News Archive

Hear from global experts about major issues facing our society and how we can address them, get an insight into what it is like to be homeless and explore the Good Market where you can purchase ethically sourced products at the 2018 Social Impact Festival.

Run by The University of Western Australia’s Centre for Social Impact, the festival will include more than 40 events during July, designed to spark discussion and ideas for solutions to complex social issues, challenge existing perceptions and motivate people to make a difference.

Highlights of the festival include:

The Good Market, Saturday 7 July 11am-3pm, FREE EVENT UWA Winthrop Hall Undercroft
Showcasing WA’s community of ethically conscious businesses and organisations, at the Good Market you can explore products and services that do good. Shop for ethical fashion, gifts, foods, homewares and meet the inspiring individuals behind these enterprises. The Good Market is a fun day for the whole family with children’s activities, live performances and much more on the beautiful grounds of UWA.

Public lecture with Dr Otto Scharmer, 8 July 5pm, tickets from $19
Dr Otto Scharmer is a globally renowned expert in social and organisation change from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA) who will discuss Theory U, a framework and methodology that enables organisation and community leaders to address blind spots and unproductive patterns of behaviour that can hold back positive change. The theory suggests that a greater awareness of oneself, others, and keeping an open mind leads to better decision making and collaboration. This session is perfect for those wanting to expand their leadership skills, people responsible for social change, and the public.

Stories on the Street, 11 and 16 July 6-8pm, FREE EVENT, The Esplanade Perth
Get a first-hand insight into homelessness by attending Stories on the Street, an event that will take you on a unique journey through the streets of Perth. Hear the personal stories of tour leader Jonathan Shapiera who was once homeless but is now a voice for the voiceless. Mr Shapiera will share his personal experiences of being homeless on the Perth streets, how he transformed his life and was driven to become an advocate for people experiencing homelessness in WA.

Social Impact Summit, 19-20 July, from $99, UWA Business School
Hear from a range of experts in social change and innovation. The summit, which runs for two days, will inspire and motivate people to make a difference in society, exploring the complex challenges we face. Experts include Sheree Cairney, a neuroscientist who has worked with remote communities across Australia and developed new ways of measuring wellbeing in those communities, Dr David Cooke, Chair and Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia who will discuss sustainability in business and Professor Kristy Muir, CEO of the Centre for Social Impact at University of New South Wales who researches social issues and policies.

For a full program of events and ticketing information visit www.socialimpactfestival.org/festival/events

Media references

Paul Flatau (Centre for Social Impact UWA Director)                                                    (+61 4) 47 767 719
Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations Advisor)                                              (+61 8) 6488 6876