A key satellite event of SEWF, the 2022 Rural Gathering will take place in North East Victoria, a rural region that is a hotbed for social enterprise in Australia.

Taking place 2– 5 October 2022, the Rural Gathering program offers diverse, dynamic and deep opportunities to explore a central theme of ‘Community-led rejuvenation through social enterprise’, with a focus on accelerating leadership in the next generation, learning from First Nations people, building networks and the enabling role of government and philanthropy.

Rural policymakers and practitioners from across the globe will join an immersive field trip to meet founders and visit vibrant rural social enterprises, explore a social enterprise schools marketplace and tour Old Beechworth Gaol – a site that is being re-purposed as an exemplar of social enterprise, impact investment and rural rejuvenation through community-owned assets.

The Rural Gathering is being hosted by ACRE, a social enterprise that exists to drive the renewal of Australia’s rural communities so that future generations may thrive.