ICS Seminar - Louise Crabtree-Hayes
Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra: 'Working together, side by side’ on the Lithgow Transformation Hub'
Event Details:
Date and Time: Thursday, 3 November, 11:30am - 1:00pm
Location:
Room EA.G.15, Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University
Abstract:
Based on research into regional engagement and sustainability, just transitions, and the opportunities and challenges for the Lithgow region, a two-day workshop was held in 2019 with close to 60 stakeholders. The forum focussed on how the University’s former Lithgow campus might enable regional transition to low-carbon futures and subsequently generated the Lithgow Transformation Hub’s vision. In 2021, the building was re-opened as Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra (‘Working together, side by side’) - the Lithgow Transformation Hub, and Deb Bardon was appointed as its inaugural manager. Since its opening, the Hub is rapidly being recognised as an important contributor to the types of changes required to transition to low-impact futures. While the building itself operates as a site for a diverse array of activities and events, the Hub also operates as a nexus for collaborative regional efforts towards positive change. This discussion will explore the Hub’s origins, activities, and progress to date, including implications for university praxis and how to facilitate and demonstrate change in an already changing landscape.
Biographies:
Deb Bardon has been the Manager of Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra, Lithgow Transformation Hub since June 2021. Deb has a Bachelor of Business (General Management) and is passionate about sustainability, social change, and the important role of not-for-profit organisations in regional communities.
Louise Crabtree-Hayes is a Principal Research Fellow in ICS who works on collaborative approaches to intertwined social and ecological issues, particularly appropriate models of housing and regenerative urbanism.
Ann Dadich is a registered psychologist based in the School of Business and ICS. She is an expert in health-service management, notably knowledge translation. She has conducted several largescale process and impact evaluations that have clarified what works for who, when, and why.
Mary Hardie has been a registered architect for more than 40 years and has a particular interest in sustainable construction, and in how research can foster innovation without the constrictions of commercial pressure. She has been actively involved in passive solar design principles, green or vegetated roofs, compressed earth block structures, and rainwater storage systems in housing.
Neil Perry is an Associate Professor in Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability based in the School of Business and ICS. He specialises in progressive approaches to environmental economics and policy, and regional economic transition.
