If Braidwoodians are to create our own robust, diverse, ethical, self-supporting and sustainable local economy, which it appears is the intent of all levels of government; we must figure out how to do this. Recent history has shown we are a passionate community of skilled individuals, capable of coming together when outsiders threaten our livelihoods and lifestyles. We’ve demonstrated we have many
informed positions on diverse issues and have recognised the grey, often agreeing with opposing, but still valid and logical positions. Unfortunately our recent trials have also shown that old gossip and incorrect assumptions still carry weight, and we can divide as quickly as we unite, and sometimes personalities, and priorities, clash. It has also highlighted how some opinions are heard more than others, and indicators point to making space for more considered, informed and experienced perspectives to be considered. We need to harness Braidwood's collective energy into building the dream ourselves, asking for help on our terms. We need to work together, and we need to try new ways to work together. We need to build bridges with business, industry, community, education and government, together. We need to be bold, brave and take opportunistic risks. But we need to be methodical, logical and realistic. This last year we have seen: continued upheaval in government; systemic abuse of public trust; disintegration of unspoken, but assumed, cultural norms; and terrifying, and ongoing, ethical wars with real human sacrifices. But we have also listened to announcement after announcement imploring us to look beyond the hashtags and 3 word slogans. Some of us did, meeting with government ministers, department and program directors; universities, TAFE and training groups; industry groups, interest and advocacy bodies; councillors and staff from all our neighbouring councils; and all our surrounding state and federal representatives. We found Thought Allies, in other words we met people, and people from government, industry and organisations, who seem to share a Braidwood world-view. We did our due-diligence, spent time getting to know them, how they work, and learning how to work with them. Who is in and who is out. We gathered information, we followed it up, we pushed and prodded and have pre-tested the water. We actively participated in forums and workshops, networking events and expos; and we discovered many opportunities, now it is time to decide what opportunities we develop and what we leave to another group or community. We can’t do everything for everyone, so we’re focusing on Social Enterprise and Economic Development (SEED) for Braidwood and surrounding regions, and we invite anyone with a shared vision to get in touch.
