what needs to be done and , in many cases , how to do it . Getting together as a group of people has to now result in outcomes and change in our communities . That ’ s what the National Regional and Economic Development Summit in 2023 is about ” says Ashley Bland , Foundation Director .
Further information is available at www . segra . com . au
The economic development and community development practitioners , local government and not for profit leaders , researchers and students as well as emerging and established industry leaders who are working at the grass roots level is our family . Many of whom are also EDA members . We want them to attend the Summit to actively contribute to conversations that will help inform the work of the SEGRA Foundation as well as our key partners for the next 12 months .
Simon Boughey , Foundation Director has observed a change in rural communities since his involvement back in 2009 . “ I ’ ve seen a change in communities across Australia and what they believe they can achieve as compared to what they were told they could achieve in the past . The
grass roots and bottom up approach is important to regional Australia ’ s success ”.
The SEGRA Foundation invites EDA members , the ‘ doers ’ in rural local government , not for profit organisations , universities and consultancies , to present , attend and represent their region at this years Summit . The Summit provides a platform to share your work and connect with individuals and organisations across multiple disciplines and communities who share an interest and passion in sustainable economic development in regional Australia .
“ Part of having eight billion people on the planet is that there ’ s a lot of great thinkers . There ’ s no excuse for poor decision making and there ’ s no excuse for inaction . We know
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CAROLINE ROBINSON Caroline Robinson is the SEGRA Foundation Director and Company Secretary in WA . She is an enthusiastic advocate for rural communities and the leaders and organisations within them . With a passion for assisting not-for-profits , government , and member-based institutions through governance and strategy , Caroline combines extensive experience with a broadthinking , strategic approach to produce creative , people-centred solutions . Connecting the people , services and information rural organisations need to help them expand and thrive in their community . Caroline is the founder and former CEO of the Wheatbelt Business Network , the region ’ s largest business association . She has held the EO position of the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils for 10 years and has also held board positions on state government boards , rural not-for-profits , sports clubs and the was the Secretary / Treasurer for the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Industry WA . In 2011 Caroline was awarded the Agrifutures National and WA Rural Woman of the Year , as well as the Shire of Narembeen Citizen of the Year in 2018 . Caroline is a graduate of the AICD , holds a Bachelor of Commerce , Diploma of Education and Cert IV in Human Resources . She is currently on the Advisory Board ( WA ) for FRRR , Bettongia Pty Ltd and Eastern Districts Hockey Association .