Dusseldorp_Forum_logo

Thriving People and Places

After lots of learning, reflection, and refinement we are very pleased to share with you the vision, values, principles, and work that will take Dusseldorp Forum forward from 2023.

It’s 8.00 pm and the sun is setting on the clay-cracked banks of the Darling River, traditionally known as the Baawan, Barka River, on Ngemba Country in the town of Bourke, in far west NSW. It’s March 2019 and the river has not flowed for 230 days. It will continue to stagnate for another 134, part of a state-wide drought that will break all known records.
 
Earlier that day, in a high school gymnasium, full of community and government leaders a young girl stood to share her dreams for her future and her town. She looked up nervously, digging her nails into clenched fists.
 
“Can you please just fill up the river?” she said.
 
Within that one impossible wish a fundamental truth revealed itself. That the well-being of people and place are inextricably bound, and that social justice is climate justice.

This moment seeded a years-long journey to reimagine our vision for the future, to better understand how we contribute to change, and how we hold ourselves accountable to our partners and the planet. 

This strategy reaches for the same outcomes we all want for our children and future generations, addressing injustice and inequity to ensure all people and places can thrive. 

We look forward to sharing with you hopeful stories and lessons from our collaborations and partnerships over the coming years. 

Read our strategy here.

Related Posts

Place-Based Resilience: Community Driven Response and Recovery in a Time of COVID-19

Through the COVID-19 crisis, there are communities across Australia that have demonstrated resilience and innovation, delivering fast and effective action to support children and families when and where they need it most.

Maranguka Cross Sector Leadership Group Case Study

This case study offers important lessons for those wishing to support and respond to Aboriginal community leadership – including politicians, government agencies and philanthropists.

Our Way: a community led social change movement

Doveton, Bourke, Logan and Kabulwarnamyo are four communities building new community structures that allow for a realignment and smarter use of public resources.