Melbourne has long been a home for a vibrant and engaged community of sustainability practitioners who regularly come together to share knowledge and inspire action. That collaboration was severely limited from 2020 through to late 2021 by which time Melbournian’s had spent over 260 days in lockdown. During that time, Jeff Robinson, like many of us, was feeling that loss of connection and community.

In January 2022, Jeff and a small group of us met together at the North Point Café in Brighton and resolved to launch a new initiative. Melbourne Regenerative Design Forum, originally called Regen Places, was formed to provide a home for people and organisations who seek to be champions for a regenerative built and natural environment, so they can come together in-person to share knowledge, develop a new narrative and accelerate the transition towards a regenerative future for Melbourne. We defined regeneration as bringing new energy and spirit to social, ecological, economic systems so they can renew, evolve and thrive.

The Melbourne Regenerative Design Forum, with the support of our many organisational collaborators, has hosted a series of engaging in-person industry events covering a wide range of topics including biophilic design, carbon neutrality, nature positive design, purpose driven businesses, regenerative design and sustainable timber. Jeff Robinson has remained an enthusiastic supporter and collaborator, and we look forward to growing the influence and impact of the Forum in the coming years, with the support of the First Question Society.