Having recently returned from Bhutan, the country famous for Gross National Happiness, Director of Research Alison Whitten shares her reflections on three key concepts we might apply to Melbourne’s regeneration: sufficiency, spirituality and new approaches to systemic measurement.

If we want the Swimmable Birrarung to be realised, we need a couple of things: a shared, collaborative vision and some damn good stories. Swimmable Birrarung Lead Convenor, Charity Mosienyane, shares two recent reflections around communications and community that she has been hearing time and time again within the broader Birrarung collaborator ecosystem.

How do we spot and disrupt the repeated patterns that constantly show up when trying to create deep change in our streets? This question, and many others, are front of mind for Regen Streets lead convenor Nina Sharpe during the project’s sensemaking process. 

In her latest audio Field Note, Caroline speaks with Nina about the points at which Participatory Melbourne and Regen Streets overlap, and interviews Dylan O’Donnell from Irregular festival about what a hyperlocal festival is (and why it matters). Listen below.

Did you know that there are no billboards in Bhutan and nearly every retail business is a small, local enterprise? Recently returned from a trip to the country famous for pioneering Gross National Happiness, Director of Research Alison Whitten shares lessons and insights from the road. 

Three years ago, Regen Melbourne was established as a community project following the release of our foundational report, ‘Towards a Regenerative Melbourne’. This year, after a successful incubation by Small Giants Academy, we’re celebrating by becoming a registered charity and an independent entity in our own right.  

Thriving neighbourhoods will require the combined efforts of community leaders from across Greater Melbourne. Nina Sharpe has been meeting with these leaders to better understand the challenges and opportunities they face, and the role Regen Melbourne can play in helping bring their bold and hopeful visions to life. 

We talk a lot about the vision for a Swimmable Birrarung. But what does the full extent of this vision look like? Is getting in the water enough? (hint no). Nicole dives into the different ways in which ‘swimmable’ could come to life over the next few years (and decades).