Strength in Local Communities: Paris Brooke to Speak at Social Traders Convene 2025

Convene 2025 – Australia’s largest social impact conference – returns for its 11th year on 17 September in Melbourne. The event will bring together changemakers from across the country to connect, learn and collaborate, with one shared purpose: building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable economy.

Among this year’s speakers is our very own Paris Brooke, Executive Officer and Co-Founder of The Wilderness Collective. Paris will join Matt Pfahlert, Co-Founder & CEO of the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship, in the session “Strength in Local Communities: The Mallacoota Re-Build.”

With more than 25 years’ experience in communications, leadership and advocacy, Paris has steered ASX-listed companies, led her own agency, and helped shape national policy. Today, she is using that expertise right here in far east Gippsland to spark entrepreneurship, innovation, and a thriving new Innovation and Employment Hub for Mallacoota.

Ahead of the conference, Social Traders caught up with Paris for a “Fast Five” snapshot into her life, work and the community she’s helping to reimagine.

For those who haven’t been, how would you describe Mallacoota in one sentence?

Mallacoota is a hidden coastal village – nestled between sea, lake and bush on the eastern-most tip of Victoria, right near the NSW border.

What’s the must-do list for visitors?

Explore our stunning beaches, lake and bushwalks. We have an abundance of wildlife—koalas and kangaroos often wander down the main street! Boating, fishing, surfing and bike riding are favourites, but honestly, unplugging and watching the horizon (especially in whale season) is hard to beat.

What sparked the idea for the Wilderness Collective?

After the bushfires, it became clear that Mallacoota needed new opportunities beyond tourism to keep our community strong in the long term. We wanted to build something lasting – a space where locals can create, learn, and launch ideas that make our community thrive on our own terms.

Tell us about your team

We’re a passionate, community-minded group of women across three generations, united by our love for Mallacoota’s future. Each of us brings different strengths, but we share a determination to collaborate and make things happen.

What’s the best part of living in a remote but vibrant community?

The beauty is unbeatable – both the landscapes and the people. You’re never stuck in traffic, everything is five minutes away, and there’s a real sense of possibility. Every small win feels meaningful, and I love discovering the hidden talents and ideas in our community.

At the Convene session, Paris and Matt will explore the long term nature and complexities of community work and how building trust is so fundamental. They’ll unpack the Social Enterprise Rural Manifesto and show how this highlights the importance of systems level and cross-sectorial change. The intergenerational importance of small communities and how community-led is an absolute must for the agility and multifaceted approaches needed in these communities. All the while, drawing upon Mallacoota’s approach to these areas and what we are learning along the way. Stay in touch via our Socials to learn more about our approach!