Disclaimer: Ramblings by an amateur philosopher lie below….

At the heart of humankind’s greatest collectives lie a “book of reference”— a collection of stories that encapsulate the values central to a collective’s way of life. Judaism has the Torah. Christianity has the Bible. Much of today’s obsession with Economics as we know it is stems from Adam Smith’s The Wealth of Nations. Books like these, and the values inherent within the stories they tell, lie at the heart of humanity’s largest collective movements.

In my world of place-based events, those events that stand the test of time encapsulate the host community’s collective identity. These events are a prominent, public show of what a community prides itself on. So, when it comes to creating an event for a place, a foundational “book of reference” that tells the story of a place can be invaluable.

Two good examples I’ve come across in my work include Ballarat’s Prosperity Framework and Brand Tasmania’s Tasmanian website. In both cases, they’ve provided the platform for others (including myself) to base their work in.

By taking the time to distill down what it means to be from a place, they give the operators that work in their community the freedom to create and build within a framework that makes sense to that place and its people. Naturally, that work reinforces their stated values, and the cycle of self-generating collective identity gains momentum.

At this point, from a local Government perspective in particular, it’s worth noting the difference between tactical and planning documents (eg: Council plans) and those of a more philosophical, strategic nature. These “books of reference” are philosophical and values based, and as such, they stand the test of time. If they’re done right, they won’t need re-writing in 1, 2, 5 or 10 years’ time. They can be added to and adjusted as a place evolves, but the core of the foundation they provide will remain the same.

Why a “book of reference” could be your community’s biggest asset

Beyond philosophising event strategist types, these books provide the starting point for anyone engaged to design, create or build something for your community. That cohort will include the likes of:

· Architects and Designers,

· Urban planners,

· Place makers,

· Businesses looking relocate,

· Marketers,

· Local, State and Federal Government agencies,

· Disaster recovery agencies

Putting your Place’s “book of reference” in the hands of these types, and taking the time to ensure they truly understand it, will go a long way to ensuring their work reflects your community, its past and its aspirations. That will help galvanise collective identity, grow social capital, and foster resilience, all three of which are critical factors to creating prosperous futures in a genuinely sustainable way.

So, for those of us invested in the long-term welfare of the communities in which we live, if your community hasn’t yet written its “Bible”, maybe it’s time to start.

nb. If your community is embarking upon a period of self-analysis and branding, you can hear from some of Australia’s best thinkers in the Place Identity space at Place Branding Australia, March 9-11, 2022 in Hobart. It promises to be an inspiring three days that provides the clarity needed to map out your community’s next steps.

Galvanising your community’s collective identity – Why you need to write THE book about your Place