Newcastle - Hunter Valley Research Foundation

July 29th

A pleasure to see new people at this meeting.  While the attendance was low, the sharing was significant and interesting.
As for outcomes, a number of highlights presented themselves;
A great challenge is to bring others in our communities into an awareness of other meaningful indicators of success.  Noted how difficult it was to have a group of business people  regard indicators beyond, numbers employed, investment levels, production rates and so forth. 
Even with notable authorities on the subject trying to influence them, they had difficultly focussing on other community values such as, social justice,   environmental integrity, crime rates, transport availability.  Measures that concern an audience wider than the traditional accountants mentality.
Besides 'financial capital' there is also 'social,'  'natural,' and  'human,' capital to be put into the equation.

Suggested that people will be more likely to take on board some of the alternative measures and ideas if they had more information.  Noted that a Parliamentary staffer who described one member's interest in Permaculture and Esperanto as 'Cults.'

It was seen that there is a need for us to more than just talk about these matters but also to 'walk the talk.'  That is to say, to demonstrate our commitment to making these other aspects of the community visible be our own lifestyles.  
The power of small gestures of kindness (anonymously) in the workplace  was proffered with a live experience of "Kringling."

What does that mean?  Intrigued?

Come to the next Conversation for the 21st Century.    (Date and venue to be announced.)

Special Announcement:
The Hunter Valley Research Foundation are holding a series of 3 Lectures that are worth noting.
Tuesday 24 August.  John Foote.  MD of DuPont Aust & NZ and National Parks and Wildlife Foundation will talk on
"The Miracle of Science: Bioscience and New Directions."

Tuesday 31 August.  Peter Garrett.  Pres. Australian Conservation Foundation and Lead Singer of 'Midnight Oil'
"Australia in the21st Century.  Mega mails and concrete coasts or a Garden of Eden in the Southern Hemisphere."

Wednesday 15 September.  Rev. Tim Costello   Director, Urban Mission Unit, Collins St Baptist Church.  Spokesperson, Interchurch Gambling Task Force. Member of the Earth Charter Committee.
"What courage does it take to be a mere generalist?"

Newcastle City Hall.  King Street.   6.00pm - 7.00pm
FREE ENTRY.
Call  4969 4566 to register your interest.