Building and Strengthening Rural Social Enterprise Networks

About this webinar

Hear diverse perspectives from across the social enterprise ecosystem, including:

• a state peak body
• a leading regional practitioner and sector leader
• a prominent philanthropic organisation with deep experience in supporting social enterprise networks
• an expert consultant in co-design

This session will share insights, explore co-design opportunities and invite collaboration on the next chapter of building the structures that rural communities need to thrive.

About the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)

ACRE’s purpose is to drive the renewal of Australia’s rural communities so that future generations may thrive. ACRE is a for-purpose social enterprise focused on creating a positive, vibrant future for rural and regional Australia. ACRE offers guided learning and development programs, community brokerage services, advice and support to build entrepreneurial skills in individuals, organisations, government and community. It builds awareness of the emerging model of Social Enterprise as a means of re-generating rural communities in Australia.

Ishani Chattopadhyay

Chief Executive Officer

 

Social Enterprise Network Victoria (SENVIC)

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Ishani is the CEO of SENVIC, the peak body for social enterprises in Victoria. Ishani grew up in India and Melbourne with a career spanning over 25+ years across India/South Asia, Australia, USA, and UK with a focus on strategic advisory, impact entrepreneurship, incubation and acceleration of impact focused start-ups, investment and innovation. Ishani has a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Science from University of Melbourne and an MBA from London Business School. She is also the Founder and Managing Partner of Arctic 90, an entrepreneur-led consultancy that helps impact focused businesses with strategic execution and teaches entrepreneurship at Monash University.

Florence Davidson

Executive Officer

 

Christie Centre

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Florence is an experienced executive and board member with an extensive history in the for-purpose sector. As CEO of Christie Centre Inc, Florence has led the development of four social enterprises: Mildura Chocolate Company; Aroundagain (a repurposing service to avoid waste); Aroundagain Document Destruction; and GrowAbility Nursery within the Mildura area. Florence served as the inaugural SENVIC Local Lead for the Loddon-Mallee region, and is currently a SENVIC board member. Driven by her strong belief in supporting place-based solutions and pathways to employment as a vehicle to improve equity within not only the disability sector but all of the community, Florence has broad experience in board and committee positions including as current chair of the Mallee Regional Partnership.

Belinda Morrissey

Chief Executive Officer

 

English Family Foundation

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Belinda is an accomplished professional who combines a passion and commitment for social enterprise with strong leadership, creativity and business acumen. Belinda’s current role is the CEO of the English Family Foundation, a private foundation whose vision is to support transformational change in our world through the growth and development of social entrepreneurs and social businesses. With deep experience within the Australian social enterprise sector and an extensive leadership background in both corporate and not for profit organisations spanning three continents, Belinda works closely with both social enterprises and the broader ecosystem to develop and support a shared vision for delivering social outcomes. Belinda also has a particular focus on exploring the role of philanthropy as catalytic capital in developing the sector towards scalable investment to escalate social change. With many years’ experience in both Australian and international grantmaking, Belinda is passionate about mobilizing her skills to encourage the development of the for-purpose sector within Australia. Belinda is inspired by transformational and engaged philanthropy and the opportunities to develop solutions that will mobilise capital to create long term social change both within Australia and beyond.

Fiona Smith

Principal

 

MAKE Studios

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Fiona is a design leader with deep expertise in community co-design, service design, and systems thinking. As Principal at MAKE Studios, she works alongside government, education, and social enterprise partners to co-create better outcomes for people and the planet. With a passion for food systems, regeneration, and social impact, Fiona brings a human-centred lens to complex challenges. She uses storytelling, visual communication, and participatory design to understand what motivates change, remove barriers, and build shared vision. Her work centres on engaging communities and stakeholders in meaningful, collaborative processes based on lived experience to create lasting impact. Fiona has led and contributed to multiple circular economy initiatives, including Open Sauce (a partnership with STREAT and Victorian social enterprises) named a 2023 finalist in the Victorian Premier’s Sustainability Awards for Circular Economy Innovation.

Meg Allan

Advocacy and Market Development Lead

 

Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE)

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Meg Allan is a passionate advocate for strong, self-determined rural communities. Based in Mallacoota, she works with ACRE to drive rural renewal and leads the call for a co-designed Rural Social Enterprise Network. Grounded in lived experience, her work strengthens local enterprise, fosters connection, and supports community-led action. She is a co-founder and Board Chair of the Wilderness Collective to strengthen local enterprise and connection, is a member of the Social Enterprise World Forum Youth Advisory Group and a non-executive director of the Gippsland Community Foundation.