Getting Real about Place & the Wider Economy

Join us for a one-day workshop 'Think Table' exploring how regional economies actually work—and what real systemic change looks like. Join researchers, practitioners, and thinkers grappling with place-based solutions and economic transformation. Australia's regional communities face profound economic change. The pressures are immense, yet so is the potential. For years, The Next Economy has worked alongside regions reimagining economies that are regenerative, climate-safe, and fair. Through this work, a critical question emerged: while place-based initiatives show real results, is there a risk that celebrating local solutions lets broader economic systems off the hook? This workshop brings together a cross-disciplinary group to work through that tension. We're not looking for polished answers—we're after honest conversation and practical insight into: • How communities can navigate and shape economic change • What place-based approaches can and can't do • How macro-economic policy should shift to better serve people and places • What a wellbeing economy actually requires Before the workshop, we'll share a questions paper to frame our thinking. On the day, we'll explore these ideas together, then collaboratively shape them into a discussion paper. We're looking for people who bring genuine curiosity, cross-disciplinary perspective, and a willingness to sit with messy, complex questions. Who will attend Academics and researchers, regional and community development practitioners, economic policy researchers, place-based practitioners, and those working on economic transformation. What to bring Your perspective, your questions, and your willingness to engage constructively. Hosted by The Next Economy works with government, industry, investment and community to create the conditions for a rapid, responsible and fair transition to a climate-safe, regenerative and socially just Australian economy. The ANU McCusker Institute is committed to fostering a vibrant transdisciplinary community that connects, engages and inspires community-minded leaders to address complex societal issues. Image credit: Martin David, via Unsplash