The New Economy Network Australia (NENA) is thrilled to celebrate the success of its three-part online workshop series, Mapping Local Futures, held in 2025 to strengthen the localisation movement across Australia. Facilitated by the Co-Convenors of NENA’s Localisation Hub, Henry Coleman (Local Futures) and Anisa Rogers (Degrowth Network Australia), the series provided a vital space for practitioners, activists, and those new to the localisation movement to connect, learn, and collaborate.
Spanning three interactive sessions in April, May, and June, the workshops covered key aspects of localisation, from foundational principles to the challenges of communication, resourcing, and structural support.
Workshop 1 – Getting on the Same Page (23 April 2025)
The first session explored the core principles of localisation, clarifying common misconceptions and strengthening understanding of the global-to-local framework. Participants heard from 3–4 on-the-ground localisation practitioners from across Australia and engaged in breakout discussions to share experiences and insights. This session laid the foundation for the series, establishing a shared understanding of why localisation is critical to creating resilient and sustainable communities.
Workshop 2 – Facing Challenges Part 1: Communicating a New Paradigm (21 May 2025)
In the second session, attendees focused on the practical challenge of communicating a positive vision for a localised future. Localisation and new economy activists shared strategies for increasing engagement in community projects, while participants honed their communication skills to inspire others and build bridges across diverse perspectives. This workshop emphasised collaboration, connection, and the power of narrative in advancing systemic change.
Workshop 3 – Facing Challenges Part 2: Resourcing and Structural Support (18 June 2025)
The final workshop coincided with World Localisation Day and tackled the complex challenges of resourcing, governance, and structural support. Participants discussed how to navigate existing legal, political, and economic systems to advance localisation initiatives. Helena Norberg-Hodge, founder of Local Futures, contributed her decades of experience, providing insight and guidance. The session fostered peer-to-peer support and strengthened the network of Australians working on local and place-based economic projects.
The Mapping Local Futures series exemplified the core goals of the NENA Localisation Hub: to create space for members to connect, share knowledge, collaborate on projects, and strengthen local economies across Australia. The workshops also reinforced NENA’s broader mission to support ecological regeneration, social inclusion, and economic justice through practical, actionable initiatives.