If we are to build more sustainable futures and solve our wicked problems, we need to consider the complex urban ecology in which we live, work and play. We need to reimagine our homes, our workplaces, our shared spaces, and essential services. We need to transform the way we consume, produce, learn and communicate.
It’s time for an urban reboot.
There are a growing number of people and organisations stepping up to better their surroundings, to create safer, more livable, and more environmentally sound urban environments and build better futures for themselves, their communities and the planet.
Join us this month* to hear from three inspiring individuals and the projects they and their organisation are working on to transform communities and build better futures.
Find out more and register here.
Marcus Westbury (Renew Australia):Marcus Westbury is a broadcaster, writer, media maker and festival director who has been responsible for some of Australia’s more innovative, unconventional and successful cultural projects and events.
In 2008 Marcus founded Renew Newcastle with his own funds and energy. It’s a low budget, not for profit, DIY urban renewal scheme that has brokered access to more than 30 empty buildings for creative enterprises, artists and cultural projects in his home town of Newcastle, NSW.
Renew Newcastle is unique scheme that has attracted interest from around the world. It has been described as “a smart, inspired way to deal with unused spaces that might otherwise be left to ruin” (Inside Out), “the transformation of the city centre” (The Newcastle Herald), “an incredible success …. both to assist the business community in the area while simultaneously
Connect with Marcus on Twitter as @unsungsongs
Amy Lees (City of Melbourne): Amy is the Project Manager for Opportunities for Carlton. The Opportunities for Carlton (OFC) project is a City of Melbourne three year community strengthening initiative, which is funded in partnership with the Victorian State Government. Through this project, the City of Melbourne will support Carlton’s residents, businesses, organisations and public institutions to work collaboratively to plan, coordinate and deliver targeted responses to local issues.
The ideas generated by the Opportunities for Carlton network are further developed by working groups. These working groups are made of active Carlton residents, workers, local agencies and students all who are focussed on delivering projects for improvements to Carlton and the community. The working groups focus on specific themes that have been identified through community consultation as key action areas for Carlton in making it more vibrant, inclusive, equitable an thriving place to live study work and visit.
Stuart Candy (Arup): Stuart is Foresight and Innovation Leader for Arup Australasia. He is an Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts, and Research Fellow of The Long Now Foundation. On his blog he investigates the intersection of forward thinking, media, activism, and design.
Arup‘s mission is to help shape a better world. As an independent firm of designers, planners, engineers, consultants and technical specialists, Arup works to make a positive difference. They actively engage humanitarian and charitable activities and support their staff to do so as well through initiatives like Arup Community Partnering.
At the heart of all their projects is the urge to build a more sustainable future – for everyone. Founder Ove Arup believes that “our lives are inextricably mixed up with those of our fellow human beings, and that there can be no real happiness in isolation.”
Connect with Stuart on Twitter at @futuryst
Doors open at 6pm with panel discussion from 6:30pm to 8pm followed by drinks and inspired conversation. Hope to see you there. 🙂
*registration includes light snacks, beer and wine