Welcome to this week’s edition of Simon Sees!
This week was inspired by our latest Future With Friends episode – “The Future of Community” with Stef Koster, recorded live at CoCo Place in Mornington. Stef shared a utopian scenario where local clubs collapse after funding shifts to major city events — and how residents, from elders to teenagers, rebuild connection and purpose. From there, the conversation opened up to the power of volunteerism, the evolving role of technology, and the emotional bonds that hold communities together.
But let’s jump into our signals. First, an ABC News story from Ongerup, where locals bought the town’s pub and businesses to keep community life alive — a reminder that resilience often begins at the grassroots. Next, Reimagining the Civic Commons argues that in times of disaster, it’s not roads or bridges that save us first, but our social infrastructure: trust, relationships, and networks of care. And finally, an Australian Sports Foundation report reveals how community clubs are struggling to survive, putting at risk the very places where people gather, belong, and play.
In a future shaped by disruption, the task isn’t just to hold communities together but to invest in the spaces, rituals, and relationships that let them thrive. Community isn’t just about living side by side — it’s about choosing to show up for one another, again and again.
ABCNEWS
Ongerup locals buy pub, service station, supermarket and cafe to keep town alive
“It’s a long trek from anywhere, but Ongerup in Western Australia — population 114 — has a community that has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure their town never dies.”
MEDIUM
In Times of Disaster, It’s Our Social Infrastructure That Will Save Us
“From extreme weather to economic woes, our parks, libraries and gathering places may be more important than you think.”
SUSTAINABLE SPORTS NEWS
Australian Sports Foundation report reveals community clubs are struggling
“A newly released report from the Australian Sports Foundation has shown the increasing pressure on community sporting clubs with rising costs and falling revenues pushing almost one in five (18%) to the brink of collapse.”
THE FUTURE WITH FRIENDS PODCAST
Ep 13: The Future of community
This episode is extra special — for the very first time, The Future With Friends was filmed in front of a live audience at CoCo Place in Mornington! The setting perfectly suits this episode’s theme: ‘The Future of Community’.
This week’s guest is Stef Koster, founder of the co-working space CoCo Place. The energy of being together in the room brings the conversation to life as Simon and Stef explore what it really takes to keep people connected in a rapidly changing world.
They discuss the power of volunteerism, the evolving role of technology, and the emotional bonds that hold communities together. Stef shares a compelling utopian scenario about a small town whose local sports clubs and community life have collapsed after funding is diverted to major city events, and how residents, from elders to teenagers, rebuild connection and purpose.
Stef draws on her experience with Tennis Australia, sharing insights from major marketing campaigns alongside her grassroots work in regional towns. She reflects on how communities are formed through local clubs and what could be lost if they disappear.
Their conversation highlights the wisdom elders pass down, the universal need for belonging, and the importance of collaboration over competition.
At its heart, this episode celebrates the energy of live conversation and the power of stories to strengthen and reimagine community. It’s a reminder that vibrant, resilient communities aren’t built alone — they grow through connection, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Simon
