Social Enterprise for
Wellbeing and Mental Health 2011
Conference brief
Social Enterprise for Wellbeing and Mental Health 2011 is a conference based in the Nambucca Valley (NSW) which will be held on 24 and 25 February 2011 followed by a community day on Sunday 27 February. The conference will explore the role of social enterprise in community wellbeing and how it can be utilised as a tool for early intervention in mental health.
The conference will be held over three days the first two days will be a ticketed activity and the final a community based festival day.
During the first two days a range of speakers we will introduce the concept of social enterprise and discuss its role in community life. Following speakers will then explore the role of education in social enterprise and go on to discuss micro finance and finally the National Broadband Network and its potential implications.
Day one will also showcase a broad range of social enterprise projects.
On the second day of the conference delegates will participate in workshops and site visits through the Nambucca Valley. Sites will encompass the Men’s Shed, Community Garden, MiiMi Creations, MiiMi Volunteer Hub, the Bowraville Offsite Learning Centre and local arts spaces.
Why the Nambucca Valley? The geographic area has long been recognised for its social disadvantage. Through a collaborative effort local service providers have commenced the development of a new approach which builds on the strengths of the community. The approach enables organisations to work together rather than in isolation. Through this approach many social enterprise activities have developed. These include MiiMi Creations (a textile business), Bowraville Producers Market, the Men’s Shed, Macksville Community Garden and the Youth Services Frrresh Mobile Café.
Other local projects will also be showcased and these include the historical society and MiiMi’s Volunteer Hub.
Current stakeholders: The concept and initial stages of the conference have been arranged in collaboration by TAFE NCI (Outreach), MiiMi Aboriginal Corporation, Nambucca Valley Community Services Council, Nambucca Valley Children’s Group, Commonwealth Carelink and Respite service, Interrelate and several other local stakeholders.
Conference development to date has been coordinated on a pro-bono arrangement with Evolve Network Australia.
What will the conference look like?
Day one: Thursday 24 February 2010
Plenary session in Bowraville showcasing a range of speakers
Evening entertainment, Masquerade Ball
Day two: Friday 25 February 2010
Site visits and optional workshops
(additional workshops for general community will also be held on this day)
Day three: Sunday 27 February 2010
Community festival day incorporating entertainment, information stalls and children’s activities.
Ticket cost: Early Bird rate $250 Full ticket price $380: Community festival day free
Would you like to be involved?
Want to support Social Enterprise for Wellbeing and Mental Health 2011? Here’s how:
* Register to attend the event
*Register your staff as a development activity
* Ask the festival coordinator about our partnership packages
* Tell everyone you know about it
*Apply to present your innovative project at the conference
*Host an information stall on the community festival day
*Apply to deliver a workshop
*Provide feedback
For further information please contact the festival coordinator Kerry Grace on 0404887473 or e-mail kgrace@evolvenetwork.com.au
