The conference was so enlightening and focused on the idea that within any household, neighborhood or community there is a hidden treasure trove of resources, networks, passions, skills and abilities. As a community, we can tap into these hidden treasures as the foundational building blocks of getting good stuff done!

Over the three days, we witnessed a vast range of great presentations by communities, just like Leeton who were getting good stuff done. They didn't rely on the government or local council, they connected for a cause, identified each other's strengths and set about doing their project. Citizen driven all the way!

We heard stories of communities undertaking a seven-day makeover. This concept teaches residents a new way of reinventing their town, that doesn't involve endless talkfests, or generating unaffordable wishlist. The results were truly amazing. Others presented on programs such as Neighborhood Connect, where residents connect with their neighbors and look out and care for each other.

There was a big focus on kids and fostering community-minded thinking on our children and ways they can contribute. This was my favourite session. Another was called Befriend where communities tackle social isolation, loneliness and exclusion. Simple but powerful.

Our newly formed Leeton Connect could be the ideal vehicle to support the community to get some of these programs off the ground. The good news here is Leeton Connect has been successful in acquiring a $60K start-up grant and is now is in the running for the $1M plus grant which will be shared by three out of five shortlisted communities in NSW. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. Helen Keller