The New Economy Network Australia (NENA), in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, recently hosted a thought-provoking event during Social Science Week, examining what Australians mean by “quality of life” and “wellbeing.” This session provided a unique opportunity to explore research that challenges conventional economic assumptions and highlights the centrality of human and ecological wellbeing in shaping our future.
The presentation was delivered by Dr S. A. Hamed Hosseini from the School of Humanities, Creative Industries, and Social Sciences at the University of Newcastle. Drawing on research conducted in partnership with NENA in 2021, Dr Hosseini presented findings from a survey of 96 organisations and initiatives across Australia. The study sought to understand how these groups perceive and articulate wellbeing, the activities they undertake to advance it, and the ways in which quality of life is conceptualised across diverse sectors.
A key feature of the presentation was the use of social network visualisation techniques. These visualisations illustrated the landscape of civil society in Australia, mapping connections and intersections between organisations based on their characteristics. This approach provided participants with a clear picture of how diverse initiatives interlink, share knowledge, and collectively advance a vision of a more equitable and sustainable society.
The event underscored the importance of moving beyond the dominant growth-centric economic paradigm. By emphasising wellbeing as a central goal, organisations can build policies and practices that support human flourishing, ecological regeneration, and stronger communities. Participants left the session with practical insights and inspiration for research, advocacy, and collaboration in the new economy space.
Dr Hosseini, a senior sociologist at the University of Newcastle and a leading voice in transformative global studies, brought his extensive expertise to the discussion. His work includes publications such as Capital Redefined (2024), The Routledge Handbook of Transformative Global Studies (2020), and Conscientious Sociology (2013). As founder of the Well-living Lab and co-director of the NENA Research Hub, his research bridges academic scholarship and civil society practice.
Dr Michelle Maloney, co-founder of NENA and National Convenor of the Australian Earth Laws Alliance (AELA), facilitated the session with her characteristic insight, connecting the research findings to broader movements for alternative economic systems, social justice, and ecological sustainability in Australia.
This event exemplified NENA’s commitment to fostering dialogue between research, civil society, and policy, providing a platform for innovative thinking on wellbeing, quality of life, and the future of the economy. It also highlighted the role of collaborative research in supporting community-led initiatives and shaping policy debates that prioritise human and ecological flourishing.