The Vibe
Social impact in the Regions
Social Impact in the Regions is held in small regional communities throughout Australia. Now in Year 3 which will be held in Grafton, NSW our first conference was in Coffs Harbour (2023) and Kempsey (2024).
Could your community be next? Get in touch to find out more.
The Dress Code (2025)
We want you to be comfortable. Grafton NSW has a temperate climate, you can expect the days to be around 18-22 degrees Celsius and the evenings may be a little cooler (bring a light jumper or cardi). You will be walking between venues (noting there are transport options for anyone needing support). Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
On Day 1 it’s most likely you’ll be moving straight from the conference to the welcome event to dinner.
It will cool off in the evening so make sure you have something warm with you.Â
NOTE: If you aren’t staying in Grafton chances are the local cafes won’t be open. Let us know where you are staying so we can put some requests forward in smaller towns.
Who could forget Aunty Vicki Taylor’s stellar performance which took out the 2024 ‘best dressed’ at our conference dinner.
“On the fringes”
There weren’t many dry eyes in the venue when Aunty Vicki announced this year’s theme:
“Your superpowers”
As Aunty Vicki described it – she sees the kids at Dalaigur Pre-School sharing their superpowers every day. She’s invited you to consider what your superpowers are and to come dressed as a superhero with that special power. Maybe you’ll lean into Marvel, maybe another lot or maybe you’ll make up your own.
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.Â
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.
We also recommend throwing a brolly in your luggage just in case.
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.Â
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 ready to soak it all in and we’ll guide you through the rest. If you do have any comments or feedback we can implement in 2025 please reach out.
Walk with us through the conference and venue
There is ample parking around our primary venue, South Grafton Ex-Services Club and at the Grafton Showground for our gala dinner. We also have some transport options on request. We encourage carpooling.
The SIITR team have some transport options available for anyone arriving via public transport.
Other than getting to the main venue (Grafton Ex-Services Club), you will need transport to move on Day 1 between the venue and your Impact Lab (these are spread throughout the community) and then back to the Grafton Cathedral.
On Day 2 you will need transport to get to the conference dinner which will be held at the Grafton Showground.
Day 3 will be held entirely in the main venue.
Registration will commence from 8am on conference days. We appreciate if you can check in each day so we can keep a tally of our delegate numbers.
Imagine a traditional ‘club’ environment. That. You will see the usual sign in book (you don’t have to do that). Signage will point you towards the conference area and you’ll see our team ready and waiting for you to sign in.
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.
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 and unfortunately can’t do that via crystal ball (even though we do try). You can add accessibility information when you purchase your ticket and if you have additional requests please email the our conference support, Jodie directly and they will be discretely accommodated.
As our main venue is upstairs there is a lift available if you’d prefer to avoid stairs.
The downstairs part of the Ex-Services club is open to the general public. While it is a quiet club you can expect to hear poker machines, coffee being made and the general buzz of a club on your arrival. Upstairs will be filled with excited chatter as delegates arrive and new friendships are made and existing ones reinforced.
The venue is designed for performances and you can expect the audio experience through the speakers will be smooth sailing.
SIITR25 will be held primarily at the South Grafton Ex Services Club (2 Wharf St South Grafton).
We start each day here and then (around lunchtime on days 1 and 2) move to breakout venues elsewhere in the community.
Day 1:
Morning program: South Grafton Ex-services club
Impact Labs (various venues)
National Pitchfest: Anglican Church Hall
Welcome event: Anglican Cathedral
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Day 2:
Morning program: South Grafton Ex-Services Club
Breakout sessions and lunch: Various venues through South Grafton
Day 3:
Entire program at South Grafton Ex-Services Club
Connect with Your Cohort
You will have the opportunity to connect with other delegates prior to the event. We’ll be in touch with more information on this very soon.
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
Impact Labs
SIITR National Pitchfest
Welcome event
Dinner
Day 2
Breakout sessions
Gala dinner
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Day 3
Closing ceremony
