Join Us in Denmark WA!
WORK2002 - Changemakers Innovation Lab
Program Overview
Over the first two weeks of February, you’ll work with a dynamic group of peers, mentors, and community members to reimagine tourism as a new model—one that cultivates care, connection, and regeneration by restoring ecosystems, celebrating cultural heritage, and creating meaningful relationships between people, species, and places. Together, we’ll explore bold ideas, challenge traditional approaches, and co-create innovative systems, strategies, and solutions that align tourism with the values of regeneration, inclusivity, and community well-being.
The learning experience
Over two immersive weeks in February 2025, you’ll:
- Strengthen Community Connection: Co-create initiatives designed to promote and nurture belonging and shared identity among Koorabup/Denmark’s residents, newcomers, and visitors.
- Celebrate Denmark’s Stories: Develop storytelling tools—physical, digital, or experiential—that amplify Koorabup/Denmark’s cultural and environmental narratives, inspiring care and connection.
- Prototype Regenerative Tourism Systems: Design and test tourism models that generate sustainable revenue while restoring cultural and natural assets and reinvesting in community well-being.
Through this process, you’ll explore tourism as a transformative framework for building social cohesion, amplifying local stories, and designing systems that align economic opportunities with environmental and cultural restoration. This Lab encourages you to collaborate across disciplines, integrate Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and leverage entrepreneurial creativity to help shape Koorabup/Denmark’s sustainable and inclusive future.
Gain Foundations for Transformative Learning and Community Impact
- Reimagine Tourism as Community Connection: Redefine tourism as a practice that supports shared identity, ecological restoration, and mutual care.
- Strengthen Social Bonds: Develop initiatives that enhance collaboration and a sense of belonging within Koorabup/Denmark’s diverse community.
- Amplify Local Narratives: Use creative, 21st-century storytelling to highlight Koorabup/Denmark’s cultural, ecological, and social diversity, cultivating pride and connection.
- Integrate Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS): Collaborate with Noongar Elders to embed cultural respect and care for Country into every project.
- Design Regenerative Tourism Systems: Co-create initiatives that align with Koorabup/Denmark’s values, encourage collaboration, and provide long-term economic sustainability.
Program Structure
- Week 1: Listening, Observing, and Understanding: You’ll begin with a week of deep listening and place-based learning, where you will be immersed in Denmark’s landscapes, culture, and community dynamics. Through on-site visits and conversations with stakeholders, you’ll explore the impacts of tourism and uncover opportunities for restorative and regenerative approaches.
- Week 2: Co-Creating Solutions for Tourism That Cares: Building on the insights gained during Week 1, you will collaborate with stakeholders to co-create innovative and entrepreneurial strategies for tourism that prioritise care, connection, and regeneration. The Lab concludes with a Final Presentation Celebration on Saturday, 15th February 2025, where you will present your group projects to stakeholders and the broader community, reflecting on and celebrating the systems, strategies, and solutions co-created together.
Eligibility
Current Undergraduate Curtin Students from all Faculties
Completing the application form will allow us to assess your eligibility. Applicants must have an elective on your study plan OR seek approval for a unit substitution from your Course Coordinator.
Denmark Residents
Local applicants may apply under one of the following enrollment options:
Accredited Enrollment (25-Credit Unit)
- Participants may enroll in the program as part of Curtin University's Undergraduate Certificate, earning 25 credit points upon successful completion of this unit
- Standard fees and enrollment procedures apply, as per Curtin University’s policies.
Extracurricular (Non-Accredited) Participation
- Participants may choose to engage with the program as extracurricular, non-accredited students
- This option provides full access to program activities, including workshops, field visits, and collaborative projects, without formal assessment or recognition on an academic transcript
- Assessed applicants may be eligible for fully funded scholarship for the program, granted following a successful application
Why This Lab Matters
The Changemakers Innovation Lab offers you the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to Koorabup/Denmark’s future while gaining hands-on experience in regenerative innovation and entrepreneurship. Over two transformative weeks, you’ll work with peers, local leaders, Indigenous Elders, and community changemakers to explore how tourism can cultivate connection, care, and renewal, developing practical solutions that reflect Koorabup/Denmark’s commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and community inclusivity. For us, this Lab is more than an educational experience—it’s a journey of co-creation where we work together to design regenerative systems, craft innovative strategies, and deliver solutions that celebrate local stories and strengthen community connections. By the end of the program, you’ll walk away with new skills, a stronger professional network, and the pride of knowing your work has contributed to shaping a thriving and inclusive future for Koorabup/Denmark and beyond.
We’re so excited to have you on this journey with us and can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together through collaboration and creativity.
How much does this program cost?
The indicative fee for this unit under the Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) scheme is approximately $578. Please note that this fee is subject to change and may vary based on individual circumstances. This unit is additionally eligible for HECS-HELP. For more details on HECS-HELP, please visit our website.
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Supported fee:
- Australian citizens must complete at least part of their course of study while residing in Australia.
- Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens must reside in Australia for the entire duration of the course.Accommodation, class lunch, and all learning experiences are covered as part of the unit fees.
International Student Fee information can be found here.
When does this unit experience run?
From the 2nd to the 15th of February 2025, this unit is scheduled to run in Curtin University Study Term , 2025.
If you’re ready to be part of this transformative journey, apply now to secure your spot in the Changemakers Innovation Lab Intensive!
Contact information
Please direct any enquiries to our team via:
email: golocal@curtin.edu.au
ph: (08) 9266 4271
We look forward to seeing you in the Great Southern Denmark!
Credits:
Curtin Universirty, Community Development Team