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Greetings and welcome to our February 2007 edition of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Newsletter. Since our January Newsletter, the organisation has been involved in a wide range of initiatives within our three core program areas namely:

  • healthy community development;
  • community and economic development; and
  • youth empowerment and participation.

We hope this newsletter gives you a flavour of our involvement, and some links to some wonderful stories, resources and tools that we have discovered and learned from.

Whatever our field of involvement we attempt to base our work on seven foundation beliefs, namely:
  • Meaningful and lasting community change always originates from within, and local residents in that community are the best experts on how to activate that change.
  • Building and nourishing relationships is at the core of building healthy and inclusive communities.
  • Communities have never been built by dwelling on their deficiencies. Focus on the resources, capacities, strengths and aspirations of a community and its residents, instead of dwelling on the needs, deficiencies and problems.
  • Every single person has capacities, abilities, gifts and ideas, and living a good life depends on whether those capacities can be used, abilities expressed, gifts given and ideas shared.
  • The strength of a community is directly proportional to the level that the diversity of its residents desire, and are able to contribute their abilities and assets to the well being of their community.
  • In every community something works. Change can be achieved best by identifying what works and focusing on doing more of what works.
  • Creating positive change begins simply with conversation.

If you prefer, you can click on the links below to go direct to that topic. 

Quote

 Inspirational Stories of Young People Making a Difference
Inspirational Fables Great Symbol of ABCD - Half Full/Half Empty Glass
Development Humour Janette Hartz-Karp
Wagga Wagga – Couple of great local community development resources Importance of Toilets
'Community and Economic Development Tool' Workshops ABCD In Action
Great Rural Resource Lead On Kalamunda
Congratulations Gerry Osborn from Ainsworth, USA Request for Economic Model
Community Practitioner Short Course - Perth, March 12-14th 2007 Death of Russell Mouritz
Humerous Dining Quotes ‘Youth Empowerment and Participation in Development – Getting Beyond the Rhetoric and Slogans’ – An International Symposium
9th World Congress on Art Deco Heritage – for – Peace Tour Guiding in the Pacific – Asia Region: Whence and Whither
Strategies for Inclusive Recreation - Mandurah, WA 27th February 2007 The Save Goa Campaign
Mary Nelson - Asset Based Community Development for Church Communities Railton – One of Australia’s Inspirational ‘Can Do’ Small Towns
Life in the Past Lane Business Retention and Expansion (BR + E) Visitation Program
Dunolly -  A Great Little Town Contact Details
Tragic Death of David Rattray  

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Quote Top ^

'If we are to achieve results never before accomplished, we must expect to employ methods never before attempted'

(Francis Bacon)
Inspirational Fables Top ^
The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. both in its creation and evolution has been influenced by many people from around the globe. One such person is Anthony de Mello, a Goan Jesuit Priest who through his wonderful publications (e.g. Song of the Bird, Prayer of the Frog etc) has taught the importance of the story. In his own words, he captured so well this reality:

‘It is a great mystery that though the human heart longs for truth in which alone it finds liberation and delight, the first reaction of human beings to truth is one of hostility and fear. So the spiritual teachers of humanity, like Budda and Jesus, created a device to circumvent the opposition of their listeners – the story. They knew that the most entrancing words a language holds are – “Once Upon a Time…” that it is common to oppose a truth, but impossible to resist a story. Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata says that if you listen carefully to a story you will never be the same again. That is because the story will worm its way into your heart and break down barriers to the divine.’

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has created a new 'Inspirational Stories' section on its website that contains a range of inspirational fables from across the globe that teaches simple truths about personal and community development. Enjoy, but in the words of Anthony de Mello:

‘Even if you read these stories only for the entertainment, there is no guarantee that an occasional story will not slip through your defences and explode when you least expect it to. So you have been warned’.

A classic example of one of these stories is The Story of the Eagle and the Hen – a wonderful fable illustrating belief and expectation:

 

The Story of the Eagle and the Hen

A story about belief and expectation

’Once upon a time a man found an eagle’s egg and placed it under a brooding hen. The eaglet hatched with the chickens and grew to be like them. He clucked and cackled; scratched the earth for worms; flapped his wings and managed to a few feet in the air.

Years passed. One day, the eagle, now grown old, saw a magnificent bird above him in the sky. It glided in graceful majesty against the powerful wind, with scarcely a movement of its golden wings.

Spellbound, the eagle asked, “Who’s that?“

"That’s the king of the birds, the eagle" said his neighbour. “He belongs to the sky. We belong to earth—we’re chickens.”

So the eagle lived as a chicken for that’s what he thought he was.’

 

  

Click here to read more Inspirational Fables.
Development Humour Top ^
'In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci and Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace and what did they produce – the cuckoo clock!’ (Orson Wells)
Wagga Wagga – Couple of great local community development resources Top ^
Wagga Wagga has always been an innovative city. Two interesting community initiatives worth checking out are:
  • Wagga Wagga Guide – Community information Guide
  • Live Work Invest Wagga – resident attraction guide
  • New Resident Discount card – provides new members with up to $10,000 worth of discounts

Click here for more details.

 'Community and Economic Development Tool' Workshops Top ^
Just a quick reminder that during February, two outstanding community and economic development practitioners from Canada - Mike Stolte and Clare Wasteneys will be in Australia to take part in a series of national one day 'Community and Economic Development Tool' Workshops.

These interactive, one-day workshops are an opportunity for those wanting to create vibrant communities to learn about and apply some practical tools developed by internationally acclaimed community and economic development practitioners These tools have been created not for ‘the outside professional expert’, but community entrepreneurs and enthusiasts – local people with the passion and commitment to take responsibility for their community’s future and ‘windows of opportunity’.

Mike is Executive Director, Centre for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Leadership and President, Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation in British Columbia, Canada and Clare is Program Lead, Community Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Ontario, Canada. Mike and Clare will be joined in the Workshops by Peter Kenyon of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S.

The workshops are scheduled for:
 

Dubbo NSW Monday 19 February 2007
Wagga Wagga NSW Tuesday 20 February 2007
Melbourne Vic Thursday 22 February 2007
Adelaide SA Friday 23 February 2007
Perth WA Monday 26 February 2007

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is proud to acknowledge the support of the following organisations in holding the Workshops:

  • Orana Area Consultative Committee (Dubbo NSW)
  • Riverina Area Consultative Committee (Wagga Wagga NSW)
  • Municipal Association of Victoria (Melbourne Vic)
  • City of Playford (Adelaide SA)

Click here for Workshop, venue and registration details.
Great Rural Resource Top ^
Renewing the Countryside is a US community organisation that seeks to strengthen rural areas by championing and supporting farmers, artists, entrepreneurs, educators, activists and residents who are revitalising the countryside through innovative endeavours. One special service of the organisation is the provision of a free monthly electronic newsletter which shares some wonderful stories and resources related to rural renewal and innovation.

Click here to subscribe the newsletter. Click here to view the Renewing the Countryside website.
Congratulations Gerry Osborn from Ainsworth, USA Top ^
Gerry, one of the world’s legendary community and economic developers has again been recognised for his community efforts. The US National Weather Service has recognised his 60 years of continuous weather recording for his community (started as a 12 year old in his home town of Ainsworth). Passionate about his small town, Gerry has a long history of practical involvement in local, regional, state and national initiatives. Gerry is also well known by many Australians for his wonderful generosity and hospitality. Congratulations mate!

Click here to down a newspaper article acknowledging his 60 years of service.
 Community Practitioner Short Course - Perth, March 12-14th 2007 Top ^
Presented by Dr Jim Cavaye, from Cavaye Community Development, the Community Practitioner Short Course is a comprehensive 3 day professional development program for community and economic development practitioners working in local government, community organisations, community centres, and state or federal agencies. The Short Course is designed to equip participants with practical “how to” understanding and skills.

Jim is one of Australia’s leading community development practitioners and educators. He has assisted a wide range of local communities across Australia and has a Ph.D. from the United States in community development and is an international speaker and author.

Click here to download more information. Click here to view the Cavaye Community Development website.
Humourous Dining Quotes Top ^
Use of Quotes can be a powerful marketing tool. At a recent meal at a Pretoria, (South Africa) Restaurant, the menu contained a wonderful range of quotes aimed at a laugh, and stimulating thought, some examples included:
  • ‘One of the nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating’ (Luciano Pavarotti)
     
  • ‘Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first’ (Ernestine Uliner)
     
  • ‘Stressed spelt backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I think not.’
9th World Congress on Art Deco Top ^

This amazing biennial event is being held in Melbourne between 15-20 April 2007. Robin Grow, President of the Art Deco Society is the key organiser. For more details contact Robin on 03 9813 4365 or robingrow@ozemail.com.au.

Peter Kenyon of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. will be presenting on the theme - 'Life in the Past Lane - Preservation of art deco buildings and the use of architectural assets for economic development'.

Click here to view the Art Deco Society website. Click here to download the Canberra and Sydney pre-Congress programmes.
Strategies for Inclusive Recreation - Mandurah, WA, 27th February 2007 Top ^
'Strategies for Inclusive Recreation' is the title of the 2nd session in the Professional Development Series presented by the Local Government Community Services Association - WA.

Being held in Mandurah on Tuesday, 27th February 2007, the topics include:

  • What is Inclusive Recreation?
  • Fair Play Strategies
  • Department of Sport & Recreation Working in Partnership
  • Disability Services Commission, City of Swan & DADAA
  • Captivate Project
  • WALGA Beach Wheelchairs, Lessons Learnt

Members and non-members are invited to attend. Click here to download more details.
Mary Nelson - Asset Based Community Development for Church Communities Top ^
During Mary’s recent visit to Australia as part of the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) series of training events, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S., sponsored two ‘ABCD for Church Communities’ workshops in Melbourne and Perth.

Click here to download a copy of Mary's PowerPoint presentation (1.4mb).
Life in the Past Lane Top ^
Click here to enlarge image Click here to enlarge image Peter Kenyon of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. and David Wilson of Heritage Futures International in New Zealand have joined forces to present one day workshops entitled 'Life in the Past Lane'.

The Workshop features great examples and resources from across the globe on utilising heritage for community and economic development.

Key areas covered include:

  • Using Appreciative Inquiry to discover the heritage gems of your community and how to build on them
  • Making it do-able. Creating & implementing a way forward using heritage as an economic asset
  • Using drama to tell stories of your community

For further information on holding a 'Life in the Past Lane' workshop in your community, contact Peter Kenyon (Aust) pk@bankofideas.com.au or David Wilson (NZ) david@heritageatwork.com.

Click on images to enlarge.
Dunolly -  A Great Little Town Top ^
This wonderful Central Goldfields town has produced an excellent DVD to highlight its benefits to both residents and visitors. Tom O'Toole officially launched it in the town 13 February.

It is produced by Phillip Ashton of Imagelink. Phillip is a long term resident and champion for the town, an has been the artistic genius behind many DVD's / videos highlighting rural revitalisation business and community case studies.

For details, contact Phillip on (03) 3468 1005 or email him on phillip@imagelink.com.au.

Tragic Death of David Rattray Top ^
Early this year, the legendry David Rattray was murdered by six intruders to his property in South Africa - Fugitives Drift Lodge. What an incredible tragedy for his family, friends and the world. David was not only one of the leading experts on the Boer War and Anglo-Zulu war, but was probably one of the world's most outstanding storytellers.

For many of us who had the privilege and pleasure of sitting spellbound on Mt Isandlwana as he recounted South African history know that this person brought history alive. His venture - Fugitves Drift Lodge ia a superb example of heritage tourism.

Our condolences to his wife Nicky and family. Thank you David for the way you illustrated the power of the story.

Click here to view a newspaper article reporting his death.
Inspirational Stories of Young People Making a Difference Top ^
History and contemporary society is full of amazing stories of young people who have made a huge difference to their world. The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is beginning to collect these stories and circulate them. Did you know for example:
  • Joan of Arc lead 3,000 French knights to victory in the Battle of Orleans at age 17
  • Mozart composed his first symphony at age 6
  • Einstein wrote his first paper on the theory of relativity at age 16
  • Steven Spielberg wrote and directed his first large scale movie – ‘Firelight’ at age 16.

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is beginning to collect and circulate such stories. A new website section called Inspirational Stories of Young People Making a Difference has been created.

It contains stories like Thomas who was an eight year old who struggled physically. Both fellow students and teachers continually ridiculed him for his perceived slowness. Below is Thomas' story.

 

Thomas

Thomas as an eight year old was a sickly child and struggled due to his partial deafness. Academically he lagged behind his peers. Both fellow students and teachers continuously ridiculed him for his perceived slowness.

One day Thomas returned home from school with a note from his school principal explaining he was being expelled from school due to his slowness and poor academic performance. His mother responded by teaching Thomas at home within a loving and accepting environment. Soon, Thomas started to develop a new appreciation of learning, and began devising new inventions.

When Thomas finally died, an entire nation – The USA – honoured him by switching off the lights throughout the USA for one minute. This Thomas was Thomas Alva Edison, inventor of the light bulb and phonograph.

 

A great story of achievement, perseverance and a mother who focused on assets not deficiencies.

If you have a story, please share it with us.

Click here to read more Inspirational Stories of Young People Making a Difference.
Great Symbol of ABCD - Half Full/Half Empty Glass Top ^
Ric Thompson of Inclusion Works in Townsville has an interesting idea - the construction of a half full/half empty glass that can sit on one's desk constantly reminding one of this symbolism.

Click here to download a copy of his letter to Peter Kenyon -  a great read, and maybe you have the answer. Let Ric and Peter know.
Janette Hartz-Karp Top ^
Janette is considered by the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. as one of the best global exponents of community engagement methodologies. Janette was a keynote presenter at the recent MAV Conference – For the People, By the People.

Two of Janette’s most useful handouts at the conference which help demystify the various methodologies can now be downloaded by clicking on the titles below:

To contact Janette, email her on j.hartz-karp@murdoch.edu.au. 

Importance of Toilets Top ^
The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has always been preoccupied with public toilets!!

There is no doubt that attractive and clean looking toilets are instrumental in stopping and locking people into a community - a critical infrastructure priority for any community.

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is asked on weekly basis for pictures of toilets. So we have created a special photo gallery on our website devoted to funky and interesting toilets.

If you have a photo of an interesting one, please contribute it to the collection so others can develop that anal interest.

Click here to view the Toilets photo gallery.
ABCD In Action Top ^
Helen Stein is a proud member of the NSW community of San Remo. As part of her Masters Social Science degree, with a major in Community Development she completed a thesis entitled 'Changing Places – a story of connection and change'.

Her thesis documents a story of community change in her small, working class suburb located on the Central Coast of NSW. Some of the change process has been focused around the development of a community garden, on what was formerly waste land. It is a story of dedication and commitment – by both workers and the local community.

Helen has been part of the beautification and community garden project since the early days of the first letter drop. She is currently the Public Officer and actively gardens whenever she can.

Click here to download an extract of Helen's thesis.
Lead On Kalamunda Top ^
The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. continues to be a corporate sponsor of this amazing youth initiative, congratulations to Lyndsey Jackson, for all her wonderful efforts as its first Manager in creating the organisation. Lyndsey returns back to her home community, Moonta, South Australia in early March – just before the birth of her first child. Best wishes Lyndsey with motherhood and your new youth development initiatives on the Yorke Peninsula.

Below is the ambitious two year program for Lead On Kalamunda:

  1. Coordination of Youth Community Projects
  • Bi monthly Community Newspaper
  • Youth Week activities – joint project work Kalamunda Shire
  • Youth marketing project
  • Re-establishment of local Rotaract organisation – joint project with local Rotary
  • Club Support for individual and group youth projects
  • School holiday skill development workshops
  • Promotion of ‘Community Door’ Program – creating youth specific board / committee positions for young people
  1. Provision of support for school based community service and business door programs
  • Supporting School Based Community initiatives within the six high schools in the Shire
  • Establishing a Business Door Initiative with Kalamunda High School
  1. Promotion of the ruMAD? (Are You Making a Difference?) program within Kalamunda Shire primary and secondary schools
  • Provision of information and teacher support to all primary and secondary schools (32 schools)
  • Coordination of a Kalamunda MAD day
  1. Coordination of community and business based projects (projects supported and suggested by local business)
  • Environmental award
  • Music festival
  • Art/anti graffiti project
  • Business/Enterprise project
  • Joint initiatives with Kalamunda Chamber of Commerce
  1. Provision of assistance to other communities interested in promoting youth / community development and action
Request for Economic Model Top ^
Geoff Hall from Mawsons in Cohuna Vic emailed recently asking if Bank of I.D.E.A.S. could recommend an economic model which would provide them with a method of determining the value of a company in the community.

If you think you can help Geoff, he can be contacted on 03 54 562409 or ghall@mawsons.com.au.
Death of Russell Mouritz Top ^

In late November, the legendary community and economic developer Russell Mouritz died. His contribution to building a small isolated town, Hyden, into a worldwide known success story was immense. Russell was instrumental in developing this town’s unique advantage, Wave Rock, into an Australian iconic tourism attraction. Russell was opportunity obsessed.

Click here to download a copy of the story of the Hyden Tourism Development Company from the publication ‘Good Enough Never Is’. It summarises his spirit, creativity and above all commitment to his home town.

Once asked, ‘Based on your 40 years of community enterprise, what advice would you give to other towns seeking rejuvenation, he simply replied – “Do your homework, walk your talk, aim high and never, never give up”.

Our condolences to his family and the community of Hyden.

‘Youth Empowerment and Participation in Development – Getting Beyond the Rhetoric and Slogans’ – An International Symposium Top ^
This international event is being planned for 28th October – 2November, 2007 in Goa, India. It will be an incredible opportunity for young people, youth policy makers and youth program practitioners.

Click here to download for more details.

Think about participation, and above all sponsoring a young person to attend.

It will be organised through the office of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. on behalf of the International Council for National Youth Policy.

To express an interest or gain more details, contact Peter Kenyon pk@bankofideas.com.au.

Heritage – for – Peace Tour Guiding in the Pacific – Asia Region: Whence and Whither Top ^
Click here to download a proposal from Arthur Gillette, former member of UNESCO’s cultural heritage division, and a person passionate about appropriate cultural tourism.

Arthur’s proposal relates to improving tour guiding practice in Asia – Pacific Region, and in particular how guiding practice contributes to the good management of tourism in terms of social and cultural integrity and visitor education for understanding and peace.

If you have any comments on Arthur’s proposal and awareness of possible funding options contact Arthur Gillette on Armedv@aol.com.

The Save Goa Campaign Top ^
Albert Einstein once said – ‘The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because people don’t do anything about it’.

For Peter and Pamela Kenyon, it was a privilege and a great learning experience to become involved with a group of Goa citizens who declared 'no way!' when they discovered that corrupt politicians in league with developers were instigating a wholesale auction of their beloved Goa to the highest bidder – actions that threatened the very nature and identity of Goa. With limited resources, but with bucket loads of commitment and passion to protect the unique environment and beauty of their site, the Save Goa movement (Goa Bachao Abhiyan) took on the unholy alliance of developers and the State Government. Through the actions of ‘people power’ they won forcing the Government to withdraw their proposed destructive regional plan which would have changed the face of Goa forever.

The Save Goa Campaign has a major printing bill to pay and the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is planning a fund raising dinner in Perth in mid March to help with this expense. If anyone would like to attend and / or contribute, please ring Pamela Kenyon on 08 6293 1848. The fund raiser will include a photographic exhibition on the Campaign.

Thank you Goa Bachao Abhigan for demonstrating that ‘people power’ can overcome injustice, greed and community apathy and for being a contemporary illustration of the words of Albert Einstein.
Railton – One of Australia’s Inspirational ‘Can Do’ Small Towns Top ^
Thanks to Erin Hurley, Secretary of the Railton and Districts Development Association Inc for the latest update on Railton, Tasmania. Railton is simply a town ‘that did’. Recognising the need for a unique attraction, they have opted to become the ‘Town of Topiary’. Through community and business collaboration efforts, they now have 130 stunning topiary features through the town. The feature has been adopted by community members and local businesses and enhanced through:
  • free topiary maps
  • free topiary tours for bus groups
  • building free topiary frames - once a week community members gather in a shed and over a dinner and lots of wine and new frames are built
  • exhibition at the Melbourne International Arts Festival
  • production of a 30 second TV advertisement produced in cooperation with the local Apex Club.

For more information about this great town, click here to check out their website or contact Erin Hurley on Erin.T.Hurley@cemaust.com.au. Click here to view the Railton and Districts Development Association Inc Newsletters.
Business Retention and Expansion (BR + E) Visitation Program Top ^
In early February, Peter Kenyon was invited to present at a Business Retention and Expansion (BR + E) Conference organised by the South African Department of Trade and Industry. The purpose of this event was to promote BR+E concepts and help define the elements of a National BR+E Program.

BR+E as a community and economic development tool was first introduced in 1976 by the New Jersey Bell Telephone company as a way of instigating conversation with local businesses about what helps and what hinders their operation with a local community. Since 1996, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has actively promoted this tool, and helped develop specific programs for Australia, New Zealand and Zulu Natal in South Africa.

A Kit containing Program Manuals, DVD, Surveys and BR & E Publications is available for $299.00 from the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Click here to order.

June 3 – 6, 2007 is the annual conference of BR + E International, being held in Regina, Saskatchewan in Canada. The Program looks incredible. Click here for the Conference website. Let Bank of I.D.E.A.S. know if you are interested in attending and a special price will be organised for you.

Top ^

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Bank of I.D.E.A.S.

(Initiatives for the Development of Enterprising Actions & Strategies)

 14 Bird Rd, Kalamunda WA 6076

  Ph: 08 6293 1848 Fax: 08 6293 1137 E: pp@bankofideas.com.au