Mallacoota innovation hub rises from the ashes of Black Summer

How well those communities respond to adversity in the aftermath of catastrophic events such as bushfire or floods can define their future for years to come.

The residents of the small Victorian coastal community of Mallacoota know this only too well.

The 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires had a devastating effect on the isolated East Gippsland town.

The blaze destroyed 123 homes and numerous businesses in the town, which at one point was cut off from the rest of the country.

Thousands of residents were forced to flee to the foreshore with many evacuated by the Royal Australian Navy, in scenes that came to symbolize the bushfire crisis around the world.

While the fires didn't cause any fatalities, they caused significant economic, physical and emotional hardship.

Rather than let the results of nature’s fury define their community, five local women decided instead to band together to reshape the town’s future.

Inspired by a vision of fostering entrepreneurial thinking, upskilling locals, and supporting new businesses that would generate meaningful and sustainable employment, all in service of a thriving, self-sufficient town, the group formed the Wilderness Collective.

Paris Brooke, executive officer and co-founder of the Wilderness Collective, said the initiative was all about doing things differently for remote and rural communities.

“We are capturing our impacts as much as possible to establish a relevant model for other small communities to address social and economic revitalisation,” she said.

Now, thanks to a powerful combination of community support, grassroots fundraising and philanthropy, the group has achieved a major milestone with the purchase of a property in the heart of Mallacoota that will be used to benefit the community.

The building will be used as a dedicated "innovation and employment hub" where people can learn, test, challenge and explore new ideas in a bid to address long-term, complex challenges.

"From the outset, we knew this was more than just a building - it’s about investing in people, ideas, and a future where Mallacoota flourishes year-round," said Brooke.

"This space will be a catalyst for creativity, opportunity, and enterprise, empowering locals to test and build livelihoods."

Brooke said the success of the Wilderness Collective was an example of communities standing up and forging their own futures.

She said more than half the support for the purchase of the new building came via donations from locals and visitors.

The Collective raised 18 per cent of the total cost through its own co-working activities over the past year.

The group also acknowledged the important role paid by philanthropy in helping provide vital funds to purchase the property, which included support from the Jack Brockhoff Foundation, Mallacoota Community Enterprises Ltd (Bendigo Bank), the Gippsland Community Foundation, the Bendigo Community Enterprise Foundation, and the Mallacoota and District Recovery Association.

While excited about the potential of the new hub, Brooke said building economic resilience and security in Mallacoota remained the priority.

"This is just the beginning,” she said.

“We have proven what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose and determination. Now, we invite others to join us in shaping Mallacoota’s future through partnerships, programs, and enterprise creation.”

One of the first projects to be launched at the hub will be a microbusiness program aimed at building financial security and unlocking new opportunities for the town.

“We are immensely grateful to every donor, sponsor, and supporter who made this possible," Brooke said.

"Your belief in Mallacoota, and in women-led community transformation, is changing the game.”