What Unites Us Over What Divides Us: Australian Communities Lead the Way with Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Stan Grant
ChangeFest is back for its 6th year, bringing together people from across Australia – from grassroots communities to national policy-makers - who are building a brighter future for all. This year ChangeFest will be held on Latji Latji country in Mildura, Victoria from March 20-22.
ChangeFest is the largest event of its kind in Australia. Across three days, attendees from all walks of life are given the opportunity to connect and collaborate on how we can collectively address the challenges of our times, including better futures for children and young people, creating communities where everyone belongs and the increasing effects of climate change.
Joining this year are Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Stan Grant and a range of international and national guests who will hear directly from communities about how they are leading change and addressing the issues that matter to them most, such as fairness, connection, and resilience.
"We are thrilled the Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Stan Grant will join an extraordinary line-up of local, national and international speakers at ChangeFest24, together with hundreds of change-makers from around the country," said ChangeFest Co-Convenors - Jane McCracken (Hands Up Mallee), Christine Cottrell (Connected Beginnings Mildura) and Anna Powell (Collaboration for Impact). "ChangeFest shows that when we work together – as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and allies, communities and government, young people and elders, we can create stronger communities where people and places can thrive. We especially wish to thank local Aboriginal Elders for their leadership and generosity in making ChangeFest24 happen."
Stan Grant will commence ChangeFest with a keynote addressing the importance of using our shared humanity to create a more just, truthful, and fair Australia in the future.
Over the following two days, community leaders and collaborators will share stories of successful change happening on a local level and what is needed to address the complexity of the challenges ahead.
On the final day of ChangeFest 2024, Treasurer Jim Chalmers will be joining to discuss the critical role the government plays in partnering with communities to create lasting positive change. Mr. Chalmers was first involved with ChangeFest in 2018 in his hometown of Logan in Queensland, south of Brisbane.
"We need to listen to and empower local leaders, work with communities and direct services in a way that meets their needs," Mr. Chalmers said.
"A national approach alone will never be enough if we're serious about addressing entrenched community disadvantage. To make a meaningful change, we need to work together with state and local governments, as well as the philanthropic and business communities."
ChangeFest is set to be bigger than ever this year, a reflection of the energy and movement in Australia for community-led change.
