ChangeFest Learning Network 2025

“The opportunity to hear what other communities are doing. To reflect on my own practice and to expand my perspective.”

 

“The open and honest mindset of participants and speakers.”   

 

This is what we are hearing from people who have joined the ChangeFest Learning Network, which launched in September 2024. The Learning Network is the place to connect with peers and leaders – year-round on how communities are leading systems change.

People from across the annual ChangeFest gatherings are keen to continue to learn, connect and collaborate throughout the year. And so, the ChangeFest Learning Network was launched – a regular opportunity for all of us across the movement to share practice and learn, to connect and build, and to take a deep breath and reflect.

The ChangeFest Learning Network provides us with the opportunity to listen and hear from each other in ways that will help us in our own work for community-led system change – whether it be in communities, government, large for purpose organisations and businesses. It kicked off with a ‘try, test and learn’ phase in 2024:

  • The Narrative: changing the story of catalytic events to mobilise a collaborative effort: Renee King from Western Downs Futures (QLD) shared the story of how the Western Downs community are taking back their narrative from disadvantage to power.
  • Working in the Middle Space: The Barkly Community Researchers (NT) shared our way of understanding, measuring, evaluating and learning in the Barkly. This brings together Wumpurani (Aboriginal) and Papulanji (Non-Aboriginal) ways and knowledges. They shared the importance of walking together on one path to better understand, measure, evaluate, learn and improve things for people in the Barkly.
  • The ChangeFest Statement in Action: What does it mean in your context: ChangeFest Elder Aunty Faith Green shared the story of origin of the ChangeFest Statement and emphasized the importance of collaboration and shared leadership between First Nations and other multicultural Australians, and how the Statement was a result of collective effort and helped build a movement.

The ChangeFest Learning Network is holding a reflect and design process in February 2025. Are you passionate about community-led change and have some reflections to share? The Network is inviting people to engage with and help shape the Learning Network and keen to hear from you.

Learn more and subscribe for updates here.

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