What an absolute treat to have our own media team at this year’s SIITR25.
The following post was written by communications specialist and storyteller Justine McClymont who is based on Bundjalung Country in the NSW Northern Rivers.
Social Impact in the Regions 2025 — Day Three: As You Want to Be
How do you want your community to be and what does readiness really mean? This was the guiding question on the third and final day of Social Impact in the Regions in Grafton, NSW, on Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Country.
Following a warm welcome from Kerry Grace and Dr Chad Renando from Ready Communities, Chad introduced participants to the five key dimensions of community readiness:
- Clarity and understanding
- Connection and connectivity
- Capability and capacity
- Collaboration for purpose
- Advocacy and promotion.
These pillars shaped the day’s conversation, inviting participants to think about this in the context of their own communities.
Youth Impact: Readiness in Action
With that in mind, Taz Devadass and Emilee Rigby from Futures Isle in Lutruwita/Tasmania took to the floor to lead an energising session focused on youth impact through the lens of readiness.
They introduced a vibrant group of youth changemakers who had travelled from across Australia to be part of SIITR25 — many of them alumni of ABC’s Heywire and Trailblazers programs.
Each brought their own story, ideas and vision for what the future of regional Australia could look like.
Amy Snowden shared how she uses LEGO to spark curiosity and inspire young people to explore careers in agriculture.
Jameson Harvey, winner of the SIITR25 National Pitchfest, explained why he founded Red Dirt Robotics, dedicated to making STEM accessible across regional and remote Australia: “You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Fabian Pertzel, Project Manager, told us about the work of Horizons, a creative industry mentoring and development program for NSW regional youth — driven by youth, for youth.
Daniel Souza described his regenerative food waste initiative, Green For You, based in the Byron region. He encouraged changemakers to embed environmental stewardship in every decision.
Jamaica Yager spoke about active involvement in community initiatives, like the Grafton Jacaranda Festival and surf lifesaving.
Others shared diverse stories of resilience, innovation and building community connection. Following the conversations, attendees gathered in small groups for sessions facilitated by the youth cohort.
As the three-day event came to a close next to the Clarence River, participants were invited to reflect on what they will do when they get back to their community — and importantly, how they will look after themselves in the process.
Closing Thoughts: People Have the Power
Day Three reminded us that readiness isn’t just about having the right systems or networks in place.
It’s about people, ideas and innovation. And the belief that you have the power to make a difference.
It was also a reminder that young people already have the solutions. It’s our job to make space for them — not just to speak, but to actively make way for them to create the future they want to see.
Justine McClymont is a communications specialist and storyteller based on Bundjalung Country in the NSW Northern Rivers. She works across environment, climate, sustainability and social change, helping good-hearted people and organisations tell better stories to drive positive impact. You can find her at justinemcclymont.com
Featured image: Taz and Em of Futures Isle carve up the conference dance floor – pic by Jay Black (And The Trees)
