Western Downs Futures

In our very first Learning Network Event in September 2024, Renee King from Western Downs Futures shared the story of how the Western Downs community are taking back their narrative from disadvantage to power.

The session focussed on the importance of the narrative shaping collective values and addressing complex issues. Renee discussed the importance of choosing the narrative one tells, either focusing on pain and suffering or hopes and possibilities and used her personal experience with the Papua New Guinea community as well as the story of Western Downs Futures as an example, highlighting the impact of the narrative on community identity and resilience. You can find out more about Western Downs Futures here.

In line with Otto Scharmer’s Four Levels of Listening (more info available here) participants connected with each other and practiced empathic and generative listening in small groups before question and answers in the larger group. The large group discussion included the role of councils’ in supporting community led change efforts; and the importance of building connections across community to embed community voices in the work.

The session ended with a gratitude practice, with the following an extract from the words of appreciation for Renee and the session.

“The opportunity to hear what other communities are doing. To reflect on my own practice and to expand my perspective. “

“The open and honest mindset of participants and speakers”