Be a voice in our workshop series to design to the next chapter of our district’s place-based leadership and governance
Local leaders across Orbost and district are being invited to take part in an exciting community-led initiative aimed at further shaping the district’s collaborative structures and decision-making approaches — looking beyond current forest industry transition to support long-term resilience and prosperity. The initiative is a partnership between the Future of Orbost & District project and Australian Business Volunteers (ABV)
The initiative brings together locals, community groups, and key stakeholders to shape an enhanced approach to local decision-making and on-the ground action. The aim is to strengthen place-based leadership and governance practices that reflect community values, while improving how the district advocates for its priorities and mobilises investment and collective effort.
Building on the foundations laid through the forestry transition focus of the Future of Orbost & District project and the bushfire recovery work of the Orbost Recovery and Transition Committee, this next phase seeks to ensure a sustained, long-term focus on the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the region. A new place-based model will continue to drive the projects, pilots and activities that are building on the district’s strengths in agriculture and nature-based tourism.
“This is a chance for people across the community to come together and help guide what comes next for Orbost and District,” said Liz Mitchell, Chair of the Future of Orbost and District governance group. “It’s about making sure local voices are heard, respected and empowered.”
People from all backgrounds, including business, farming, education, youth, the arts, volunteering, and beyond, are encouraged to get involved, share ideas, and contribute to creating strong local leadership and governance models.
Ms Mitchell said the workshop series recognises that community-led action is already happening — but also that greater alignment, coordination, and support are needed to unlock deeper change and sustain momentum. “Participants will explore how together we can continue to strengthen our local leadership capacity, connect across silos, and shape governance and leadership principles that reflects the uniqueness of this region to drive more collective action. Authentic place-based approaches are gaining global and national momentum and there is a lot to learn from what other communities are doing, and this will be a focus of webinars ahead of the workshop.”
Participant involvement will comprise of three online lunchtime webinars which explore successful case studies from rural Australia followed by a face-to-face community workshop held in Orbost. Participants will need to commit to the three online sessions to prepare for meaningful input at the in-person event. The webinars will be recorded so people can watch at their leisure.
Workshop Schedule
Building Orbost and District Together: Collective Leadership & Governance Workshop Series
• July 15 –Webinar 1 – Place-based case studies from across Australia – hear, learn, and be inspired by what others are doing | 12:00–1:00 pm
• July 22 –Webinar 2 - Place-based case studies from across Australia - hear, learn, and be inspired by what others are doing | 12:00–1:00 pm
• July 29 –Webinar 3 - Place-based case studies from across Australia - hear, learn, and be inspired by what others are doing | 12:00–1:00 pm
• August 21 – What’s next for governance and leadership in Orbost and district in person Workshop – building on from our strengths and drawing on the learnings of others | 8:45 am–1:00 pm
The Future of Orbost & District project is a response to the impacts of the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests, and the need to transition the local economy. The purpose of the project is to build on to Orbost and District’s existing strengths and leverage opportunities for supporting positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The project is delivered by the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is overseen by a community-led governance group.
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is an international development agency with a mission to uplift businesses and communities through sustainable economic growth. The ABV Resilient Regions program is supported by the Australian and Victorian Governments and is a collaboration with Deakin University.
If you would like to be involved, please contact Dr Nicola Watts at project@orbost.com.au.
