In our commitment to fostering stronger, more connected communities, Citizen Leadership and Community Resilience has become a guiding force for transformative change. At its core, this initiative is about empowering individuals and groups to take collective action, reimagining how communities can thrive amidst the complexities of today’s world.

Through the Participatory Melbourne initiative—an inspired collaboration between Regen Melbourne, the Coalition of Everyone, and Swinburne University—we are exploring how to scale solutions that enhance community agency, deepen trust, and inspire active participation. This work is rooted in a renewal of long-held processes and beliefs, embracing principles of community custodianship, collaborative governance, and democratic values that transcend traditional politics and with this ethos, we aim to not just strengthen the social fabric but to redefine it.

Change, we understand, does not occur in isolation. It emerges from large-scale connections and the power of collective action. To this end, our partnership with the Regional Leadership Collective, supported by GoodWolf Partners, focuses on amplifying the impact of Victorian community leadership programs. Together, we’re developing sustainable, systemic approaches to cultivate leadership that can rise to the challenges of our time.

As climate challenges continue to intensify, we recognise the urgency of addressing inequities and fostering local agency. In collaboration with Collaboration for Impact and the Centre for Just Places, Jesuit Services our efforts delve into the conditions that shape power and equity at the community level. Through the Climate Justice Discovery Project, we are learning from diverse communities and decision-makers to explore the spectrum of climate interventions—prevention, response, and discovery. By listening to those at the frontlines of these challenges, we’re co-creating solutions that are as resilient as they are just.

In the same spirit of transformation, we are driving change in the financial sector by leveraging Web3 technologies to decentralise financial systems. This shift empowers local communities to shape their own economic futures. In partnership with Criterion Institute, we are challenging traditional financial structures to amplify excluded voices, ensuring a more inclusive and sustainable economic system.

The release of “The Civic Health of Australia: A National Portrait in 30 Charts,” developed in partnership with the Australian Leadership Index at Swinburne University, has unveiled a stark reality: societal cohesion is deteriorating. The report sheds light on alarming declines in volunteerism, civic awareness, social trust, and a sense of belonging—critical pillars that sustain a thriving and connected society. These findings paint a sobering picture of a nation grappling with weakened communal ties, underscoring the urgent need to address these fractures and reignite the values that bind our communities together.