Reimagining the housing dream at Cobargo Folk Festival

The 'Ideas from the Edge' forums at the Cobargo Folk Festival, "are an opportunity to refresh your activist spirit, meet with local troublemakers, activists, and thinkers, as they discuss their ideas and visions for a better world," according to the Yuin Folk Club.

At the festival held earlier this month, the Ideas agenda took in climate change, education systems, and Aboriginal culture.

Region Media's Ian Campbell facilitated the lunchtime Saturday session, 'Reimagining the Housing Dream; Co-housing, Land Sharing and Tiny Houses in the Bega Valley.'

Co-housing and Tiny Houses are well-established housing options internationally, but relatively new to Australia.

As part of the sharing economy, they are an innovative and collaborative way to create affordable and socially supportive housing and help build stronger communities across all demographics and needs.

The panel and those gathered considered what Bega Valley Shire Council is of could be doing to facilitate innovative, and collaborative responses to the housing crisis - such as tiny houses.

What are the barriers to the uptake of Co-housing and tiny houses in both urban and rural communities in the Bega Valley, and what supportive networks exist in the Bega Valley to explore and develop new housing options?

The panel included:

Cathy Griff, Bega Valley Shire Councillor, Coordinator of the shire's Affordable Housing Working Party;

Ludo McFerran, recognised internationally for her domestic violence and workplace rights activism and member of the Bermagui Co-housing for Older Women Project;

Rick Cuthbert, Tilba Tiny Homes.

With the buzz of the Cobargo Festival in the background, press play and take your seat in the Yarnin Tent…