Welcomed with smoking ceremony from local Traditional Owners, the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, we grounded ourselves in the beauty of the Cape Schanck landscape. Together Alex and I were excited to immerse ourselves at Assembly 2024; a gathering designed for connection and catalysing change.
During the three day conference we participated in guided conversations and interactive breakouts that addressed issues that matter most to the B Corporation Certified Companies of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
As B Corps, we were asked to question our assumptions, rethink our role in the economy, and were challenged to do more. Pushing the boundaries of business can be scary, but being surrounded by 300+ like-minded friends from the B Corp community we were reminded that we’re all in this together.
Our days were spent exploring the roles we all play in a system that is undergoing enormous change, sharing knowledge, and learning more about what really inspires us and drives our work. Some key callouts:
The role of business in social change – Conversations lead by our peers that have successfully advocated for social change, why and how businesses need to raise their voices now, more than ever.
The true cost of fashion - A common challenge faced by fashion B Corps is balancing affordability and maintaining good practices.
From climate action to climate justice - How we can move from climate action to work that puts equity and human rights at the centre of our climate work.
Governance Glee! - As B Corps, understanding that good governance is a moral imperative – we hold ourselves accountable knowing that well that our business decisions impact communities and future generations.
Images by Sally Batt Photography
Stand out moments were delivered by Michele Wilson of AWWA and Laura Thompson of Clothing The Gaps who spoke of how the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples has a crucial role to play in advancing social and environmental business practices. The award-winning director of 2040 and That Sugar Film, Damon Gameau also shared first and insights as to how the stores we tell shape the future.
It was a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends, Rex and Charlie from Orbitkey, Luke and Natalie from Compass Studio and Naima from Patagonia. But also, an opportunity to forge new friendships, including those with Lisa from Booken Blend, Brooke from Beyond Bank and many others.
We left feeling energised and inspired, knowing that we all have the power to make change, big or small, we can all contribute to a healthier future for our people and planet.
We look forward to sharing more of our B Corp journey with you.
Kindest,
Hannah
Will & Bear - General Manager
Will & Bear - General Manager
