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In regional Australia, big decisions often come from the top down. But are we listening to the right people?
This question sits at the heart of The Wander Collective’s work—and it’s a thought Claire unpacks in our very first video blog. Filmed on the road between Kalgoorlie and another country town, this short reflection explores a truth we see time and time again:
💡 The voices that shape regional growth aren’t always the ones you expect.
Why Listening Matters
It’s easy to assume that business leaders, policymakers, and industry groups hold all the answers. While their input is valuable, it’s often the quiet contributors—those working behind the scenes—who hold the real insights.
Who should we be paying more attention to?
🔹 Local business owners who see firsthand what’s working—and what’s not.
🔹 Community leaders and volunteers, the backbone of regional towns.
🔹 Young people who will either choose to stay or take their skills elsewhere.
🔹 First Nations voices, whose deep connection to place offers critical wisdom.
For regional development to work, we need strategies built from the ground up, not imposed from the outside. That means listening before acting—a principle we bring to every project.
From the Road to Real Impact
At The Wander Collective, we spend a lot of time on the road—meeting people, hearing stories, and learning what communities actually need. It’s not about ticking consultation boxes; it’s about turning conversations into meaningful action.
We’re excited to kick off this new video blog series, sharing more of these reflections from the road. Because when we take the time to listen, we build better, stronger, and more sustainable regional communities.
🎥 Watch the video above and let us know—who do you think we should be listening to more in regional Australia?
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