All work in regions is inherently “place-based”, and some form of research is integrated into all place-based work. As such, place-based research is an important part of any conversation about social impact in regions. This conversation is not just the remit of traditional research institutions […]
Please-based Research Forum outcomes – A conversation and shared understanding Read More »
The third and final Day of the Social Impact in the Regions conference, Day 3, was held at Stanthorpe State High School and had two streams. One stream was an ‘Unconference’ format led by Taz and Em from Futures Isle with the youth cohort, where
#SIITR26Diary 15: Day 3 Unconference and Place-based research forum Read More »
Months in the making, the conference gala dinner at the end of Day 2 provides an opportunity to showcase local providers and connect in a relaxed environment. The evening was held with a musical backdrop of local artists Jazzify, featuring songbird Teri Welles. Floral
#SIITR26Diary 14: Day 2 Gala dinner – Abracadabra Read More »
Social Impact in the Regions workshops on Day 2 provide an opportunity to deep dive into conversations raised over the panel sessions of the morning and the prior days. These workshops are held throughout the host community to share the conference’s impact and give delegates
#SIITR26Diary 13: Day 2 Workshops in Vineyards Read More »
Leaning into the Social Impact in the Regions conference theme of “Regions in transition”, the delegates transitioned to their next workshops on the Southern Downs Steam Railway. The train made an hour-long journey south to nearby Ballandean, where delegates continued to their pre-selected workshops in
#SIITR26Diary 12: Day 2 Transition on a train Read More »
The second panel on Day 2 focused on forms of ‘infrastructure’ featuring Lou Conway from Country Universities Centre, Annabel Cussen from Community Foundations Australia, and Louise Judge from Chinchilla Community Centre, facilitated by Eula Rohan. After opening with an exercise to get delegates up and
#SIITR26Diary 11: Day 2 Infrastructure for change Read More »
Day 2 of the Social Impact in the Regions conference opened on the theme of transaction to transformation, with a panel on what it takes for sustained change in regional communities. The panel included Claire Torkington from Ability Enterprises, Christelle Withers-Mayne from Graham House, and
#SIITR26Diary 10: Day 2 Beyond silver bullets – How change really lands in the regions Read More »
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.
#SIITR26Diary 09: Day 1 Choir water flash mob and evening networking Read More »
The Social Impact in the Regions National Impact Showcase brings inspirational examples of impact initiatives to the regions and provides a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to present their ideas. In 2026, the Showcase aligned with the National Regional Challenges, with pitches representing five challenge areas:
#SIITR26Diary 08: Day 1 National Impact Showcase Read More »
After lunch in the park on Day 1, delegates moved to six different Impact Labs aligned to the National Regional Challenges launched in 2026 and highlighted in the earlier panel session. The sessions were held in different rooms in the conference Civic Centre and the
#SIITR26Diary 07: Day 1 Impact Labs for Six National Regional Challenges Read More »
A key characteristic of Social Impact in the Regions conference is to get people out of the room and into the host community. Each year, this takes different forms designed to encourage new connections and support the local economy. Lunch on Day 1 guided people
#SIITR26Diary 06: Day 1 Lunch in the park – breaking bread and breaking convention Read More »
Day 1 of the Social Impact in the Regions conference moved from the systems conversation to the six 2026 Ready Communities National Regional Challenges. In May 2026, we asked people across regional Australia to contribute to a set of challenges informed by the work in
#SIITR26Diary 05: Day 1 How is transition showing up? – preparing for the Impact Labs Read More »
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We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians and Elders past and present.
