How can we do democracy better? Richard Walsh in conversation with Gen Barlow and Cam Walker

Posted on by

On March 21st 2018 Localising Leanganook and Democracy for Dinner hosted interstate guest Richward Walsh and local guests Gen Barlow and Cam Walker to discuss ‘How can we do democracy better?‘ with a focus on local and national reform.

Over 80 people attended the event and many stayed on for lively conversation.

We also asked the audience for their views, and here is what they had to say

What next?

Following on from this event, conversations have continued to explore two ideas raised by our guest speakers:

  • Gen Barlow has suggested we consider the Voices for Indi and Kitchen Table Conversation model to engage our community ‘beyond the usual suspects’
  • Cam Walker suggested that a whole of community vision would enable us to galvanise community efforts around a shared goals.

Nikki Marshal, Cathy Wheel, and Lexi Randall-L’Estrange are moving these ideas forward in collaboration with both groups and other members of the community. If any of these ideas resonate with you please sign up to the Democracy Working Group and also send an email to info@democracy4dinner.org with information on how you can contribute to making them happen.

Events in other locations

If you would like to hold a similar event in your local area or in Central Victoria, and are seeking collaboration or support, please contact us via info@democracy4dinner.org.

Thank you

Thank you again to Cath and Stewart from People Pictures for all their work on the night and afterwards to bring these videos to us and Iain and the team at newDemocracy Foundation for their small grant.

Sharing the burden

Posted on by

Democracy4Dinner was established by and for locals in Mt Alexander Shire and surrounds to ‘share the burden of democracy’ by working together to become more informed and engaged citizens.

We have started this journey through running events on policy, social, economic and environmental issues, as well as new models for democracy. Impact is explored both at a local and national level.

We’re now looking to build on these events to share some of the outcomes, as well as other ideas, through this blog.

Contributions are welcome from any member of the group or others who simply want to contribute to improving democracy through sharing information and ideas.

If you are interested in writing a blog for this website and newsletter mailing list, please contact Lexi Randall-L’Estrange via info@democracy4dinner.org.