The 2023 World Community Development Conference Darwin “From the Edge” is being hosted by the International Association for Community Development, Jeder Institute, Australian Community Workers Association, Community First Development and Catalyse (New Zealand). We are excited to be inviting you to join us in Australia’s Top End where the worlds oldest living culture meets Asia.
Working with the Edge to deepen connection to community and culture.
Honouring the spirit and wisdom of First Nations People: Practice, experience and knowledge.
Radical inclusion: Diversity matters. We welcome and respect everyone, there are no prerequisites for being part of this conference. Turn up as you are, bring what you have.
Provocative action: Moving forward with the learnings from the past, shared stories, and with the strengths available to us now
Valuing the local: Local people know local places, histories and aspirations. Local wisdom, participation and contribution are all celebrated
Being good ancestors: Leave only footprints – on the land and in hearts, minds, souls.
Positive change: With open heart and will, we are ready to change our own minds and actions now, for a better future together by sharing stories from the Edge
The conference provides a unique opportunity for global practitioners, participants, academics, policy makers, funders, and other stakeholders to share perspectives on current contexts and challenges for community development and community work.
The conference will embrace global First Nations communities, encompass cutting edge inputs, papers, creative installations, and poster presentations on rights-based community development, addressing and engaging locally, nationally, and internationally.
Following the main conference, delegates will have the opportunity to take part in a one or three day Practice Exchange to experience community development in action around Darwin, Kakadu, Katherine and fingers crossed Tiwi Island.
This will enable a deeper understanding of the context and practice of community development in remote, rural, and urban communities in Australia and New Zealand. If you would like to deepen your WCDC 2023 experience and participate in one of our Practice Exchanges, click HERE
19 June 2023: International Reception and Welcome
20-22 June 2023: Main Conference
21 June 2023: Gala Dinner and IACD 70th Birthday Celebrations @ Wharf One
23-25 June 2023: Optional Practice Exchanges
The conference organisers are the International Association for Community Development (IACD), Australian Community Workers Association, Jeder Institute, and Catalyse.