News Western Downs Futures – ChangeFest Learning Network

In September, Renee King from Western Downs Futures will share the story of how the Western Downs community is changing the narrative from disadvantage to power.  

The Narrative: changing the story of catalytic events to mobilise a collaborative effort.   

Stories bring us together. They shape our society, norms and rules. The stories we hold about our communities rationalise the way that power is held in community and give us insight into the dominant perspectives or ideas that bring people together or pull them apart. When Renee came to the Western Downs, the dominant story about the region was a story of disadvantage. Floods, Fires, Emergencies, “…Lack of this, We need that…” It was a story that was shared all the time when Western Downs began their place-based journey. But the community said that “to make change for our towns, we must change our story.”  In our very first Learning Network event, Renee will share how Western Downs Futures are taking back their narrative to mobilise this work. 

About Renee: Renee King is a dynamic community builder with a deep-rooted passion for remote and regional Australia, inspired by her unique upbringing in the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Renee channels her expertise in community development to spearhead the Western Downs Futures, a community-led and government-enabled place-based collective impact initiative. 

ChangeFest Learning Network lunchtime sessions are an opportunity to connect with other ChangeFest’ers, share and listen to stories of how communities across the country are leading change, and reflect on what the ChangeFest principles mean to our collective work for change in Australia.  Find out more here.