Media Release

The Community Revolution Begins June 7

BUILDING stronger communities through greater support for community-inspired innovation, values and courageous leadership will be the theme of a major national conference to be held in June.

The conference - Communities in Control 2004 - Revolution in Community: Why? How? - Now! will investigate why action is needed to support communities, how communities can be transformed and why a revolution is needed now . The event follows last year's inaugural Communities in Control conference which attracted over 1300 people from across the community spectrum - one of the largest gatherings of its type.

Those attending this year's conference will hear a number of national and international speakers talk about tackling the challenges facing communities.

Among the speakers will be Federal Treasurer, Peter Costello, who will outline his Vision for the Future - challenges for community, government and business

The International speakers and 2004 Pratt Fellows are:
Shelley Martin , Executive Director, University of California Berkeley's Centre for Community Wellness, will outline practical, locally-inspired outcomes that improve community wellbeing. Plus: David Henshaw, CEO City of Liverpool in England, who will speak about how true community involvement in tackling major issues transforms local government areas. Other speakers include:

  • Mike Pratt, Group Executive, Business & Consumer Banking, Westpac Bank
  • Senator the Hon Kay Patterson, Federal Minister for Family and Community Services
  • The Hon John Thwaites, Deputy Victorian Premier, Minister for Victorian Communities
  • Richard Eckersley, Best selling researcher and author of Well and Good: How We Feel and Why! and Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australia National University.
  • Dr Clive Hamilton, Director of the leading think tank, the Australia Institute at the Australian National University.
  • Hugh MacKay, Australia&rsquos foremost social research commentator and author.
  • Christine Nixon, Chief Commissioner of Police in Victoria.
  • Phillip Adams, broadcaster and commentator.
  • Jude Munro, CEO of the City of Brisbane
  • Prof. Allan Fels, Foundation Director, Australia and New Zealand School of Government
  • Peter Kenyon, Director, Bank of Ideas
  • Hugh Evans, 2004 Young Australian of the Year

The conference also features practical workshops and a hypothetical debate led by Dr Simon Longstaff, the Executive Director of the St James Ethics Centre in Sydney.

The conference is convened by Our Community and Catholic Social Services. "Last year was about the work of community groups and their needs being acknowledged. This year we are concentrating on how to turn that talk into effective action today,"; says Dr Rhonda Galbally AO, Chief Executive of Our Community.

"The community sector is the way forward," says Fr Joe Caddy of Catholic Social Services. Fr Caddy is also chair of National Catholic Welfare Australia. "This conference will hopefully demonstrate why as well as provide some innovation and inspiration."

CONFERENCE: Communities in Control 2004: Revolution in Community: Why? How? - Now!

VENUE: Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds, Victoria.

WHEN: 7-8 June, 2004

HOW MUCH? $215 FOR TWO DAYS (includes lunch and refreshments on both days and drinks after day one). EARLYBIRD special of $185 if booked before March 30, 2004

PROGRAM & REGISTRATIONS: Visit www.ourcommunity.com.au/conferencebrochure2004, email service@ourcommunity.com.au or call (03) 9320 6800.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett de Hoedt, Hootville Communications: 03 9510 0848 / 0414 713 802