The Vibe
Social impact in the Regions
Social Impact in the Regions is held in small regional communities throughout Australia. Now in Year 4 delegates will meet in Stanthorpe QLD 2-4 September.
Could your community be next? Get in touch to find out more.
The Dress Code (2026)
We want you to be comfortable at the event so please wear smart casual attire and make sure you have comfy shoes.
Don’t think balmy QLD Spring weather, Stanthorpe can be very cool, particularly into the evening so make sure you have layers and bring a warm jumper or coat.
There won’t be quite as much walking as other SIITR events however you’ll still walk between breakout rooms, and through nearby town Ballandean. If you have any mobility challenges make sure we know in advance.
On Day 1 it’s most likely you’ll be moving straight from the conference venues to the welcome event to dinner.
It will cool off in the evening so make sure you have something warm with you. The program in the evening is snappy and there isn’t a lot of time to pop back to your hotel.
The welcome event will be held at our main conference venue (Stanthorpe Civic Centre) and then a local pizza and burger bar have agreed to open just for us (Stanny Brewhouse).
This year’s incredibly fun theme is ‘Abracadabra’ (thank you Leonie Pankhurst and Renee King, it’s truly been so much fun to design).
Don’t worry about going over the top – the SIITR audience now have a long history of having fun at the Gala dinner particularly with the dress theme.
Whether you’re shoing up as a witch, a fairy, magician or magical creature there will be a welcoming space for you.
Stuck? Jump onto our Facebook page sent to your delegate email.
Whether wellness means taking a walk, pulling out a yoga mat or sharing a glass of wine with friends time for all options exist within the program. Bring what you need to make sure your wellness is your priority.
At the time of publication Stanthorpe is in declared drought. This does not mean don’t come – in fact, the tourism economy is incredibly important for the host community right now. It also doesn’t mean bring gallons of water as a donation. We will notify all delegates via our Water Wise Event Strategy in coming weeks what this will look like on the ground and how you can support.
What to Expect
We have designed the event to ensure there is a variety of ways for you to connect with the conference content and delegates.
We know networking can be daunting for some and have done our best to ensure it’s easy to meet people. All you need to do is turn up.
Our team are all wearing conference shirts, they are briefed to be conference concierges and guides. If you’re feeling lost, lonely or confused – or if you’d just like a buddy to chat with, link with one of them.
Our venue is located directly across from a park so if you need a moment you’ll be welcome to enjoy the natural environment, or some of the quieter zones set up for you.
Walk with us through the conference and venue
Our conference on days 1 and 2 centres around the Stanthorpe Civic Centre. It’s right in the middle of town. There is parking all around Stanthorpe, however we do suggest if you’re able that you walk from your accommodation. You won’t be asked to do any driving this year. Half of Day 2 will be in the nearby village of Ballandean. We have your transport covered.
The Stanthorpe Civic Centre is a large community function centre. Frankly, we are still wondering how it’s all going to come together in such a big space so your oohs and aahs will be enormously appreciated (as you know, we will activate the space).
Day 3 is held at Stanthorpe State School, a longer walk from town, we suggest you bring your car or carpool.
The Stanthorpe Civic Centre is an easy walk from most Stanthorpe (town) based accommodation. There is very limited taxi or public service so we suggest some pre conversations with travel buddies, particularly post the conference dinner.
We have an established transport group for guests, you’ll receive a link on booking.
Registration will commence from 8am each day. We appreciate if you can check in each day at the reception desk so we can keep a tally of our delegate numbers.
Days 1 & 2 are at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre – Imagine a traditional town hall style environment. Big, grand. That. We will be using several rooms at the centre and you’ll learn pretty quickly where the tea/coffee and water stations are. On your arrival look for the main desk to sign in. It will be located in the foyer of the Civic Centre.
Once you’ve signed in you’ll have the chance to visit some of our conference stands, network with peers and engage in some of our activations.
We’ll need you seated in the main room by 9am.
Day 3 at Stanthorpe State School will again have registration which will be located near the school front office. We will culminate in the school hall for our first networking session and then break into Forum groups. Don’t worry, the networking doesn’t end there, there are other opportunities through the day.
Please make sure we are aware if you have any accessibility needs as early as possible. We want you to feel comfortable throughout the event. You can add accessibility information when you purchase your ticket and if you have additional requests please email the our conference support here and your request will be discretely accommodated.
The venue is designed for performances and you can expect the audio experience through the speakers will be smooth sailing.
SIITR26 will be held primarily at the Stanthorpe Civic Centre.
Day 1:
Morning program: Stanthorpe Civic Centre – 61 Marsh Street Stanthorpe
Impact Labs: Nearby Breakout rooms
National Pitchfest & Welcome event: Civic Club
Day 2:
Morning program: Civic Club
Breakout sessions and lunch: Southern Downs Explorer, Ballandean venues and vineyards (we will provide transport)
Conference dinner: Stanthorpe Civic Centre
Day 3:
Stanthorpe State School: 30 Marsh Street Stanthorpe
Connect with Your Cohort
You will have the opportunity to connect with other delegates prior to the event. We’ve set up a humble Facebook page to do this. You can join via this link
What else to expect in 2025
Conference days
SIITR25 is held primarily at the South Grafton Ex-Services Club.
On arrival it’s likely you’ll pick up the club vibe. We want you to think community – third space – connection.
Follow the signage upstairs and you’ll reach the registration area. You’ll find SIITR team members easily as they will be dressed in a conference t-shirt.
After sign in you’ll have an opportunity to network, check out the conference stands and grab a cuppa.
To break up the morning program we will have morning tea just outside our meeting space. This will give you time to check in on the conference stands, stretch, catch up on your phone calls and connect with delegates.
Day 1
Following our morning program we will have lunch at the Grafton Ex-Services Club. We’ve asked the chef, Eddie to prepare his favourite food and he tells us that’s Malaysian cuisine. Eddie doesn’t always get to cook the cuisine that brings him joy but guess what lucky delegates – we’ve made sure that will land in your tummy and keep you happy through the afternoon. Lunch will be a combination of Eddie’s specialties with salads and options to suit your dietary requirements.
Local Impact Labs: After lunch we will mosey along to the Grafton Brewery (you won’t believe your eyes when you see this place). Here you’ll break into five groups and experience a Local Impact Lab. A workshop based on a local opportunity – all opportunities that will relate to your home town.
SIITR National Pitchfest: Then we move to the Grafton Cathedral where our 6 nominees will pitch for the annual National SIITR Pitchfest. Each pitchee will tell you about the social impact they are creating in 5 minutes or less and then our judging panel will determine our 2025 winner.
Welcome event: In the same venue (Grafton Cathedral) we’ll start shifting into party mode spending an hour of networking, a few drinks, delicious capapes and some local entertainment. NOTE: While we consider this to be a very welcoming environment, as a religious space we understand it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Please reach out to us prior to the event should this be a challenge for you. You can reach out discretely here
Dinner: Dinner on evening 1 is of your choice. We’ve given numerous local venues the heads up. Make sure you link with other delegates before the end of the welcome event and head out to dinner in good company. OR you might even want to collaborate with likeminded changemakers to set a time to catch up prior to the event. Here’s a good spot to do that.
Day 2
This is where it gets exciting. Day 2 starts in a normal, conferencie way. Check in, same venue, things look normal. But then… Enter morning tea and things will change.
Breakout sessions: Our time in the Grafton community leading into SIITR25 has enabled quite an addication to the mainstreet of South Grafton and so we’ve created opportunities for you to experience the same joy. After morning tea you’ll walk to the main street (Skinner Street) to your breakout session, a TREASURE HUNT (seriously, YES!), lunch and then a second breakout session. We know getting right into community is what you love about SIITR and this year we have that in abundance. We have no doubt you’ll love South Grafton as much as we do.
From a sensory perspective there are some scents, sights and sounds in the mainstreet that you may like to be preprepared for. Please check in with the conference desk to learn more and ask any and all questions you need to in order to make sure these are safe spaces for you.
Gala dinner: Dinner will be held in three movements. Each will have its own vibe:
Entrance – Departure: Arrive at the event, display your superpower and enter through the welcome gates
Initiation – (entrees and cool beverages are served here). A lively combination of performance, food, smells, lights and sounds. It will be busy, chaotic even. Lots of people, lots of noise.
Return – we then move into ‘the barn’ and sit at long tables for a joined celebration of local food, conversations and celebrating community.
And then… The band and dancing starts. Is dancing mandatory – no. Is it recommended? – yes.
Day 3 Starting again at the Grafton Ex-Services Club today is a little different. You’ll notice the new venue layout immediately and will wonder what next ! Taz and Em of Futures Isle and their trusty youth led cohort will be leading today. Don’t worry, we are in very safe hands as we make plans to address Readiness in our local communities and create plans for change.
At 1230 we are called to the closing ceremony where performing artist Simon Jankelson will guide us on an adventure of music and art. This is an invitation to reflect and embed what’s next. After the closing ceremony delegates will be provided with a lunch pack and invited to either stick around or get on with the commute home.
