Democracy Beyond the Ballot Box

Building our democratic muscle

Through a combination of forums, town halls and public lectures, Regen Melbourne will facilitate conversations that inspire more people to learn about and participate in the decision making that will impact their lives and the future of our city. This project seeks to address a complex challenge. Trust in democracy and our democratic institutions is in decline across Australia and at the same time active democratic participation is a critical enabling condition for a resilience and regenerative Melbourne to emerge. Regen Melbourne's framing provides a useful lens through which to address the state of our democracy. Through the level of cities, streets and neighbourhoods, we have the opportunity to convert concepts like "participatory democracy" and "citizen engagement" from a philosophical and intellectual endeavour to a practical and approachable exercise that more Melburnians can tangibly engage with and see the direct connection to their own lives. In this way we can build the "democratic muscle" we need to achieve the aspirations of Regen Melbourne and our partners.