Leading experts from across the country are gathering in Canberra from tomorrow until 23 October, to collaborate over plans to create an economy that enables people, communities, businesses, and nature to thrive.
The forum is a chance for government, business, community and research leaders, to share ideas and real world case studies of what is working to support wellbeing and wellbeing economies.
The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra will be opening this year's conference, reflecting on the theme: ‘Wellbeing in Action: An economy that enables people, communities, business, and nature to thrive’.
“Since the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a decline in wellbeing amongst many Australians– and that some groups continue to have ongoing low wellbeing, and fewer opportunities for a fair go than others. It’s time to unite behind the idea that the economy should work for the people, not the other way round,” said Mr Shorten.
The forum is shining a spotlight on the work being done across government, business, community organisations and the tertiary sector to shape the way decisions are made.
International advocates, as well as business leaders have travelled to Canberra to share advice and experiences from across the globe.
"For too long, we have sacrificed our personal and ecological wellbeing to push for more production and consumption. Now we have the knowledge and technological expertise to pursue wellbeing in all sectors of society. It's not a battle between more or less, it's a battle for better," said Lorenzo Fioramonti, Academic Director of NATIV and former Italian Minister of Education.
"As a wellbeing company, we're proud to be part of the National Forum on Australia's Wellbeing. This is a natural extension of our 25-year partnership with Deakin University, tracking Australians' wellbeing every year. We look forward to exploring how we can build an economy that helps people and planet to thrive," said Maddy Stamatescu, Strategy & Impact Manager at Australian Unity, platinum sponsor of the event.
“Castlemaine Institute is thrilled to be showcasing how our community is growing deeper roots for our economy so we can resource wellbeing for current and future generations. We are looking forward to sharing our work, learning from others, and connecting with allies and potential partners at the forum. Let’s continue to walk together as we nurture an Australian economy with purpose,” said Lexi Randall-L’Estrange, Executive Director, Castlemaine Institute.
“This gathering is a fantastic opportunity for people across the wellbeing space to share knowledge, build connections, and spark the kinds of ideas and collaborations that can create real change. By bringing together policymakers, government officials, business and community leaders, think tanks, civil society organisations, and academics, we’re helping to strengthen the growing movement for wellbeing,” said Diane Bowles, Wellbeing Policy Adviser at the Centre for Policy Development.
“We need to provide pathways that give every Australian the opportunity to build a great quality of life – and the long-term research of the WellRes Unit at UC highlights several areas where investment in action can make a big difference. This includes actions to reduce loneliness, to increase community engagement, to support access to services, and to enable more rapid recovery from disaster, to name a few,” said Professor Jacki Schirmer, University of Canberra’s Wellbeing and Resilience Unit Lead.
The conference is sponsored by organisations committed to embedding wellbeing in what they do every day.