Humour                                                                                                     Top ^

Some great humour from a restaurant placemat in Bahrain.

Answering Machine Recorded Messages

1) Hello you have reached Jim and Sonya. We can’t pick up the phone right now, because we’re doing something we really enjoy. Sonya likes doing it up and down, and I like doing it left to right… really slowly. So leave a message and when we’re done brushing our teeth we’ll get back to you.

2) Hi, this is John. If you are the phone company, I’ve already sent the money. If you are my parents, please send money. If you are the financial aid institution, you didn’t lend me enough money. If you are a female, don’t worry, I have plenty of money.

Signs ‘n Slogans

Over a gynecologist’s office: “Dr Jones at your cervix.

On a plumber’s truck: “We repair what your husband fixed.”

Pizza shop slogan: “7 days without pizza makes one weak.

Outside a car muffler shop: “No appointment necessary. We hear you coming.

In a veterinarian’s waiting room: “Be back in 5 minutes. Sit Stay!”

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Community Development Fund                             Top ^

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. contributes 10% of its income to supporting community development projects that find difficulty attracting support or require a speedy response.  Currently support is being given to four overseas and local based projects –

• the creation of a Children’s and Youth Library in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (see below)
• the provision of technical assistance on ‘waste management and local job creation’ in Goa, India (see below)
• the creation of a community book retail enterprise in Goa, India
• the creation of a Kalamunda MAD (Make A Difference) Day and the introduction of the r.u.MAD? Program of the Education Foundation into Western Australia (see below).

IMPACT Children and Youth Library  (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)          Top ^

Readers of our last two newsletters will have heard about this initiative of a young dynamic Ethiopian, Konjit Berhanu and her vision to create a library facility in the sub city of Addis called Ledeta, with 80,000 children and young people and no real public library facilities.  Through the determination of Konjit and support of her God, the Library opens this Saturday – 26^th November!  Thanks to those people who have contributed money or books.  Three cubic metres of books (approximately 2000 books, including 12 sets of encyclopedias) leave the Port of Fremantle for Ethiopia next Friday.

Konjit still needs more assistance. What about thinking of contributing to one of the following –

Click here for more details or email Peter Palmer at pp@bankofideas.com.au to donate.

Great Resource: Fair Share International                                                      Top ^

Thanks to Helen Bowen, a supporter of the Ethiopian Library project in Adelaide, we became aware of a wonderful organisation – Fair Share International – click here for their website.

Fair Share International is a global human rights organisation like no other.  It takes a stand for a fair share for everyone, always, and is against the unjust distribution and misuse of the world’s resources – money, water, energy and minerals.

It seeks to achieve this by the following 4 goals –

• a decrease in the gap between rich and poor
• a better use of the earth’s resources
• more ethical connections with others
• conservation of the natural environment and threatened species.

The Fair Share community uses the formula of 5.10.5.10 to put their four goals –

  5      redistribute your personal wealth by giving away at least 5% of your gross annual income to any number of programs to provide assistance to disadvantaged people and communities or a cause related to the environment

10      reduce your use of water, energy and material by at least 10%

  5      build community through contributing at least 5% of your leisure time in direct face to face assistance

10      take significant democratic action at least 10 times per year to correct practices associated with greed and injustice that hurt people and the environment (eg, letters to editor and politicians, join a protest etc).

WOW, What a great formula! Worth thinking about.

Overseas Study Tour  (Canada)                                                           Top ^

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. is currently organising a Rural Economic Development Strategy Tour to Canada in April 2005. Canada and Australia share many common institutions and we have much to learn from each other regarding rural development.

The tour is planned to take place from the 4^th – 14^th April 2006 and will incorporate visits to a range of interesting rural economic development projects in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario, plus participation in a three day conference in Collingwood entitled ‘Ontario Rural Development Conference – “Community Building Through Innovation’.  The inclusive cost is approximately $6000. To register your interest, or for more details contact Peter Palmer at pp@bankofideas.com.au or on 08 6293 1848 (office), 040 777 9428 (mob).

C.R.EA.T.E. Initiative                                                                               Top ^

C.R.E.A.T.E. stands for – Creating Rural Enterprising Attitudes Through Education.  This ‘education for enterprise’ program for rural communities / schools was designed by Peter Kenyon (Bank of I.D.E.A.S.) and Michael O’Meara (MOHOW) over four years ago.  A range of groups have utilised its five theme framework –

• appreciating change in rural Australia
• understanding myself and my strengths
• exploring my community as a place of opportunity
• discovering what it means to be an enterprising person, community and business
• testing and tasting the enterprise option.

The Department of Education, Science and Technology have selected the program as one of their programs for their Enterprising Learning for the 21^st Century Initiative.  Wiebe Tillman, Lindsay McNeil and Brenda Hampson are working part time with the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. to update curriculum and the C.R.E.A.T.E. toolbox and implement it within some pilot regions currently schools in the Wheatbelt (WA), Murchison (WA), Western Districts (Victoria), Central NSW and West Coast of Tasmania  are interested in using the program, framework and tools.

Click here for more details

Waste Management and Local Employment (Goa, India)

 - visit by Warren Snow                                                                          Top ^

Goa is one of those local paradises, but its beauty and quality of life is being threatened by poor attitudes relating to local and visitor behaviours to litter and waste management.  There is an active Goa Action Group advocating positive initiatives in this field.

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Community Fund is supporting a visit by one of the world’s leading practitioners in this field, Warren Snow, from the Envision New Zealand organisation.  Warren has a twenty year history being involved with community waste management and job creation initiatives.  During Warrens visit, he will be meeting with local activists and politicians and propose some actions.

National Children and Youth Strategy (Yemen)                                 Top ^

This week, Bank of I.D.E.A.S. continues its involvement with the formulation of the National Strategies / Policies and its link to the Middle East when Peter Kenyon travels to Yemen to help with the facilitation of the Yemeni National Children and Youth Strategy.  The project is an initiative of the Government of Yemen, UNICEF and World Bank.  This represents the 16^th country where Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has helped facilitate their National Youth Strategy. 

Yemen is a country of challenge.  It is amongst the poorest countries in the world with a GDP per capita of US$460 and chronic poverty levels – 40% of the population live below the poverty line and 25% below the food poverty line.

The youth challenges are also daunting – children and young people make up 76% of total population, 60% of children and youth suffer from poor health, education and employment options, manifesting in severe malnutrition, high increase of preventable diseases, low enrolment rates in primary and basic education, high illiteracy and declining prospects.  There are 4.5 million young people (15 – 24), most require jobs and many are being attracted to more radical and violent forms of change (fuelled also by this stupid and insane war in Iraq!!)

A bit of challenge!

Bahrain Youth Development                                                                  Top ^

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. continues its support of the Bahraini General Organisation of Youth and Sports and UNDP office.  During October, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. developed the Action Plan for the Bahrain Youth Strategy, design of new youth structures and prepared a handbook for the Bahraini National Youth Parliament.

Municipal Association of Victoria – Community Planning                    Top ^

It has been a privilege for the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. to work with the Municipal Association of Victoria on their plans to implement a community planning strategy.

British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, recently stated that – ‘Community planning is the future of local government’.

A definition of Community Planning is – ‘A process where the people (i.e. the community) arrive at group decisions and actions to bring about changes 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’.

Key elements of Community Planning –

• 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 (How we view the glass: as half full or half empty?)
• widespread community input is achieved via a range of participatory initiatives (not just one community meeting)
• community priorities are identified democratically
• a community plan is provided outlining community values, strategic priorities, tasks, implementation requirements and resources
• a regular review process occurs to evaluate programs and update priorities.

MAV are establishing a Lighthouse program for a cluster of local councils to support the use of community planning.  A day workshop is planned for Thursday 8^th December.  For more information contact John Hennessy at MAV – email: jhennessy@mav.asn.au

Great Resource: : Lead On                                                                     Top ^

Check out their newsletter and subscribe to this youth development organisation.  It is always inspirational to see what this group is doing.  Check out the stories in this newsletter about –

-          ‘Lead on Photography’

-          ‘Loop in Bendigo’ – a weekly 4 page youth supplement in the local newspaper.

If you would like to be added to their Newsletter emailing list please email james@leadon.com.au

Great Tool

Click here for a copy of LEAD ON’s Skills Audit – great example of a tool for mobilising community skills and making community connections.

Kalamunda MAD Day (Making A Difference)                                       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. Click here for the R U MAD? Handbook)

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 for recent article in the Kalamunda Reporter.

Indigenous Enterprise                                                                             Top ^

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. had a wonderful opportunity to contribute (but above all, learn about) Indigenous Enterprise through a project with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and Indigenous Business Australia.  Bank of I.D.E.A.S. undertook research across Australia and compiled the following publications –

• Building the Future Through Enterprise - stories of successful Indigenous enterprises and entrepreneurs

• A Guide to Available Resources and Services Designed to Assist Indigenous Enterprise Development

• Exploring the Future Through Enterprise - Examples of Indigenous Organisations Taking the Risk and Embarking on the Enterprising Journey

An additional part of the project was the organisation of eight national workshops (Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin, Alice Springs, Melbourne, Adelaide and Broome) highlighting best practices and the key lessons from successful Indigenous enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Attached are four of the great stories from ‘Building the Future Through Enterprise - stories of successful Indigenous enterprises and entrepreneurs’ –

• Chewying’s Lawn and Horticulture
• Kunga’s Can Cook
• S & J Earthmoving
• TyreShield®

These stories capture so well the success, diversity and creativity of Indigenous Enterprise.  If you are working in the field of Indigenous enterprise and would find copies of the publication helpful, contact Jasmin Fielder - email: jasmin.fielder@dewr.gov.au

Examples of Best Practice in Country Pubs and Clubs                       Top ^

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has been commissioned by Tourism Western Australia to prepare a set of case studies on how rural pubs and clubs have successfully responded to change and ensured their businesses survived or thrived, with the aim of giving others in the industry ideas of what they might do in their business.  If you are aware of any interesting examples within your region, or you have experienced an outstanding pub / club anywhere in Australia or New Zealand, how about letting us know. We are looking for 15 interesting and diverse examples – contact Maria D’Souza – pk@bankofideas.com.au 

Bulls – ‘An Unbelieve – a – bull Town’                                                   Top ^

It is always a great experience to revisit and / or rediscover a community that you spent time with years ago, and see where they took their aspirations and ideas.  In 1990 (15 years ago), as Manager of the Community Employment Initiatives Unit in New Zealand, Peter Kenyon helped facilitate a meeting in the town of Bulls who were planning their positive future.  The idea of using the great name ‘Bulls’ as a marketing asset was decided upon, and so was the concept of local businesses registering and promoting their businesses with the Bull theme.

Today the town has over 100 such registered ‘bull place’ names – 35 have had a special sign produced.

Examples include – Repair–a–bull, Hospit–a–bull, Redeem–a–bull (Church), Forgive – a – bull (another Church!), Cure – a – bull (doctor), Const – a – bull (police station), Collect – a – bull, Indispens – a – bull (chemist) etc

For more ideas, contact their dynamic Bulls and Districts Coordinator, Bronwyn Meads, email – coordinator@paradise.net.nz or click here to visit their website.

Great Stories                                                                                            Top ^

The Parable of the Black Belt

A young martial artist kneeling before the Master Sensei in a ceremony to receive a hard-earned black belt. After years of relentless training, the student has finally reached a pinnacle of achievement in the discipline.

"Before granting the belt, you must pass one more test," says the Sensei.

"I am ready," responds the student, expecting perhaps one final round of sparring.

"You must answer the essential question: What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all my hard work."

The Sensei waits for more. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, the Sensei speaks. "You are not yet ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels again in front of the Sensei.

"What is the true meaning of the black belt?" asks the Sensei.

"A symbol of distinction and the highest achievement in our art," says the student.

The Sensei says nothing for many minutes, waiting. Clearly, he is not satisfied. Finally, he speaks. "You are still not ready for the black belt. Return in one year."

A year later, the student kneels once again in front of the Sensei. And again the Sensei asks: "What is the true meaning of the black belt?"

"The black belt represents the beginning -- the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard," says the student.

"Yes. You are now ready to receive the black belt and begin your work."

Another great personal story worth re quoting –

“Long Walk to Freedom”

I have walked that long road to freedom.

I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way.

But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb.

I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back at the distance I have come.

But I can rest only for moment, for freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger for my long walk is not ended here.

(Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela)

Small Town Revitalisation                                                                       Top ^

Congratulations to the Wheatbelt Area Consultative Committee for taking the initiative for a Small Town Revitalisation Conference, and the way they have maintained community dialogue ever since. - website: www.wheatbeltacc.com.au

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. has worked with over 700 rural communities during the last decade. Click here for a copy of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. sheet ’20 Clues to Creating and Maintaining Vibrant Communities’, which capture our conclusions regarding areas rural communities need to focus on.

Emirates Airline Magazine Article                                                          Top ^

The work of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. received some international focus recently when an article by great Australian journalist Ian Kenins appeared in the October edition of Open Skies – the in flight magazine of Emirates.  Click here for a copy of the article.

Visit of Wally Stone                                                                                  Top ^

What a privilege it was to have the opportunity of coordinating a set of presentations and meetings for the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. with Wally Stone in September.  Wally is the Executive Director of Kaikoura Whale Watch, and Chairman of the Board of New Zealand Tourism. Both organisations – one at the local level, the other a national organisation – have received international recognition for their outstanding achievements.

The story behind Kaikoura Whale Watch is an amazing story of a group of unemployed Maori residents in the small town of Kaikoura (population 4000) who in a 16 year period have achieved the following –

§         Biggest employer in Kaikoura with over 250 staff.

§         2004 – 200,000 Whale Watch customers

§         Winner of the Best Global Eco Tourism Business Award.

Besides Whale Watch, the company has a wide range of businesses:

§         biggest Day Tour company operating from Christchurch

§         chain of 9 coffee shops throughout New Zealand

§         Clifford Bay Marine Farm

§         technology investments.

Wally’s practical business and philosophical insights, and his humility touched many people throughout Australia.  Thanks Wally for giving 5 days of your life to sharing your experiences and insights.

Some News from Some Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Rural Projects                Top ^

1. Yalgoo Heritage Signage

29 heritage signs for the town of Yalgoo have now been produced with the assistance of Lotterywest – they look great and share some wonderful stories about the great Murchison town.  Click here for some examples.

For more details contact Hannah at the Yalgoo Shire – email: eof@yalgoo.wa.gov.au

2. Derby Revitalisation Plan (DRP)

The DRP group in Derby have just received notification of Lotteries west funding to enable the appointment of a ‘Kick Start Officer’ for 18 months to help with the facilitation of a whole range of projects in this great Kimberley town.  For more details on DRP contact John Silver – email: jsilver@kdc.wa.gov.au

Youth Focus Presentations                                                                    Top ^

The month of October was a very busy time for Peter Kenyon giving a range of talks regarding youth development – SPERA Rural Education Conference in Darwin, Youth Pathways Conference in Bendigo and Small Rural Schools Conference in Halls Gap.  Click here for a copy of Peters Presentation Notes on – ‘The Local School – the Potential, Heart and Engine of Any Small Rural Community’. Images have been removed for file size reasons.

Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Sheets                                                                       Top ^

The Bank of I.D.E.A.S. continues to add to their I.D.E.A.S. sheets.

 Have you got the following –

• 101 Community Projects That Build Social Capital
• 100 Things I Can Do to Build Social Capital in My Community
• 51 Things Can Do With Young Men and Women
• 43 Ways to Recognise Volunteers

Download sheet by clicking on it.

In closing . . .                                                                                            Top ^

Given this is my last newsletter for 2005, the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. wish all of our friends, supporters and colleagues in community and economic development best wishes for the festive season, and may 2006 see the fulfilment of many of your personal, community and professional aspirations.