• Healthy 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.

Click here to subscribe to our mailing list, or to stop receiving this newsletter. 

'Each person has inside a basic decency and goodness. If he listens to it and acts on it, he is giving a great deal of what it is the world needs most. It is not complicated, but it takes courage. It takes courage for a person to listen to his own goodness and act on it.'

(Pablo Casals, Spanish Conductor)

• use of the Bulls name:
   

  Toilet	Police	Bank	Childcare	Childcare

   

• use of murals
   

For more information on Bulls, contact their dynamic Mainstreet Co-ordinator - Bronwyns Meads - email coordinator@paradise.net.nz

Due to circumstances beyond our control Peter Kenyon will be in Somalia on Monday 11 September, 2006, and as such the Perth (WA) BR+E - Facilitator Training Course will now be held on Monday 23rd October 2006 at the Kalamunda Community Seminar & Youth Art Space.
 

The workshop facilitator will be Peter Kenyon, Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Managing Director and the first Australian accredited BR+E International facilitator and national trainer. Besides designing an Australian version of this international tool, Peter has written a program for New Zealand and South Africa.

The BR & E Visitation Program is an exciting community based economic development initiative, used extensively throughout USA, Canada, South Africa and a number of European countries. Since 1998 it has emerged as an economic and employment development strategy in four states of Australia. 

Research has shown that 70% plus of new jobs are created by existing businesses and as such a BR & E Visitation Program allows a community to demonstrate pro-business support for existing local businesses. It involves the mobilisation of local volunteers who undertake a systematic business visitation program that enables local businesses to share what helps and hinders local business activity, and to gather ideas to enhance local business life.

The BR & E Visitation Program utilises a structured interview process by a community volunteer process that allows the discovery of:

• Local business needs and concerns Local economic development priorities
• Perceptions by local businesses that prevent expansion Any business considering relocation outside the community and why
• Perceptions about local government actions - what helps and hinders
• Opportunities for matchmaking local business Current and future labour and market needs
• Good ideas people have for improving the local economy and the business environment.

The BR + E Visitation Program is a valuable tool for any community committed to engaging in community planning, and are wanting input from the business community. It is also a wonderful way to enhance resident awareness and interest in issues related to the local economy.

Click here for more information or to register for the workshop.

Similar one day courses will also be held in November in:

• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Adelaide
• Launceston; and
• Christchurch (New Zealand)

If you are interested in getting details contact Peter Palmer pp@bankofideas.com.au.

Below is the definition of Community Planning.

Click here to download more details or contact Jan on 08 9450 3620.

Led by Jody Kretzmann and two of his colleagues (Mary Nelson from Bethel Green Project) and Jim Diers, Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle), the courses will be run in:

• Sydney (30 November - 1 December, 2006)
• Melbourne (5 - 6 December, 2006)

For more information on the Melbourne event contact Peter Palmer - pp@bankofideas.com.au,and for the Sydney event Judi Geggie - Judi.Geggie@newcastle.edu.au.

Earlier this year, with the help of a wide range of people and community organisations, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. assisted in the collection of books which were subsequently shipped to the Library.

We are pleased to advise that, after some delay due to custom issues, the library has finally received the shipment of over 5000 books. Konjit Berhanu, who is leading the team in Ethiopia recently sent an email when the shipment arrived part of which appears below.

We are all extremely excited about the arrival of the books. There are extraordinary valuable and helpful books in the boxes. I would like to extend to you my heartfelt deepest gratitude for all your hard work to get the books to us, its worth all the efforts. You have made my heart glad thanks again from my heart. Our shelves will no more be empty now thanks to you and all that supported. The library would not have been existed without the help we are getting from people at bank of ideas. Many young people are blessed by your support. Thanks a lot.

Click here for more information about the library project and to view the photo gallery.

He has included new segments, updated existing segments and included additional exercises. It is not just a book, it's a practical workbook that can be used in any office to help set and maintain professional telephone standards and behaviour.

'Terrific Telephone Techniques' covers the steps you and your team need to take to consistently provide terrific service over the phone. Click here to order through our on-line bookshop.

Hi Peter

The honour was all ours to have you here in Bulls. Everyone who attended thought you were fantastic and as a result are absolutely fizzing. I met with a woman this week with her ideas that came out of your presentation. It is very exciting and she has mind mapped out her vision and I helped her add a few more things to the map. It involves mechanical bull riding and a bulls steak restaurant. We have a local who has won a beef award so she is going to tap into that. It really is something I believe could be big. I have just finished reading your book which I thoroughly enjoyed and wrote lots of notes out of it. The night after I met with this lady, I read the part in your book about the Overlander Steak House, and I got some good ideas from there for her. Every steak served could be branded with a bull, and I love the place mat idea and also the flags of the country of the diners, really good idea, hey and just thought the placemat could be be shaped like a bull. So many things that we can do here.

Bronwyn

Incidentally, have you read the story of the amazing Overlander Steakhouse in 'Good Enough Never Is'? Click here to order a copy through our on-line book shop.

"Town centres are endangered and worth protecting in the same way that endangered species are. People didn't realise how important they are until they are gone".

Click here to visit the Envision website.

Fairbridge is featured in a chapter of  'Good Enough Never Is' which captures its history, achievements and reasons for success.

Click here to go to their website for more information. Click here to go to our on-line bookshop to order your copy of 'Good Enough Never Is'.

The first major project of Lead On will be the production of a monthly newspaper called 'Kalamunda Community Matters', written and produced by young people it will go out to 20,000 households in 16 communities that comprise the Shire of Kalamunda. The newspaper has a distinct philosophical basis. Click here to download a copy.

Old Gaol Toilet

This was the theme of a presentation by Peter Kenyon at a recent event in Waipukurau, New Zealand organised by Trudy Kirk, Manager of Central Hawkes Bay Promotions. 100 plus people from a variety of towns in Central Hawkes Bay gathered for this event - a great opportunity to focus on what builds a healthy, inclusive and enterprising community.

Click here to check out a copy of Peter's presentation slides.

While on that part of New Zealand, Peter was amazed at the quality and diversity of their tourism product. Examples that excited Peter included :

• their annual Sea, Sky and Bush Walk (a three day event) Click here to visit their website.
   
• the amazing toilet at Onga Onga - an old Gaol which is part of an incredible heritage complex.

• Porangahau - home of the longest place in the world. Porangahau's famous hill, Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu.

Wondering what the name means? The name means:

‘The hilltop where Tamatea, with big knees, conqueror of mountains, eater of land, traveller over land and sea, played his koauau (flute) to his beloved’. Tamatea's beloved was in fact his brother who was killed during a battle in the area.'

Central Hawkes Bay promotes itself as 'Unwind Country' - so appropriate. Visiting New Zealand, do not miss this part. For more information, click here to check out their website.

“Last Friday we attended the opening of Fundani's new restaurant. This is a great venture in faith for him and the first restaurant in the black township of Zwelihle, Hermanus.

It was a wonderful occasion with great ambience and really good food. We sat around the fire in the "Boma" sipping our drinks, listening to the story-teller, and the beating of drums. Fundani welcomed everyone.

He was congratulated on the quality of his "service" and he said that it was as a result of Tom O'Toole's video which had changed his life.

So there you have it, Tom and Christine. Your ripples spread far and wide. Thank you very much.”

If you have not seen Tom’s video’s, click here to go to our on-line bookshop and think about ordering – they are incredible resources.

Incidentally, Tom is a CREATE Initiative sponsor, and has made available his video set at a very cheap price for C.R.E.A.T.E.’s 25 schools.

This event is only held every six years. Peter Kenyon had the privilege of participating in 1986, and considers it the most important leadership development experience of his life. The Conference brings together some 200 people from more than 40 Commonwealth countries who are expected to assume significant positions of leadership in their countries within 5 to 10 years.

Drawn from businesses, trade unions, public and community service, participants work closely together in investigating the relationship between people, enterprises and the community in the context of the Conference theme. In this extensive study environment they find that their established opinions and perceptions are challenged and broadened. This 2 week residential Conference will open in New Delhi on 16th March and conclude at the same location on 29th March 2007.

The middle week of the Conference will involve study tours with members traveling to one of 14 separate regions – 9 in India, 3 in Malaysia and 2 in Singapore.

The Conference involves long hours extensive travel and there is no opportunity for work or private activities. Members are not permitted to be accompanied by partners.

All travel, accommodation and meal costs from arrival in to departure form New Delhi will be met by the Conference organisers.

Applications close of September 11th 2006.

Click here to go to the Tenth Commonwealth Study Conference website for further Information and application forms.

A great example of a C.R.E.A.T.E. enterprising project is occurring at Derrinallum School in Victoria. Here the Principal, Michael Casterton is utilising the C.R.E.A.T.E. framework and resources with his year 11/12 Marketing class. Their project is to redesign the school's entrances and first impressions to make the school more community friendly. It involves physical features, signage etc. Michael has given them an initial budget of $1000. A great and practical project.

The entire C.R.E.A.T.E. Resource File will soon be available on the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. website. Click here for a summary of the C.R.E.A.T.E. Initiative.

Click here for more info on the SIP idea.

Click here to download a copy. Thanks Alan for the information.

Click here to check out their website, and when visiting Wellington include this restaurant. You will not be disappointed, and you will come away richer in the knowledge of Maori cuisine and values. Peter is planning to lead a study tour in mid 2007 to New Zealand focusing on Indigenous economic development - Kai in the City will be in the itinerary. Interested in getting information on the study tour, email Peter Palmer - pp@bankofideas.com.au.

For details contact Cindy Gorton (Learning Centre Link) cindy@learningcentrelink.asn.au and Myra Crake (Local Government Community Services Association) lgcsawa@lgmawa.org.au.

Imagine Virginia provides the community with assistance to help with flood recovery, plus an opportunity to plan for the future. Mary has been appointed the Community Development Officer with the project and has instigated an amazing process called MAP IT!

Peter Kenyon spent 3 days working with Mary, helping the community envision their desired future, and identify priority actions.

The Chinese write the word crisis with two characters - one means 'danger', the other 'opportunity'. Together they spell crisis.

It is a fabulous local story telling resource. This concept could be replicated. For a copy contact Sandy Beath-Croft at sandy.beathcroft@huttcity.govt.nz. Cost is NZD$15.00

Click here to go to the Shire of Yalgoo website for more information about Yalgoo.

Click here to download for a copy of Peter's presentation. For a copy of Bundaberg’s Lead On projects, contact Rod Ainsworth on 07 4154 0447 or email mail@starfiresolutions.com.au.

Lead On is a wonderful model for creating opportunities for local young people to be seen and heard to lead and do. Click here to go to the Lead On website.

Hyden’s achievements are summarized on their 60th Anniversary Report – Click here to download a copy. Click here to down load a copy of the World Cafe technique.

Just do it Think yes, not no Challenge yourself Change the world, even in a small way Do the right thing Make a difference Be fair in all your dealings Put family and the team first Pick the right people and reward talent Live life to the full Have fun

Below is an excerpt of his story and philosophy.

‘I was brought up to think we could all change the world. I believed that it was our duty to help others and to do good when we could. I’m sure my headmaster was stunned when I wrote a long report about how he could run the school better. I ended with the words, “I would be very interested in your views on this, and any money saved could be put towards my next plan . . .”

He didn’t laugh, or even cane me for my cheek. He handed me back my report and said dryly, “Very good, Branson. Put it in the school magazine.”

Instead, I left school and started my own magazine. I wanted to use it as a platform to change things’.

Click here to order your copy through our on-line bookshop.

For more information on Derby's Revitalization Strategy contact John Silver - jsilver@kdc.wa.gov.au.

Click here to download her bio data and workshop themes. For those interested in utilising her their is also a DVD available about Bethel New Life which features Mary, please contact Peter Palmer - pp@bankofideas.com.au.

Click here to download a copy of the resources guide, and for copies of the first two publications:

• 'Building the Future Through Enterprise - Stories of Successful Indigenous Enterprises and Entrepreneurs'
• 'Exploring the Future Through Enterprise - Indigenous organisations embarking on the Enterprise Journey'

contact Nerida (DEWR) - IEDS_Enquiries@dewr.gov.au

Free copies are available from VicHealth. Click here to go to their website.

The Statement gave the following directions:

1. Small or Disadvantaged Communities ‘ACC’s should give priority to developing initiatives and Regional Partnership applications that assist small (with populations of less than 5000) or disadvantaged communities. An emphasis on local knowledge rather than relying only on socio-economic indicators will be important. One area ACC’s should consider the adequacy of local community infrastructure and services.’
    
2. Supporting Local Youth Leadership ‘Building youth capacity and local youth leadership is important for creating sustainable regional futures for young people and their communities. The ACC’s and local business and organisations should play an important role in mentoring young people and encouraging greater participation of youth in their communities and regions as one of the cornerstones for building local community capacity.’
    
3. Economic Development and Skill Development ACC’s should give priority to developing initiatives and Regional Partnerships applications that contribute to economic growth and to the development of job skills.’
    
4. Indigenous Communities ‘Key priorities are:

• Early childhood intervention improving primary health ad educational outcomes;
• Safe communities (including issues of authority, governance and law); and
• Reducing dependency on passive welfare and boosting employment and economic developments.’

For more information and clarification, contact your local Area Consultative Committee. Click here for a list of Area Consultative Committees and their roles.

The philosophy behind the website is to contain as little information as possible, but to provide a logical sequence of links to information rich sites in regional WA. Private businesses, Visitor Centres and other industry associations can all be promoted on the site free of charge simply by providing a reciprocal link to the tourist radio website.

Click here to find out how your town can be added to their WA Holiday Planner or contact Managing Director, Barry Green on 08 9731 7006 or email barry@touristradio.com.au.

September will see Peter spend several weeks in East Africa. Firstly, Peter will lead a UN Mission to the war torn country Somalia to develop a National Youth Strategy. Peter admits to being a little apprehensive about the assignment given the chaos in the country. This will make it 19th country that the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has been involved with in terms of National Youth Policy Formulation.

Secondly, Peter will be a speaker at the World Youth Employment Summit (YES) in Nairobi, Kenya on the topic 'Building an Entrepreneurial Culture' and facilitating a workshop 'Capacity Building - experiences of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. in Community Development'.

Click here to go to the YES Summit website.