Our Journey
Regen Gippsland emerged out of a series of conversations taking place between individuals and organisations in search of meaningful transformation for our local community.
The idea to explore Regen Gippsland arose out of a series of conversations taking place between individuals and organisations in search of meaningful transformation for our local community hosted by the Gippsland Social Enterprise Collective (GSEC).
GSEC emerged in early 2020 to build and foster a connected regional network of social enterprises to strengthen regional social, environmental and economic outcomes for Gippsland.
Acting as an alliance of individuals and organisations committing their skills, resources, and aspirations to reinvent our region, it was clear there was so much synergy with the emerging work of Regen Melbourne.
It was time to apply a broader lens and a locally adaptable framework to expand impact, so Regen Gippsland and the alliance was formed.
Initial public engagement took place at Warragul Goods Shed where we came together to start co-creating a vision for a regenerative future for Gippsland.
This two-day Local Learning Lab was instrumental in collectively laying the foundations for Regen Gippsland. Through the co-design process, in the lead-up, and over the weekend the concept was explored in depth and the groundwork laid.
The proposal for a six month pilot was developed from insights surfaced at the Lab with seed funding provided by WWF-Australia and Kindred Spirits Enterprises to progress.
Since then, a crucial focus has been on channelling the collective energy of the Gippsland community to co-create a resilient vision and purpose for guiding Regen Gippsland. More than 100 Gippslandians generously volunteered their time, contributing to this collaborative effort through various avenues such as the Local Learning Lab, three engaging Community Co-design Forums, a strategy day, and casual chats with many individuals. This inclusive process underscores the heart of our community-driven approach, ensuring that the vision reflects the diverse voices and aspirations.
At the core of our community engagement process were three community design forums, each covering a particular emerging theme in relation to the place; Regen Tourism in East Gippsland, Food and Fibre in West Gippsland and New Energy in South Gippsland.
These workshops each addressed the opportunity and aspirations of place, acknowledged existing local initiatives and champions, and explored the theme in relation to the Doughnut. A key aspiration from our community forums was to introduce the concept of Doughnut Economics and explore how it could be localised and used as a compass for Gippsland.
Insights from the pilot have been used to create our first version of the Gippsland Doughnut!
Following the conclusion of the pilot, Kindred Spirits Enterprises agreed to auspice Regen Gippsland. The story here represents an endeavour to apply Doughnut Economics in addressing significant challenges and opportunities for Gippsland. What was evident in our engagement phase was that to enable our transition to a regenerative economy requires ambitious cross-sector collaboration between governments, businesses, communities and individuals.
This marks just the beginning of our collective journey towards a regenerative Gippsland. We invite all Gippslandians to engage and participate in shaping a future for our region that thrives within the boundaries of the Doughnut.
The Journey so far...
Exploration Phase
- Regen Gippsland Alliance formed
- Gippsland 2030 Event
- Local Learning Lab
Engagement Phase
- Pilot Commenced
- Community Conversations
& research
Community Forums:
- Regen Tourism
- Food & Fibre
- New Energy
Reflection Phase
- End of pilot
- Community Insights Report
- Gippsland Doughnut Launch
