After a day of panels, workshops, and showcases, the end of Day 1 offered delegates opportunities to connect and share conversations, local food and drink.
The event was supported by three local wineries – Clever Kid Wines, Squished Berry and The Art of Krupinski.
In the middle of the networking, a few voices wandering through the crowd started singing. More voices joined as conversations slowed and delegates became aware of the emerging ‘choir flash mob’. Weeks before the event, two local choirs – One Song Choir and Granite Belt Choir – were commissioned to develop a piece about water to raise the topic with delegates through creativity and song. The result was moving as the room fell silent for the next 5 minutes – video credit to local community member Poppy Masselos.
Reservation for 100, please
Releasing over 200 delegates to the streets for dinner in a regional community takes preparation, as places to eat may not be open every night or be staffed to accommodate the numbers. We arranged for the local Stanny Brewhouse to open for the delegates and be prepared for up to 100. This was a big ask for both the venue and the delegates, as many had been travelling from pre-dawn. Any concerns about numbers were set aside as people connected over pizzas and drinks.
Like much of the impact work in communities, value happens not just in the main events or programs, but in what is referred to as ‘the space between’. Connections are made and rekindled over meals and drinks, advancing projects, sharing stories, and creating and building relationships. This is where social impact in the regions happens as much if not more than the main stage.
