It may feel like Covid, floods and fires are behind us, but the economic impacts of all of these events persist, and any of these could happen again in the not-too-distant future.
Even a cursory look at what faltered, and what worked, during those times shows that joining localisation efforts is the most supportive step we can take for the sustainability of this region.
Two weeks ago, new community group Relocalise Northern Rivers (RNR) brought the Byron Shire community together for a sellout screening of Local Futures’ latest film, Closer to Home.
The audience shared examples of community grassroots activities they had encountered in the past week that had made them smile.
Some examples given were Shedding in Mullumbimby; neighbourhood UHF radio training to keep neighbours connected in times of crisis; lettuce from my garden; and a local fisher selling hand-caught fish.
Share your ideas
On Saturday, July 27 from 2.30 to 5pm at the Byron Community Centre, RNR will again bring the community together to explore how we can bolster existing initiatives.
Those with a passion for localisation are welcome to come and share their ideas, collaborate with others, and help transform our region.
The RNR team will also facilitate forums on key areas, such as food security, local business and affordable housing.
US economist and lawyer, Michael Shuman, who presented in Byron last year on the benefits of localisation – and inspired the creation of RNR – says that one of the most powerful things a community can do is to nurture local business.
Unlike remotely-owned enterprises, local businesses generate ‘more income, wealth, jobs, better environmental protection, better civic participation, more public health from better food.’
RNR is also offering a six-week incubator program in September. This program is designed to equip changemakers with the tools needed to bring their ideas to life.
You can express your interest at [email protected].
Tickets for the July 27 event are available at www.relocalise.org and Humanitix.
Sally Cusack & Simon Jankelson are from Relocalise Northern Rivers (RNR).
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