Denmark! Changemakers Innovation Lab Intensive Denmark WA: 2nd - 15th Februray 2025

Join Us in Denmark WA!

WORK2002 - Changemakers Innovation Lab

Are you ready to make an impact and take your studies beyond the classroom? Apply now to be part of this intensive two-week program in the Great Southern Denmark, WA, and experience learning in a truly unique setting. Limited spots are available, so don’t miss this chance to enrich your studies and contribute to community resilience and sustainability.

Program Overview

The Changemakers Innovation Lab Intensive is a transformative, two-week immersive program designed to empower students with the skills to regenerate regional communities through innovative, sustainable solutions. Taking place in Denmark, Western Australia from the 2nd - 15th of February 2025, this program offers students a unique opportunity to co-create alongside local businesses, Indigenous Knowledge Holders, and community leaders. Students will apply entrepreneurial principles, transdisciplinary innovation methodologies, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) to develop projects that cultivate long-term regeneration and resilience, crucial for building regional innovation ecosystems.

Informed by a regenerative innovation framework of co-creation and deep listening to place, students will collaborate across disciplines, weaving together innovation and cultural insights to address real-world environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges in Denmark and the larger Great Southern region. This program is ideal for Curtin University students studying a range of courses such as innovation, entrepreneurship, tourism, marketing, creative arts, design, film, health, engineering, and sustainability, offering practical, community-based learning that connects them to the heart of regional regeneration.

The learning experience

The Changemakers Innovation Lab Intensive aligns with Curtin University’s mission to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and social innovation through hands-on, real-world culturally responsive experiences. By applying regenerative frameworks and Indigenous Knowledge Systems, students will learn to create strategies and solutions that contribute to economic resilience and community well-being. The 14-day program equips students with the tools to actively contribute to regional regeneration, preparing them for the challenges of a regenerative future.

Denmark, situated in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, is deeply connected to its environment, community, and history. With thriving eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy projects, circular economies, and a strong community spirit, it offers the perfect setting for students to apply their skills in regenerative development and co-creation. This program emphasises transdisciplinary innovation within a real-world context, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), particularly through deep listening to Country (Boodja Neh), and the wisdom of place-based solutions.

The unit will consist of:

• Place-Based Learning: Field visits to regenerative farms, eco-tourism sites, and Indigenous cultural locations.
• Collaborative Co-Creation: Direct work with Indigenous Knowledge Holders, local leaders, entrepreneurs, and government reps.
• Focus on Regenerative Futures: Developing circular economy and regenerative business models, projects, initiatives, and campaigns for long-term sustainability.
• Entrepreneurial Tools and Skills: Introduction to Lean Startup, business model canvases, prototyping, and more.
• Final Community Presentation: Pitch co-created project proposals to local stakeholders, cultivating real-world impact and potential collaborations.

Eligibility

• Open to local Denmark Residents
• Open to current undergraduate Curtin Students from all Faculties (must have an elective on your study plan OR seek approval for a unit substitution from your Course Coordinator)

Outcomes for students

1. Regenerative Projects: Students will develop regenerative solutions for eco-tourism, agriculture, or community development in Denmark. These projects will be co-created with the community, ensuring cultural and local relevance.
2. Cultural Competency and Co-Creation Skills: Through close collaboration with Indigenous Knowledge Holders and community leaders, students will enhance their ability to co-create sustainable solutions rooted in place-based wisdom.
3. Entrepreneurial Skills and Networks: Students will gain practical entrepreneurial skills in business model development, prototyping, and circular economy solutions. They will also build strong networks with Denmark’s business community, Indigenous Elders, and sustainability experts.
4. Post-Program Engagement and Alumni Network: Upon completing the program, students will join an alumni network where they can continue working on their projects in collaboration with local stakeholders and mentors. This ensures their projects can grow beyond the 2-week intensive, contributing to long-term regional regeneration.

Why Denmark?

Denmark, situated in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, is deeply connected to its environment, community, and history. With thriving eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy projects, circular economies, and a strong community spirit, it offers the perfect setting for students to apply their skills in regenerative development and co-creation. This program emphasises transdisciplinary innovation within a real-world context, grounded in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), particularly through deep listening to Country (Boodja Neh), and the wisdom of place-based solutions.

Through field visits, cultural experiences, and storytelling, students will gain firsthand insights into Denmark’s unique ecosystem, applying these lessons to develop innovative, regenerative solutions. They will learn how to translate Indigenous Knowledge Systems, along with deep understandings of place into actionable strategies for regional regeneration, which includes, but is not limited to: regenerative business models, community resilience campaigns, circular economy solutions, eco-conscious public art projects, participatory theatre performances, eco-tourism strategies, place-making initiatives, climate-smart agri-futures, sustainable engineering solutions, web-based mini-series, and interactive locative storytelling experiences. By working directly with local stakeholders, students will co-create solutions that respect both the land and its people, ensuring long-term impact.

How much does this program cost?

Accommodation, class lunch, and all learning experiences are covered as part of the unit fees. To calculate the unit fees, please visit the Student Fee Calculator.

When does this unit experience run?

From the 2nd to the 15th of February 2025, this unit is scheduled to run in Study Term 1.

To view unit availabilities and all unit details, see WORK2002: Listening to Regions: Changemakers Innovation Lab on the Curtin Handbook.

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: go.local@curtin.edu.au

ph: (08) 9266 4271

We look forward to seeing you in the Great Southern Denmark!