The third national Social Impact in the Regions conference will be held in Grafton on September 3-5 this year.
Conference producer, Kerry Grace and Ready Communities co-founder Dr. Chad Renando have been working in the Grafton community since January this year via the Ready Grafton program to ensure the local community is ready for and really benefits through the big event which expects to attract 300 people to Grafton and surrounds.
Ms Grace says, “It’s important to us that the conference generates revenue in the local community supporting local hospitality and retail businesses, creative industries practitioners and growers. We have designed the conference, so it is based in the Grafton CBD and the delegates spend at least three days in the local community. Our estimate is the event will be worth around $350k to the local economy.”
She says, “It’s not only the businesses who deliver services that will benefit, this is an opportunity to put a spotlight on Grafton with speakers representing philanthropy, government and influential non-government organisations attending. There is also a pre-conference event where we will showcase a range of local businesses and not for profits creating a social impact in the Grafton community.”
Clarence Valley Council’s General Manager, Laura Black says, “Clarence Valley Council is proud to welcome Social Impact in the Regions 2025 to the Clarence Valley. The strength of our regions is based on the collaborative effort of the people who live within them to create social change, Council will always be supportive of opportunities to develop skills to create positive impact.”
Now it’s over to the community to get involved. There are numerous opportunities from hosting a billet to attending workshops and masterclasses via special local tickets, helping to make the main street vibrant and volunteering for the event.
Join us on April 28 at the Grafton Cathedral to learn more about Ready Grafton, Social Impact in the Regions and hear from local social enterprises and start-up businesses. Registration appreciated: www.socialimpactintheregions.com.au (click SIITR25 Launch in the top menu)
Websites:
www.socialimpactintheregions.com.au