Why this forum matters

Every community has ideas, energy and people who care deeply. What’s often missing is the time and space to step back, connect the dots and build shared clarity about what matters most and what’s possible next.

The Ready Communities Stanthorpe Community Forum is a 1.5hr grounded gathering designed to bring people together across sectors, roles and generations to reflect, listen and think forward.

This forum is not about launching projects or locking in solutions. It’s about building the conditions that allow good ideas to take root and collective action to emerge over time.

What the forum will focus on

Across the two days, we will explore:

• What matters most to Stanthorpe right now and into the future
• The strengths, assets and connections that already exist in the community
• Where there is energy, alignment and shared purpose
• What readiness looks like for Stanthorpe as it prepares to host the Social Impact in the Regions Conference in September 2026

The forum will draw on the Ready Communities readiness framework, which looks at five core conditions for communities to shape and sustain their own future:

• Clarity and understanding
• Connection and connectivity
• Capability and capacity
• Collaboration for purpose
• Advocacy and promotion

Who should attend

The forum is open to people who care about Stanthorpe and its future, including:

• Community leaders and volunteers
• Local organisations and service providers
• Business owners and social enterprises
• Council, education and health representatives
• Young people and emerging leaders
• Anyone curious, committed and willing to participate in open conversation

You do not need to represent an organisation or have a fully formed idea to attend.

What to expect

This is a participatory forum. You can expect:

• Structured but relaxed conversations
• A mix of whole-group dialogue and small-group work
• Local stories, lived experience and diverse perspectives
• Time to listen as well as contribute
• Practical insights that feed directly into the year-long Ready Communities journey in Stanthorpe

There will be no panels, no PowerPoint overload and no expectation that everything is resolved by the end. Light refreshments provided.  3 forum times provided to suit your schedule.

For further information contact Kerry or Chad.

kerry@readycommunities.com.au

chad@readycommunities.com.au