Rochester explores community-led future

The day brought together local business owners, community leaders and organisations for an introductory breakfast, followed by two educational sessions and an evening networking event led by ACRE chief executive and founder Matt Pfahlert.

The event was a chance to highlight how rural communities can be rejuvenated through local enterprise, collaboration and shared investment.

Throughout the day, Mr Pfahlert highlighted the role of social enterprise, where businesses operate commercially while directing profits towards social or environmental outcomes.

Drawing on examples from Australia and overseas, he pointed to rural communities that had reversed decline by investing in local ideas, people and assets, rather than relying on external solutions.

“The most catalytic thing that communities can do anywhere in the world is galvanise change through community asset ownership,” he said.

“This isn’t entrepreneurship in the sense of winner takes all. This is entrepreneurship that helps local communities and local people.”

Mr Pfahlert added that one of the most consistent findings from his work was the shared priorities of rural communities, especially when it comes to young people and local identity.

“The only two things... that people in rural communities ever care about and can agree on is opportunities for young people and that where they live is a pretty special place,” he said.

Through its Social Enterprise Schools program, ACRE will work directly with local students over the next three years to build entrepreneurial capability and social enterprise thinking.

The program, in partnership with Rochester Secondary College, will focus on problem-solving, innovation and community-focused business models.

While the educational sessions saw smaller groups of participants, Rochester Community House chair and event organiser Larna Tarrant said there was huge interest overall from the community.

“By my estimate, I think we reached probably between 70 to 80 community members,” she said.

“It’s created a lot of discussion and a lot of ideas and just a lot of motivation to make some change for the betterment of Rochester.

“It turned out better than we hoped, but this is only the beginning.”

She also emphasised that it is never too late to share any ideas people may have.

“If you think of something in six months’ time that’s going to benefit Rochester, let’s hear it,” she said.

The partnership with ACRE and the introduction of the Social Enterprise Schools program has been made possible through the support of the Helen and David Hains Foundation.

The introductory sessions are only the beginning of what the RBN and RCH hope will be an ongoing relationship with ACRE.