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Australia is at a crossroads. As our cities continue to struggle under the pressure of population growth, housing shortages, and infrastructure strain, the conversation around decentralisation has shifted from being a nice-to-have to a necessity. Here in Western Australia, regional and remote communities are no longer on the periphery of economic growth—they’re at the forefront of our state’s future. But, are we ready to capitalise on this moment?
At The Wander Collective, this question is both personal and professional. When Claire Bateman and I founded the business in 2022, it was because we believed in the incredible potential of these communities - our communities. We knew from experience that regional WA wasn’t being left behind because of a lack of talent or ambition—it was being left behind because too many decision-makers were disconnected from the realities of life outside the city.
Now, the shift towards decentralisation means governments are paying closer attention to the regions, and that’s a good thing—but it also brings expectations. To take control of this opportunity, we need to be prepared to respond, adapt, and shape what comes next. And that’s where the real excitement lies.
Decentralisation: A Moment of Opportunity or a Missed Chance?
It’s no secret that the pressures on our cities are intensifying. With remote working opportunities expanding, government funds flowing into regional development, and more people seeking a better work-life balance in regional areas, we have a moment right now to create something truly transformative. I believe that regional WA is poised to become a hub of growth, innovation, and opportunity.
At Wander, we’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen because a policy shifts in Canberra or Perth—it happens when communities are empowered with the right tools, strategies, and governance to drive their own future. It’s about making sure that growth doesn’t overwhelm but instead strengthens, deepens, and connects us.
Wander's Why: Its About Us, Together
At Wander, we are passionate advocates for the regions because we live and breathe this life. While both Claire and I are fortunate to live in regional hubs where opportunities are greater, we know many people in remote towns face very steep challenges.
For us, this business isn't just about dollars and cents —it’s about ensuring that regional communities have a seat at the table when decisions are made. It’s about amplifying local voices to ensure that the solutions we craft are as unique as the communities themselves. Its about keeping unique communities alive.
I’m often asked what the core driver of our business is. The answer is simple: we want to see our communities thrive. As a mother, I want my daughter to grow up with the same opportunities that a child in the city has. I want her to know that she doesn’t have to leave to succeed—that her future can be built in the very place we call home. It’s about creating opportunities right here—so that the next generation can thrive in the places they love.
The future of regional WA is bright—but only if we seize the moment. Right now, communities across the state have an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, grow their populations, and diversify their economies. But this requires more than just enthusiasm—it requires hard work, preparation, and smart strategy.
This is a time of immense potential for regional Australia, but it’s also a time for decisive action. We can’t afford to sit back and wait for growth to happen. We need to be proactive, forward-thinking, and bold in our ambitions for the future.
The Bigger Picture
For too long, regional and remote WA communities have been on the sidelines of the national conversation. But now, the tides are turning. As our cities buckle under pressure, our towns are stepping into the spotlight. And we can take control of this moment—turning regional WA into a model of balanced, sustainable growth where people choose to live, work, and raise their families because they see the future unfolding here.
I believe in the power of WA's regional communities. I believe in their potential. And I believe that now, more than ever, is the time to act.
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