The Doughnut
We believe in the power of research and sensemaking to explore the edges of what is possible in our region.
Regen Gippsland has achieved many milestones including the Gippsland Doughnut and Gippsland Community Insights Report.
The next focus is to build from that report to create the Gippsland Regional Portrait - a platform for measuring what matters for our region. The Portrait will take the Gippsland Doughnut from a conceptual model to a practical tool for measurement.
Using methodology developed by Doughnut Economics Action Lab and Regen Melbourne, to downscale and examine each of the Social and Ecological dimensions of the Doughnut in relation to Gippsland, researching existing Gippsland strategies, literature, targets and reports.
The Gippsland Regional Portrait presents an opportunity to gain a baseline understanding of our region to shape policies and practices that prioritise human wellbeing while respecting planetary boundaries.
It can become a compass to point us to the types of actions, policy decisions, investments and mindset shifts required to embrace a regenerative future for Gippsland.
For further inspiration and shared learnings, Regen Gippsland joined an evolving community of practice of ‘Regen Places’, cities and regions following suit across the nation.
This work has been influenced by an emerging global movement of new economic thinking and doing that originated from the concept of Doughnut Economics.
Doughnut Economics, a concept introduced by economist Kate Raworth, offers a framework that envisions an economy that operates within the "doughnut" – the space between social and planetary boundaries. The goal is to create an economy that ensures both human well-being and environmental sustainability.
The model envisions an economic “doughnut” shape, where the inner ring represents the social foundation, ensuring that all people have access to essentials such as food, healthcare, and education, without falling into poverty.
Meanwhile, the outer ring represents the ecological ceiling, defining the environmental limits beyond which human activities risk causing irreversible damage to the planet.
The goal of Doughnut Economics is to find a balance between meeting the basic needs of all individuals and staying within the ecological boundaries of the Earth. It encourages a shift from the traditional growth-centric economic approach to one that prioritises sustainability, social justice, and well-being.
This work has been influenced by an emerging global movement of new economic thinking and doers who are turning Doughnut Economics from a radical idea into transformative action. Regen Gippsland is part of a national network of Regen Places actively collaborating with multiple places across Australia and connected to a global network through DEAL (the Doughnut Economics Action Lab).
Ongoing public engagement will take place across Gippsland, of 14 community workshops on each of the social foundations.
The purpose of the portrait for Gippsland is to bring together community members to share their stories of lived experiences across Gippsland, and when coupled with data will produce a robust picture of how close (or far) Gippsland is from getting to the just and safe space of the Gippsland Doughnut.
This will involve conducting a series of community consultation and co-design workshops, addressing each of the social areas identified in the Gippsland Doughnut of;
● Mobility
● Art & Culture
● Energy
● Water
● Food
● Health and Wellbeing
● Education
● Income and Work
● Peace and Justice
● Political Voice
● Social Equity
● Gender Equality
● Housing
● Access to Information
The Gippsland Regional Portrait presents an opportunity to gain a baseline understanding of the Gippsland region, to shape policies and practices that prioritise human wellbeing while respecting planetary boundaries.
To become a compass to point Gippsland organisations, local and state government to the types of actions, policy decisions, investments and mindset shifts required to embrace a regenerative future for Gippsland.
Regen Gippsland extends an invitation to all communities across the shires of Bass Coast, South Gippsland, Baw Baw, Latrobe, Wellington and East Gippsland, to participate in this ongoing dialogue to create a Gippsland which thrives within the boundaries of the Doughnut.
