Community & Economic Development Matters
 
 Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Newsletter (March 2006)
 
 
Greetings

Welcome to the March 2006 edition of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Newsletter. Since our November Newsletter, the organisation has been involved in a wide range of initiatives within our three core program areas:

  • Health communities 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.

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

Quote of the Month Success Leaves Clues
Core Beliefs of Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Central Coast Community Congress 2006 
Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Community Fund  C.R.E.A.T.E.
Youth Impact Library  Kalamunda r.u. MAD? Day
Yemeni National Childhood and Youth Strategy  Festivals / Special Events 
City of Melville Community Facilitation  Looking after Volunteers
Another Great Quote   Social capital
You Don't Get a Second Chance at a First Impression  Community Planning - Great Initiative by MAV
Business Retention + Expansion Visitation Program  Millennium Kids
BREI - Annual Conference (BREI)   Great Local Initiatives
Planning for Economic Development 211/511   Mercury Centre
Kim Houghton Contact Details
Fairshare International  

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Quote of the Month

TOP^
 

'You've got to be hungry - for ideas, to make things happen and to see your vision made into reality.'

 (Anita Roddick - Founder of the Body Shop)

Click here to go to our Quote Archive Bank of I.D.E.A.S.  
 
Core Beliefs of Bank of I.D.E.A.S.   TOP^
 
Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is committed to four fundamental beliefs which influence our methodologies, namely:
 
  • Belief 1
 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.
   
  • Belief 2
 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. 
   
  • Belief 3
 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.
   
  • Belief 4
 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.
   
Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Community Fund TOP^
 
The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. as an organisation commits 10% of its profits to projects that other funders are unwilling or able to respond to quickly. The prime focus of this fund are projects designed and implemented by young people. Currently, projects being supported include a children and youth library in Ethiopia (see below), a drug education program the establishment of a youth newspaper and the Lead On Program in the Shire of Kalamunda. Bank of I.D.E.A.S. hopes other organisations and companies will also become active in the area of philanthropy.
 
Youth Impact Library TOP^
 
Many thanks to all those supporters who contributed books and or cash to enable 5000 books to be shipped to this youth led project in Ethiopia. Konjit Berhanu is an incredible youth leader who has created an amazing project. If anyone is willing to become a supporter of this project, please contact Peter Palmer on pp@bankofideas.com.au.

They particularly need help in fulfilling a monthly rent bill of US$350.00.

Click here for more details and to view the Youth Impact Library Photo Gallery.
 
Yemeni National Childhood and Youth Strategy TOP^
 
Yemen is the 16th country and the fourth Middle East country that the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has been involved with in terms of formulating a National Youth Strategy. The Yemeni Strategy is the first that follows a lifecycle framework encompassing the 0 - 24 year period, highlighting interventions that have lifetime implications, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has recently finalised the Strategy document.

Click here for a copy of the executive summary.  
 
City of Melville Community Facilitation TOP^
 
Recently, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has assisted the City of Melville with facilitation of community input into the plans for a new cultural / library hub in the Canning Bridge area. The City of Melville community development staff are exemplary in their approach to the active participation of residents in their future. The opportunity has allowed the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. to further develop a new consultation methodology, namely the World Cafe.

Click here to download for details on this great new tool. 
 
Another Great Quote TOP^
 
Great quote shared by Dana from Oklahoma Community Institute with her Christmas message.

'I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can...this is the joy of life, being used for a purpose recognised by yourself as a mighty one .... life is no brief candle to me, it is a sort of splendid torch which I've got a hold of for a moment and want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations'.
 
You Don't Get a Second Chance at a First Impression TOP^
 
This was the theme presented and illustrated by Peter Kenyon in Euchua in February as part of the workshop program of the exciting Campaspe Council community planning initiative. It was a workshop on town entrances. Peter has been studying 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of this topic for the last decade and has collected a very extensive collection of photograph's. For any other group interested in this theme and utilising Peter to stimulate creativity contact Peter Palmer at pp@bankofideas.com.au.
 
Business Retention + Expansion (BR+E) Visitation Program TOP^
 
New Zealand has become the third country where the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has introduced the BR + E Visitation Program.

This Program is an exciting community and economic development tool which involves an action-orientated and community based approach to economic development. It represents a structured approach to identifying and supporting the needs of a community’s existing businesses. The Program provides the mechanism for pinpointing the concerns, ideas and opportunities of local businesses, and a platform for response. It enables a community to demonstrate pro-business attitudes and support. A healthy local economy and an improved business climate is the long term goal of the BR+E Visitation Program.

In summary, the program allows the discovery of:

  • local business needs and concerns;
  • perceptions by local businesses about what prevents expansion;
  • identification of any businesses considering relocation outside the community and their reasons; perceptions about government actions and what helps and hinders;
  • opportunities for matchmaking between local businesses;
  • current and future labour and market needs, and good ideas people have for improving the local economy and the business environment.

The potential benefits of the BR+E Visitation Program to the local business community include:

  • knowledge that their community and local government values their presence, and is interested in their needs, concerns and ideas;
  • an opportunity to air complaints about any aspect of the local environment;
  • referral to appropriate sources of information, advice and support programs;
  • input into future local economic development decision making and action plans, and an opportunity for local business matchmaking and networking.

In early March, 21 New Zealand Mainstreet and Council Economic Development Officers participated in a one day facilitators workshop led by Peter Kenyon. Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has developed a BR & E Visitation Program resource kit containing a set of handbooks, video and software package.

For details on a purchase and future facilitator training courses, contact Peter Palmer at pp@bankofideas.com.au. 
 
Business Retention + Expansion International (BREI)- Annual Conference (BREI) TOP^
 
Speaking of Business Retention & Expansion, the BREI Annual Conference is being held in Omaha, Nebraska USA from 16-17 May 2006.

Click here to visit the BREI website for conference details.
 
Planning for Economic Development 211/511 TOP^
 
This is a course being conducted by Peter Kenyon for 38 second year Curtin University Planning students. It provides an introduction to the principles and practices of community and economic development. Key assignments include the preparation of an economic / employment or tourism plan for a defined geographic community and an essay in response to the critical question 'Does the WA Wheatbelt Have a Future?' 
 
Kim Houghton TOP^
 
Recently, Kim sent I.D.E.A.S. a copy of his wonderful paper on the closure of the Tilba Cheese Factory after 130 years of operation in the NSW small south coast town of Tilba. Copy of that paper is attached - a great illustration of the forces of globalisation, capitalisation and share holder led focuses, and how they can impact on local communities.

Kim is one of Australia's leading facilitators in terms of rural community and economic development.

Click here to down load Kim's paper. Click here to go Kim's website 'Strategic Economic Solutions'.
 
Fairshare International TOP^
 
In our last newsletter, we highlighted this incredible initiative coming out of South Australia. It provides a single framework - 5, 10, 5, 10 to personally 'make a difference' with one's lifestyle. Below is the personal story of Hayley Stevenson of why at the age of 21 she joined Fairshare International.

"Building up my Fairshare International portfolio gives me personal satisfaction and also determination to continue to lighten my ecological footprint, increase the volume of my democratic voice and redistribute my wealth and time. 5.10.5.10 offers a formula for creating an equitable lifestyle, it may not be the only formula, but it is certainly a powerful one. I hope many more people will discover 5.10.5.10 and join us as we try to make the world a more just and equal place." (Hayley Stevenson. Phd Student)

Click here to go to the Fairshare International website.
 
Success Leaves Clues TOP^
 
This easy to read new book by Glen Smyth provides a fascinating insight into some of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs and the strategies and principles which have enabled them to build businesses that now stretch across the country and throughout the world.

The phenomenal growth of the businesses featured is proven by the fact that 80% of these companies didn't even exist 15 years ago and yet collectively their turnover is now more than one billion dollars per annum!

Based on the interviews he has conducted for the Success Builders CD series it is an inspiring overview of some of Australia 's greatest current businesses! You will get insights and discover clues to the success behind BridgeClimb (Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney), Fone Zone, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, Attitude Gear and Dome Coffee shops to name just a few.

Click here to go to the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. on-line bookshop. 
 
Central Coast Community Congress 2006 - ABCD TOP^
 
Without doubt, the NSW Central Coast is a centre of national significance for use of Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) methodologies. At their first Community Congress meeting in 2002, local communities with the active participation of Wyong Council, Gosford Council and organisations like the Benevolent Society have committed strongly to making ABCD a reality. Their third Community Congress in March 2006 with the theme 'Learning, Sharing, Dreaming?' was an incredible celebration of local achievement with ABCD.

Wow, amazing what Central Coast local communities and groups have achieved, and Peter Kenyon as a key note speaker had a wonderful privilege to observe and comment on what had been achieved. Peter's 2006 address was entitled 'What's this Thing Called "Social Capital" and why is it important in Community Building Efforts?.

The Central Coast Community Congress produced a couple of incredible resources:

  • 'Building your Community: How to Get Started - An Asset Based Community Development Tool Kit'
  • 'Making Headway - stories of ABCD on the Central Coast.' (DVD)

Click here to go to the Central Coast Community Congress website
 
C.R.E.A.T.E. - Creating Rural Enterprising Attitudes Through Education TOP^
 
This initiative is certainly the biggest project currently being facilitated by Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Click here for a summary. Its 3 goals are:
  1. To demystify the concepts of ‘can – do’ and ‘being enterprising’ and their relevance regarding rural change.
  2. To encourage rural students to focus on the assets, capabilities and opportunities of their rural communities, rather than dwelling on limitations, weaknesses and deficiencies.
  3. To support rural students to respond to changing social, economic and employment circumstances by encouraging self-initiative and the consideration of self-employment as a career option for remaining in, or returning to rural Australia.

Currently schools in the Wheatbelt (WA), Hay District (Central NSW), West Coast (Tas) and Western Districts (Vic) are involved.

This exciting initiative is made possible through the generous support of the Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Tom O'Toole - the Beechworth Baker and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.
 
Kalamunda ru MAD? Day TOP^
 
Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is committed to helping the Education Foundation (based in Melbourne) extend their incredible program r.u.MAD? across Australia. Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is building r.u.MAD? into its C.R.E.A.T.E. Initiative (see above), and has also committed resources to establish an annual Kalamunda MAD Day involving schools in our local home town. It is planned for October 2006 during Education Week, and Lyndsey Jackson will be working 1 day a week on this initiative. Contact Lyndsey on 08 6293 1848 (office) or 0400 329 894 (mobile) or email her at lj@bankofideas.com.au. Click here to download a copy of the latest Kalamunda r.u. MAD? Newsletter.
 
Festivals / Special Events TOP^
 
Trying to stimulate some creativity about a possible new local festival / special event, click here to download a copy of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. '78 Great Special Event Ideas' bulletin. 
 
Looking after Volunteers TOP^
 

‘Volunteers are so essential a part of the complex mechanism of our communities that without them the whole fabric of society would be placed at risk’

(Sir Ninian Stephens - Former Australian Governor General)

Recruiting, supporting and acknowledging volunteers is so vital. Click here to download a copy of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. '45 Ideas to Acknowledge' Volunteers' bulletin. 
 
Social Capital TOP^
 
Social capital represents those human transactions between people. They make for healthier and connected lives. Have you got the latest Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Info Sheets:

Click an Info Sheet to download.
 
Community Planning - Great Initiative by Municipal Association of Victoria TOP^
 
Peter Kenyon has had a tremendous opportunity to be involved with the MAV on the development of their statewide program to foster community planning.

Community Planning is defined as:

‘A process where the people (i.e. the community) arrive at group vision, priorities and actions to achieve positive change that will enhance the physical, social and economic well being of the community. It is a dynamic, interactive and participatory process intended to make the quality of life better for all members of the community’. 

The basic elements include are:

  • process is owned by the community and usually aided by local government support and facilitation
  • scope is a ‘whole of community wellbeing’ priorities rather than on one particular issue or project
  • focus is both on the needs / deficiencies and assets / strengths of the community
  • widespread community input is achieved via a range of participatory initiatives (not just one community meeting)
  • community priorities are identified democratically and through consensus
  • a community plan is provided outlining community values, strategic priorities, tasks, implementation requirements and resources
  • planning is linked to implementation and action
  • a regular review process occurs to evaluate programs against indicators and update priorities.

Obvious benefits include:

  • Identification of community vision, directions and priorities
  • Enhanced community ownership and shared responsibility
  • Enhanced community confidence and resilience
  • Linkage between planning and action
  • Linking of local community plans with Council plans
  • Increased knowledge, understanding and skills by local residents
  • Development of local leaders / community builders
  • Increased sense of belonging and levels of social capital
  • Stronger network development within, and across communities.

Click here to download a copy of Peter Kenyon's presentation notes (images removed) on community planning.

For more information on the MAV initiative contact John Hennessy - jhennessy@mav.asn.au
 
Millennium Kids TOP^
 
What a great organisation and a wonderful resource. Millennium Kids is a non-profit, non-government association based in Perth WA. It is run by young people and was established in response to the demand for a greater say about the environment and the world.

Click here to download a information sheet about Millennium Kids.

For more details their email contact is info@millenniumkids.com.au . Click here to go to the Millennium Kids website
 
Great Local Initiatives TOP^
 
Congratulations to our local member, Stuart Henry, federal member for Hasluck for introducing the Hasluck Leadership Award - an annual opportunity for two local Year 11 students to spend 5 days in Canberra meeting senior Government Ministers and touring significant Canberra sites. The visit to Canberra was made possible through the generous support of Amadeus Energy, Qantas, Rinnai and local Chambers of Commerce.

The Midland Redevelopment Authority (MRA) amongst its many innovative projects has always had a strong focus on the creative use of public art. They have recently produced an amazing 28 page brochure capturing their first eight public art projects. In the words of the MRA Chairperson, Fred Affleck - 'the artworks engage, surprise and delight both locals and visitors, helping us to see the place differently and appreciate it all the more'. The  brochure is available from MRA Ph 08 93745500 and you can click here to see images of some of the public art.
 
Mercury Centre - A New Community and Economic Development Service TOP^
 
The Mercury Centre , a not for profit co-operative, is offering a new community economic development service to assist the communities of small towns to purchase, if need be, those businesses which are vital to their futures and to 'own and operate' them as a community co-operative. The Centre also assists retiring business owners transfer their business through sales to their employees as a way of ensuring business continuity and securing jobs in regional communities.

The program is similar to one being offered in the UK details about which can be obtained from the NSW Government 'Community Builders' website - Click here to view.

For more information and to obtain a copy of a fact sheets which contain 20 examples contact Alan Greig, Director, Ownership Strategies at the Mercury Centre (alan.greig@mercury.org.au).

Click here to go to the Mercury Centre website.
 

 

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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