All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come. – Victor Hugo
Do you believe that Melbourne can have a food system that is healthier, more sustainable and fair for all? We do. We also know that there are ideas out there that could transform the way we produce, distribute, prepare, share, sell or consume food – contributing to a local food system that would enable Melbourne to thrive, now and well into the future.
WHY WE’RE GOING LOCAL
Local food systems play a pivotal role in strengthening the local economy, help build stronger, more resilient communities, provide much needed jobs at a local level, and give consumers access to healthy, fresh food at affordable prices.
Localising the food economy also returns diversity to land that has been all but destroyed by chemical-intensive monocropping, reduces the cost and environmental impact of shipping produce over long distances, and means farmers are able to make a decent living.
With a growing interest among Australians in the quality, provenance, freshness and price of food, and an increasing demand for food that is locally produced and seasonal, we believe that there is a unique opportunity in front of us to come together and build a healthy, sustainable, resilient and fair local food system that will support all of Melbourne to thrive, now and into the future.
OUR BIG IDEA FOR YOU
In 2013 Doing Something Good partnered with City of Melbourne to engage the next generation of individuals, communities and organisations doing pioneering work toward a better food future – to explore how we could all work better together, and how we might have a greater impact with our collective efforts.
This event is a follow up to the EcoCity Food Forum in 2013, and the Going Local Forum earlier this year. It is part of the Local Food Project Launchpad program which is currently being developed in partnership with City of Melbourne, The Food Alliance and the Open Food Network. The Local Food Launchpad program includes a Prototype Design Camp 25-27 July, and a Project Accelerator over 10 weeks starting in September.
Through the Local Food Project Launchpad program of events and activities for 2014, our aim is to provide a launchpad for six Melbourne-based local food initiatives, and support the development of dozens more Victorian sustainable and fair food initiatives, and the passionate and innovative people who are driving them.
THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR BIG IDEAS
Do you have a big idea brewing for a campaign, social enterprise, community-based project or other local food initiative you’d like to develop or test? Do you want to help shape someone else’s bright idea for a healthier, sustainable, resilient and fair food future? Maybe you want to join other passionate, creative and innovative Melburnians and learn how to rapidly generate and develop a brand new idea together?
Join us for the Local Food Project Big Ideas Jam on Tuesday 24 June, and you will have the opportunity to share, develop and test ideas with teams of diverse, knowledgeable and experienced people from across the food sector – from growers and distributors to restauranteurs and educators, from policy-makers and community service providers to entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
At the Big Ideas Jam you will learn how to:
- develop and test game-changing ideas using an open and collaborative team-based rapid prototyping process
- design and deliver a pitch for your big idea to find team members, engage supporters and attract funding
Join us for a fun and exciting evening that will see up to 20 teams come together, and 20 big ideas designed and delivered in just two hours.
You’ll also hear more about the Local Food Project Prototype Design Camp 25-27 July, and what else we have planned for the rest of the Local Food Project Launchpad program for 2014.
If you’d like to find out more about City of Melbourne efforts to improve our food system to one that is secure, healthy, sustainable, thriving and socially inclusive, you can do so here.
To learn more about the Local Food Project Launchpad Program, subscribe to updates on the Doing Something Good website, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.
We look forward to jammin’ with you on 24 June. 🙂
Event Details
When:
Tuesday 24 June, 6:00pm – 8:30pm
Where:
The Courtyard*
State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St
Melbourne
*Please note that The Courtyard is an enclosed, internal courtyard accessed through the main entrance of the State Library.
Registration includes finger food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Brought to you in partnership with
