FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman , Chief Executive Officer
It is my pleasure to present the Autumn edition of the EDA Journal . We are grateful to the leading practitioners who lend their expertise and insight to this publication , which continues to be a valuable and popular resource for the Australian economic development sector . This edition presents engaging and thought-provoking articles from consultants , academia and practitioners across a range of topics .
A consistent theme throughout this edition is that while COVID-19 may have presented economic development professionals with a range of previously unimagined challenges , the pandemic has also prompted ( possibly pushed ) the sector to take a fresh approach to building resilient and prosperous local communities .
Marcus Spiller from SGS Economics and Planning highlights this point eruditely by encouraging readers to implement a different conceptual lens when developing an economic development strategy . Paul Tero similarly encourages a fresh perspective when considering how long-term local economic prosperity can be realised , by presenting a unique , structured survey-type approach to planning .
Karenna Wood takes us beyond the buzz words of online engagement and illustrates how organisations can seek meaningful engagement with their stakeholders and communities , without sacrificing connection , interaction and open ideas .
A consistent theme throughout this edition is that while COVID-19 may have presented economic development professionals with a range of previously unimagined challenges , the pandemic has also prompted ( possibly pushed ) the sector to take a fresh approach to building resilient and prosperous local communities .
Lassara Camphuis from Mackay Regional Council describes how that region is using events as a way to boost its local economy following the COVID-19 crises .
Sasha Lennon ’ s article describes economic development activity as a pathway to community wellbeing and prosperity under four broad categories , which provides a compelling definition of the important work being undertaken across the country by EDA members .
This edition also highlights our 2020 Economic Development Awards for Excellence winners .
Thank you again to all our contributors . We also appreciate the support of the organisations supporting the publication through advertising , which allows EDA to continue to invest in the Journal and the many other resources it delivers .
If you would like to contribute to future Journals , please don ’ t hesitate to get in touch . Please also subscribe to EDA ’ s newsletter
via the website for all the latest events , professional development , advocacy and research projects .
Stay safe and well .
Jacqueline Brinkman Chief Executive Officer
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 14 NO 1 2020 05