient communities become over time.

This practical session is designed for community members, local organisations and collaborators (government, impact organisations and others) who want to understand how local assets and resources can be governed in ways that strengthen community control, inclusion, and long-term prosperity. Whether you’re just starting to explore governance or already grappling with governance challenges, this session will build your confidence and capability to identify and create governance structures that work for communities.

We’ll introduce practical models and pathways for governing community capital, grounded in place-based approaches. We’ll share stories of how it’s already happening, from cooperatives and land trusts to community-owned enterprises and participatory councils. And you’ll walk away with clear examples of what’s possible, tools to explore governance options, insight into what makes community governance effective—and fresh ideas and a network of others on the same journey.

The insights shared in this session can be applied to a wide range of opportunities, from managing community assets and enterprises, to creating shared governance arrangements for housing, renewable energy, digital services, or local businesses.

In this session, you will:

Gain an overview of Place Based & Community Capital: Learn the core values, functions, and the role of governing capital in a place-based and community capital system.
Understand the fundamentals of governance: Learn what governance is, why it matters, and how it provides the structures and processes for communities to make decisions and manage capital effectively.
Connect governance to long-term impact: Understand how effective governance of assets and enterprises secures lasting community benefit.
Discover governance models and structures: Understand the different ways communities can govern capital—shaping how priorities are decided, who participates in decisions, how accountability is maintained, and how benefits are shared.
Strengthen readiness: Identify the conditions and capabilities that support effective community governance.
Explore real-world examples: Gain inspiration from communities already governing capital in sustainable and inclusive ways.
Apply strategies and solutions to real-life contexts: Use the tools and strategies shared to reflect on your community’s projects, challenges, and opportunities.

By the end of this session, you will have a structured framework to explore how to govern capital and strengthen place based capital systems—empowering communities to thrive through more equitable, inclusive, and resilient decision-making.

Who should participate?

This session is tailored for a broad audience and provides valuable insights across sectors:

Community members and leaders: Learn how governance can make sure local assets deliver long-term benefits and opportunities for your community.
Community organisations: Discover governance strategies that will support sustainable impact and community-led initiatives.
Councils and government representatives: Understand how enabling inclusive governance strengthens outcomes, and explore your role in policy and partnerships.
Economic and community development professionals: Gain tools to foster governance that strengthens local economies and resilience.
For-purpose, philanthropic, and social impact practitioners: Learn how governance supports equity, inclusion, and long-term systems change.
Developers and investors: Understand how community governance can build trust and create meaningful partnerships.
Anyone curious about community governance: Whether working on a specific project or exploring ideas, this session will show how governance can transform local futures.

How does it work?

Interactive Online Sessions: This series is delivered online, allowing you to engage with others across Australia. Each module offers interactive opportunities, with discussions, group work, and collaborative learning that ensure a dynamic and engaging experience.
Co-Learning Environment: As a participant, you’ll not only learn from the content but also from your peers. This session emphasises co-learning, where you’ll be part of a shared journey that expands the body of knowledge, strategies and solutions. Through collective insights, discussions, and shared experiences, you will help shape and build on the growing understanding and practical implementation of place based capital.
Broad Audience Appeal: Designed to benefit anyone involved in community building, economic development, social impact, or other areas of relevance.
Flexible Engagement: You can participate in this session on its own or continue through the series to deepen your knowledge.

What’s included?

Practical and interactive sessions, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, discuss and apply what you learn.
This session blends theoretical insights, case studies, and hands-on activities to ensure you take home actionable knowledge that can be applied in your community or organisation.
A certificate of completion for each module to acknowledge your learning.
Ongoing connection through the Place Based Capital Network LinkedIn group, where you can keep the conversation going, exchange insights and stay updated on future opportunities and initiatives.

Cost

This module is priced at $250 (excl.GST)

Subsidies are available upon request for those in need. Discounts are available for individuals that participated in the Place Based Capital Program 2023-24. Please contact connect@centreforcommunitycapital.org to discuss subsidies and discounts.

Have you completed our Fundamentals of Place Based Capital?
We highly recommend it! The Fundamentals module provides the perfect foundation you will need to build your confidence to engage with this and other more in depth place based capital topics.

About the Place Based Capital Learning Series

This session is part of the Place Based Capital Learning Series. It is designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies that communities need to activate and manage local capital. We will cover everything from foundational financial concepts to the practical steps communities can take to identify, generate, govern and use local funding, assets, enterprises and services for their benefit.