Building vital communities: Transition towns

The Transition Town movement is gaining momentum in cities and towns around Australia as small groups of motivated individuals come together to make positive changes in their communities.

Our group of panellists are all involved with a range of projects and initiatives that demonstrate resilience and adapatability on an individual and community level.  Collectively, they are providing education, advice, support and encouragement to those keen to learn more about how to build a richer and more vital community.

Come along and hear our terrific panellists and join in the Q & A session.

Phil Heywood: Phil Heywood is currently Associate Professor of Urban & Regional Planning in QUT and a Fellow and former President of the Queensland Division of the PIA. He is the author of a number of publications including: Planning & Human Need (1974) on the social role of planning and The Emerging Social Metropolis (1997) on the future of metropolitan regional planning.  His latest book on Community Planning is being  published by Wiley-Blackwell in late 2010

Howard Nielson: Principal Consultant and co-owner NAC Consulting.  Howard Nielsen lives at Samford and conducts his family consultancy company with a focus on sustainable business, leadership and community engagementHe was previously CEO of an organization that was listed in the top five “learning organizations” in Australia.  Howard is currently working with fifty businesses in three Queensland communities to help them develop sustainable business practices and sustainable local economies.

Andrew (Wilf) Wilford: Andrew is an Associate Professor in the School of Sustainable Development at bond University.  He is passionate about leading the professionalism of project managemet and has been actively involved with introducing project management into the Climate Change arena.

Emma-Kate Rose: Emma-Kate is currently the Enterprise Development Coordinator for the Food Connect Foundation, leading projects that include the Sustainable Farmland Trust and New Farmers Pathway.  She also provides support for Food Connect’s community franchises in five cities around Australia.  In 2006, Emma founded the Ashgrove Climate Action Group, and in 2007 started Brisbane’s first commercial car-sharing operation in Brisbane.  She is a founding member of the Brisbane Transition Hub.

Event date: 1st March 2010

Venue: The Qld. Irish Association, 175 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane

Cost: $25.  Free for subscribers of The Brisbane Institute. Bookings and pre-payment required.

RSVP: 26th February by telephone to: 32202198 or email to rsvp@brisinst.org.au