The Centre for Small Town Development was established in 1997 as a part of the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. to enhance the capacity of rural people and their communities to create and manage change more effectively. Rural communities have been subjected to great change in the last few decades. This change has been influenced by shifts in the demand for land and resources, technological advancement, environmental concerns and the transformation of national and international economic systems. The results of these influences can be found in the changing profile of rural communities. These changes, however, have not been constant or universal. Where some rural areas and regional centres have grown, other small towns have declined, losing residents, valuable services and employment opportunities.

The Centre for Small Town Development is a resource for rural communities that want to address the changes and developmental challenges they are facing. The Centre does not solve problems on behalf of small towns. Instead it works with rural communities and provides a range of practical support services to help them take charge of the future of their small towns.

Specifically, the Centre assists in the identification and distribution of best practice strategies and methods from across Australia as well as from other countries. Recognising the value in learning from the lessons of other small towns wherever they may be.

The Centre is activity engaged in the design of development 'tools' for use by small towns when undertaking economic planning and development activities. To complement the use of these tools, the Centre for Small Town Development promotes the development of skills and competencies within rural communities to enhance their capacity to manage change and stimulate local development. It also provides useful information, such as case studies, technical bulletins, resource contacts and examples of development methods that work.

The Centre for Small Town Development embraces the concept of sustainable community development as an approach that balances economic vitality, a healthy environment and community well being. It promotes positive, innovative and self-reliant communities and facilitates collective participatory attitudes and actions. Rural communities are encouraged to seek answers to their development problems that build upon the vision, skills, opportunities, imagination and spirit of the local community rather than dependence on outside solutions. This includes the promotion of local leadership and collaboration between communities.

Some of the specific activities the Centre for Small Town Development include:

• organising and conducting study tours to other rural communities, both within Australia and overseas;
• the production of practical resources and 'tools' for development;
• conducting workshops and planning events in rural communities (to-date the Centre has conducted workshops and planning events in over 200 rural communities in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Namibia);
• consultancy support and technical advice;
• research and policy and program development.

The Centre for Small Town Development has played an important role in building networks with rural development groups and similar agencies in the United States of America, Canada, Europe, South Africa, Namibia, New Zealand and all states of Australia.