We want a community that thrives in a way that supports us, our friends, families, children and grandchildren into the future.
- Cathy Tischler
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Ideas beyond population decline, the education drain and agriculture's constant challenges?
On Saturday, June 1, three Wimmera researchers will provide some hope and vision at Art Is..Festival's event, New Roads Ahead.
Federation University PhD students Cathy Tischler, Amity Dunstan and Amy Isham will explore both the challenges and opportunities facing Wimmera Southern Mallee communities.
"We're all women who live, work and raise our children here in the Wimmera," Ms Tischler said.
"We want a community that thrives in a way that supports us, our friends, families, children and grandchildren into the future.
"We will share what we have learned about how we do things and ways we can see things changing for a better future.
"We will challenge traditional thinking about the need for population growth, about ever-expanding farm size and about education getting better the closer you get to big cities."
But it won't just be these home-grown academics' thoughts, we want the audience to share their ideas too.
"Let's talk about how to capitalise on our natural advantages to create opportunities now and in years to come," Ms Tischler said.
Big issues to be tackled include:
- What are our big challenges, and how can we face them?
- Are there some small things we can change for a better future?
- What kind of communities do we want to retire in?
- What do our children and grandchildren need?
- What are the elements that make our community liveable?
- How do we protect and grow the things that make a difference?
"Wimmera people know our own communities better than anyone - but we can't build a road unless we know what we want and need," Ms Tischler said.
"I encourage everyone to come and share in this thought-provoking discussion and begin charting a new and sustainable course into the future."
New Roads Ahead will be held from 2-5pm at Federation University Auditorium, Baillie Street, Horsham, on June 1.
Entry is $10 and the event includes afternoon tea.
Any proceeds from this event will be donated to local charity.
https://www.artiswimmera.com/grey-matters
