Our first move, in late 2020, was to explore how the Doughnut Economics model could connect with our culture and place. Doughnut Economics is a deceptively simple model, with an ecological ceiling based on the Stockholm Resilience Centre’s planetary boundaries and a social foundation based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It equips us with a 21st century compass for meeting the needs of all within the means of the planet.

Utilising Doughnut Economics and following the lead of other cities around the world, Regen Melbourne launched a nine-month community research process that featured forums, interviews with prominent Melburnians, expert roundtables and countless hours of research and synthesis. This process utilised the City Portrait methodology pioneered in Amsterdam.

The resulting report, Towards a Regenerative Melbourne, was released in April 2021 and provides a roadmap for protecting and enhancing the city we all love and creating a place where everyone has fair access to the resources they need, local communities are connected and flourishing, and natural systems are nourished and respected.

“Ever since the Doughnut was first published in 2012, people in districts, towns and cities worldwide have asked ‘What would it take for us to live in the Doughnut here?’ This initiative by Regen Melbourne is a fantastically creative and inspiring opening response to that question…I hugely look forward to seeing what happens next.”

KATE RAWORTH
Economist & Author
Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist

“What is clear from this report is that within the challenges we face there is enormous economic opportunity which can provide secure jobs for all in the next economy. This report steps out a clear path for the Regen Melbourne network as it brings in new public, private and government partners, unlocks further support and initiates demonstration projects across our city. I commend and congratulate the Regen Melbourne network and Small Giants Academy on leading this excellent community visioning report and look forward to the next phase of development.”

DR CATHERINE BROWN OAM
Chief Executive Officer, Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

“This report is a living document. It charts a course forward for our beautiful city towards a hopeful future, one fit for many generations to flourish in.”

BERRY LIBERMAN
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Small Giants Academy

“Regen Melbourne represents what is best about our great city - a community that is open to new ideas and is prepared to challenge itself.”

Prof the Hon JOHN THWAITES AM
Chair, Monash Sustainable Development Institute

“Now is the time to rethink how we live, to look at alternate models for our community’s future. I have been proud to be part of the conversation.”

CHERYL BATAGOL PSM
Chair, CRC for Water Sensitive Cities

“Regen Melbourne presents a vital opportunity to create a more inclusive, healthier, happier city.”

TOBY KENT
Melbourne’s first Chief Resilience Officer and Co-founder, EllisKent