Are you professional considering a transition to freelance work or have you already started and want to learn more from others?

Our panel of freelancers and experts will share their journeys and insights, and offer practical tips on managing freelance work. This event is suitable for anyone interested in the realities and implications of a mid-career shift to freelancing as well as exploring broader social implications and the future of work. Register now to gain valuable insights into a significant career transition.

Bookings essential (see bottom of page). RSVP: 29 August, 2023 / finger food / dress up a little. All proceeds cover costs and contribute to our co-operative work (we are a not-for-profit / non-distributing co-op).

Features:

Julie Kun – a seasoned social change leader and strategist and now freelancer, is known for translating vision into action through innovative change management and stakeholder engagement. Specializing in gender equity and financial well-being, Julie leverages over two decades of experience to shift systems, cultures, and meanings. Her approach, rooted in collaborative human-centred practice, uses strength-based, feminist, and intersectional frameworks to foster equity and positive change. Julie believes in the power of the heart, head, and hands; with compassion fuelling her work, data driving strategic decision-making, and action bringing strategies to life. Read her post on contracting and freelancing here.

Pete Cohen – a Systems Innovator and Collaboration Strategist, is also a Development Partner at FORWARD – The Centre for Future Skills and Workforce Transformation where he is collaborating to build an innovative learning ecosystem, pioneering collective applied research, and developing next-generation skills solutions. These initiatives aim to catalyse workforce development in industries pivotal to Victoria’s economic renewal. Drawing from a diverse background, Pete leads social initiatives (including the Co-operative Freelancers Society) and continues to express his passion for music on occasion with legendary indie band, Sodastream.

Clare Fountain – is a highly experienced and dedicated professional who has been instrumental in supporting member-owned, purpose-driven, and small business enterprises in building resilience and achieving sustainable success. With a holistic and methodical approach, Clare excels in complex situations by considering multiple influencing factors and developing clear, staged strategies to deliver agreed outcomes. She has contributed to national government-funded co-op development programs Farming Together and Co-operative Farming, and is currently contributing to the Care Together program of the BCCM. Clare holds board positions in various organisations, including ARC Justice (community legal centers), 888 Co-operative Bonds Ltd (development co-operative), and 888 Co-operative Causeway Ltd (Victoria’s first co-operatively owned co-working space). With her extensive expertise and dedication to empowering businesses and communities, Clare continues to make a lasting impact and drive positive change.

Other speakers to be confirmed.

The 888 Co-operative Causeway is a Victorian based social economy member network. The co-operative offers a community of mutual support; members are all individuals and enterprises focussed on creating social, cultural and economic value for each other, the Victorian community and beyond. Practically the co-operative offers a city HQ with members enjoying co-working diskspace in the heart of the CBD as well as access to the Kelvin Club. Members include the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals, Co-operative Bonds, Sorted. and the Community Services and Health Industry Training Board Victoria. The co-operative regularly hosts events like this, and even a podcast to support and further develop the social and solidarity economy in Victoria.

Basil’s Table is an interview series conducted by Basil Varghese, a well-known Melbourne-based community builder and advocate for social justice, who has long been committed to ‘bridging the gap between those that have and have not’. As a Patron of 888 Co-operative Causeway, Basil hosts these conversations with special guests online or at the Kelvin Club in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD on topics relevant to building a connected community across Victoria.