At the end of March tsiMoray held their annual conference for community organisations and the public to come together for sharing thoughts around community-led development in Moray. The theme for this year’s conference was around communities leading the change to help shape an economy that works for people, places as well as the planet.

It was great to see inspiration taken from Portgordon for both tsiMORAY’s Join the Dot’s publication and their Annual report.

Check out this blog by keynote speaker and Moray Local Action Group member,  Viktoria Eriksson.

The day offered a diverse  programme of speakers, workshops and networking to build on a shared vision for a community-led wellbeing economy. In my capacity as the community development leader for Dufftown & District Community Association as well as being the deputy chair of the Moray Local Action Group, I was excited be one of the panel speakers to share my experience on the topic. Some of my key points involved how, on the ground, communities are identifying their priorities and embracing partnership working. Last year alone, over £250,000 was distributed through the Moray Local Action Group towards projects where communities identified what works and is important to them. Communities are also creating an economy that works for everyone through farmer’s markets, community transport initiatives, and community larders. This is an economy that is circular, local, and sustainable. Lastly, communities all around Moray and beyond are recognising and improving their assets. Whether it is a unique building, skills or relationships, these assets are important because they contribute to our sense of identity and pride of where we live.