15-Minute City
A 15-Minute City is a place where all your needs are met within a short walk or cycle from your home.
Author: Alan
Alan Blackshaw is a community builder and corporate trainer working from an assets based community development perspective. He has 16 years experience in building community through working in local government.
Alan is currently based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia
We’ve Got an Assets Map…Now What Happens?
People put a lot of work into compiling an assets map. They meet with others, discover their gifts, passions knowledge and interests. They locate the physical infrastructure assets around them, … Continue reading We’ve Got an Assets Map…Now What Happens?
Crime…..I Think We’ve Got it Wrong
Introduction Lately, I’ve been thinking about crime and how we respond to it. The actions we take or don’t take to reduce crime and its impact. Where I live we … Continue reading Crime…..I Think We’ve Got it Wrong
The Beauty of Neighbours
Introduction This week I’ve been thinking about neighbours. How important being a good neighbour is, how good local community creates a safer place, how being a good neighbour is like … Continue reading The Beauty of Neighbours
It’s Not Business as Usual
Introduction COVID-19 has made a major impact on the Australian economy. We are now in unchartered territory and experiencing an economic recession. Unemployment is high. In Far North Queensland it … Continue reading It’s Not Business as Usual
Crime Prevention: Harsh Penalties Do They Work? What Else Can We Do?
Introduction In 12 weeks time a general election will be held in Queensland, Australia. As expected there are the usual calls for harsher penalties for offenders and particularly for juvenille … Continue reading Crime Prevention: Harsh Penalties Do They Work? What Else Can We Do?
Team Building in the New Normal
Introduction We are living in a time of change. So much of what we regarded as being normal for us has passed away to be replaced by a new normal. … Continue reading Team Building in the New Normal
DON’T SPILL THE WATER: WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL DOING NEEDS ASSESSMENTS?
Introduction In June 1984 the film “Gremlins” was released. The film told the story of a furry creature called a mogwai. The creature is purchased as a gift but when … Continue reading DON’T SPILL THE WATER: WHY ARE PEOPLE STILL DOING NEEDS ASSESSMENTS?
Whatever Happened to Industrial Democracy? Why it is Even More Important Now.
A little over 30 years ago I started my first job in the public sector. My commencing position was as an Administrative Services Officer Grade 1 (ASO1) for the Department … Continue reading Whatever Happened to Industrial Democracy? Why it is Even More Important Now.
The New Normal…Has Anything Really Changed and Can It Still Happen
Many people have been saying that the COVID19 pandemic will change many things. But is this the case? Has there been any real or substantial change in our behaviours, our relationships, our communities, how business operates or in government practice?
“Same as it ever was” Is that What we Want?
Introduction It seems we are emerging from the first wave of COVID19 lockdowns with restrictions being lifted across Australia to varying degrees. Governments, businesses, tourist operators and others are looking … Continue reading “Same as it ever was” Is that What we Want?
Put Our Arms Around each Other…Communities in Recovery COVID19
Introduction Many of the restrictions that have been imposed in an effort to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 are being lifted. For some there is a fear these restrictions are … Continue reading Put Our Arms Around each Other…Communities in Recovery COVID19
Herding Together 