In June 2023, the New Economy Network Australia Co-Op Ltd proudly celebrated Localisation Week—a dedicated series of events showcasing the power, creativity, and necessity of localised solutions in the face of growing global crises. Held to honour World Localization Day, convened internationally by Local Futures, NENA’s Localisation Hub brought together thought leaders, practitioners, activists, and community builders to explore how local economic systems can regenerate communities, restore ecosystems, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Across five powerful webinars, speakers from Australia and around the world shared lived experience and systemic knowledge about localisation—from food systems and community resilience to governance, housing, and alternatives to global corporatism. These conversations formed a rich body of shared learning that continues to inform NENA’s work toward a fair, ecological and community-centred economy.
Below is a snapshot of the key themes and insights from this inspiring week.
Localising Our Economies in the Face of Global Corporatism
Localisation Week opened with a global conversation featuring Helena Norberg-Hodge, Jon Jandai, and NENA Co-Founder Dr Michelle Maloney, examining the deep challenges posed by global corporatism and the extractive logic of growth economics.
Speakers reflected on:
- how globalisation erodes local cultures, livelihoods, and ecological stability;
- why localisation is vital for community wellbeing, resilience, and social justice; and
- the strategies communities across the world are using to reclaim economic autonomy.
Helena reminded us that localisation “is not about isolation—it is about connection,” emphasising that strengthening local systems builds meaningful global solidarity.
Local Resilience After Fire and Flood
Australia’s escalating climate risks formed the heart of this critical discussion with Dr Jean Renouf, Kerry Jones, and Karen Purser, exploring how communities respond to fires, floods, and compounding crises.
Through on-the-ground stories from the Northern Rivers, Lithgow, and beyond, speakers highlighted:
- community-led resilience strategies;
- local governance partnerships that centre imagination and experimentation; and
- the emotional, social, and logistical dimensions of rebuilding after disaster.
Their insights reinforced a central truth: localisation is not simply an economic principle—it is a lifeline for communities facing climate disruption.
Localising Our Food Systems
Food is at the heart of any sustainable local economy. This webinar brought together Nick Rose, Callum Rogers, and Henry Coleman, with facilitation by Dr Michelle Maloney, to explore how communities across Australia are reclaiming food sovereignty.
Together, they explored:
- the power of urban and peri-urban agriculture;
- community-led frameworks for sustainable farm enterprises;
- practical pathways for building fair, resilient and regenerative food systems; and
- the policy changes needed to support local food systems at scale.
Speakers demonstrated that food localisation is not only possible but already thriving in many communities.
Local Solutions to Australia’s Housing Crisis
With housing affordability and homelessness escalating nationwide, this discussion brought timely insights from Elena Pereyra, Matthew Daly, and Dr Steven Liaros.
The session highlighted:
- collaborative housing models and cohousing initiatives;
- citizen-led design and participatory governance;
- circular economy villages and regenerative development models; and
- the urgent need for community-driven solutions where government responses fall short.
Speakers shared tangible examples demonstrating that local, place-based initiatives can create sustainable, accessible housing models grounded in collective wellbeing.
Building Governance Systems for Localisation
The week concluded with a profound exploration of governance, featuring Dr Mary Graham and Dr Michelle Maloney.
Dr Graham introduced the Relationist Ethos—a relational governance system developed by First Nations Peoples of the continent now known as Australia. Together, the speakers examined:
- the principles of bioregional stewardship;
- relational approaches to decision-making and place-based governance; and
- how ancient, enduring Indigenous governance systems can inform contemporary localisation efforts.
Attendees were invited to reflect on how relational, bioregional frameworks might shape the future of just, ecological local economies.