Pollinators has made changes to its services and pricing that will benefit members and enable the organisations sustainability. These changes are aligned with: Pollinators 2015-2020 Strategy, especially regarding catering for a diversity of needs, ensuring core services are financially sustainable and adding more options for digital delivery and participation from other regions in WA. Independent and in-house evaluations and surveys, especially the […]
Tag Archives | Geraldton
Digital and IT Professionals networking event
Pollinators Inc and partners are excited to be hosting a networking event for Digital and IT professionals, featuring three leading technology entrepreneurs and investors: Rob Nathan, Matt McFarlane and Greg Johnston.
Over drinks and food, you are invited to:
- Meet and network with fellow digital and IT professionals,
- Hear from Rob and Matt about trends in technology business in Australia,
- Contribute to discussions about future, regular events of this type.
PLEASE RSVP for Drinks and Catering
Rob Nathan’s background includes:
- Co-founding AMCOM Upstart software-focused accelerator,
- Founding Australiantenders.com,
- Secretary of eGroup
Matt McFarlane’s background includes:
- Co-founding Yuuwa Capital
- Director of multiple technology companies including AgWorld, AEGIC and iCetana
We hope this will be the first in a regular series of networking events for web developers, ISPs, hardware and networking providers, app and software developers and digital consultants to meet, learn and do business together.
This event is made possible thanks to AMCOM Upstart, Pollinators Inc, Regional Development Australia Midwest Gascoyne, Mid West Development Commission and the Australian Government’s Digital Enterprise program.
Startup region! Pathways for high-growth ventures
Pollinators Inc and partners are excited to be bringing two of Australia’s leading facilitators and investors in startup ventures to the Mid West.
Rob Nathan and Matt McFarlane are investors, entrepreneurs, mentors and advisers, and both are instrumental in Australia’s newest tech-focused startup accelerators: AMCOM Upstart. Greg Johnston is a commercialisation adviser with the Innovation Centre of WA, serial inventor, entrepreneur and founder of Xemplex and Advanced Wing Systems.
Over lunch Rob, Nathan and local startup successes will share their journey, insights and advice for pathways and support to accelerate the growth of your startup. This is an amazing opportunity to learn and network with peers and mentors.
Lessons shared will be relevant beyond ‘tech’ startups, and informative for any high-growth venture.
This event will feature:
- 12:30pm — Lunch and networking
- 1pm — Presentations, Q&A and panel discussion with Matt, Rob, and local successful high-growth ventures
- 2pm — Opportunities for one-on-one meetings with investors and mentors [limited places – see below]
To attend lunch and workshop: Please purchase a ticket to attend, or register for a free ticket if a Pollinators member.
To register for a one-on-one meeting: Once registered for the workshop, email community@pollinators.org.au with details of your request for a one-on-one meeting.
This event is made possible thanks to AMCOM Upstart, Pollinators Inc, Regional Development Australia Midwest Gascoyne, Mid West Development Commission and the Australian Government’s Digital Enterprise program.
Useful Links:
- AMCOM Upstart: http://www.amcomupstart.com.au/
- Pollinators Catalyst: http://pollinators.org.au/learning/catalyst-overview/
- Pollinators Groundswell: http://pollinators.org.au/2015/01/23/groundswell/
Member Morning Meetup — First Wednesday
Connect, collaborate and create with Pollinators members at our regular First Wednesday Member Meetup.
The greatest attraction is meeting and chatting with other members. And, occasionally specific topics and guests are sourced through our membership: suggest a speaker or topic for a future event.
These events generally feature:
- Casual, open agenda so you can come and leave when it suits you,
- Pollinators staff or Board members will be on-hand to do introductions and share any news and ‘host’ the conversation,
- A diverse mix of people from across business, government, charities, community groups and more.
RSVP is appreciated.
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You can also grab great food and a coffee from our generous sponsors:
Culinary HQ will give members (present your membership card) a 20% discount on coffee and items from our pastry counter (excluding Macarons). Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Jaffle Shack will give members (present your membership card) a $2 discount on Jaffles and $0.50 discount on coffees. Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Member Social Meetup — Third Friday
Meet and catch-up with Pollinators members at our monthly Third Friday Social Meetup.
Each month we have an inspiring topic, guest or feature that attracts all you doers, thinkers, innovators and creators.
This month we’ll be focusing on ‘What shall we do together in 2015?’
Each year Pollinators Inc invests time in evaluating the year just gone. During this time, we:
- Check-in and strengthen personal connections with and amongst members,
- Understand member needs, aspirations and opportunities,
- Consider changes to our services, programs and communications.
On Friday 23rd January we’re going to discuss this year’s program of events, services and programs. We’ll share and discuss:
- Learning, insights statistics and stories from 2014,
- Highlights of the feedback and suggestions we’ve been hearing from members,
- What we do in 2015.
We’re very openly considering any changes that could ensure the health and resilience of your ventures, Pollinators, and our communities this year, and how that will set the tone for our strategy to 2015.
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Each month, topics and guests are sourced through suggestions from members: suggest a speaker or topic or any sort of event.
On the Third Friday of each month these events generally feature:
- An MC to facilitate connections and keep it rolling,
- A compelling question that gets conversations started,
- Special guests to share their stories, views or news,
- Drinks and nibbles to keep the energy bubbling.
Recruiting: Project Manager with Pollinators
Pollinators Inc are hiring for a new part-time role within our team. Working from Pollinators is a highly desirable role in an ethical, healthy, professional environment doing very clever, creative and meaningful work. The first step (and we suggest you take it now — Pollinators are recruiting for an immediate start) for interested applicants is to contact Andrew at Pollinators on […]
Member Morning Meetup — First Wednesday
Connect, collaborate and create with Pollinators members at our regular First Wednesday Meetup.
The greatest attraction is meeting and chatting with other members. And, occasionally specific topics and guests are sourced through our membership: suggest a speaker or topic for a future event.
This month we’ll be joined by Karina from Starwin, a social enterprise based in Darwin that celebrates champions, leads change in the community through talent programs, a shopfront store and management support.
These events generally feature:
- Casual, open agenda so you can come and leave when it suits you,
- Pollinators staff or Board members will be on-hand to do introductions and share any news and ‘host’ the conversation,
- A diverse mix of people from across business, government, charities and more.
RSVP is optional, but appreciated.
You can also grab great food and a coffee from our generous sponsors:
Culinary HQ will give members (present your membership card) a 20% discount on coffee and items from our pastry counter (excluding Macarons). Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Jaffle Shack will give members (present your membership card) a $2 discount on Jaffles and $0.50 discount on coffees. Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Member Social Meetup + End of Year Party
A special edition of our monthly social event, the last for 2014.
RSVPs are required.
The 2013 event was very popular and a great vibe, and we expect 2014 to be just as wonderful. The event will feature:
- MC and facilitation,
- Food, drinks and networking,
- Review and highlights of 2014 for Pollinators members,
- Interesting discussion (see themes below).
Themes for the 2014 event are Happy, Healthy and Wise.
The themes will be the basis for some fun and casual activities during the evening, including:
- Celebrating ‘wins’ from the past year and previewing 2015,
- Considering ‘health’ in the context of our bodies, ventures and community,
- Sharing ‘wisdom’: both what we learned in the past year, and insights from different spiritual and religious traditions.
Member Social Meetup + Catalyst final presentations!
A special edition of our monthly social event, featuring the final presentations from Catalyst participants.
RSVPs are required.
The 2013 event was popular and brilliant, and we expect 2014 to be brilliant. It will feature:
- Food, drinks and networking,
- Panel discussion amongst our guests (see below),
- 3-minute “pitch” presentations from our Catalyst participants, followed by Q&A,
- Popular voting for the best of the pitches and ventures.
Our confirmed guests and judges for the evening include experienced entrepreneurs, investors, funders and all share a common passion for growing better communities. They will share their insights into entrepreneurship and innovation, and provide feedback on the Catalyst final presentations.
- Melissa Hadley-Barrett, Founder of Hit Nitz 4 6 and healthcare innovator
- Danae Sheldrick, Community Relations at MMG Golden Grove
- Pieter Vorster, Economic Development Coordinator at City of Greater Geraldton
- Jody Beven, Manager of Geraldton Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank
- and more to be confirmed…
Thee session will include presentations from ventures spanning environmental, musical, creative and commercial sectors.
Agenda for the evening:
- 6 pm — Networking and Food
- 6:30 pm — Panel Discussion
- 7 pm — Presentations
- 8 pm — Networking and voting
- 8:30 pm — Feedback and Close
Catalyst 2014 has only been possible through the generous support of sponsors, funders, partners and our program presenters and mentors.
Special thanks to City of Greater Geraldton, MMG, and Williams and Hughes
Alliance to lead action and strengthen representation across the region
It could read like the start of a great joke: “An artist, a businessman and a social entrepreneur walked into a bar….”, however while this newly-formed Alliance got off to a light-hearted start, it is a serious endeavour with significant implications for the future of the region. This week the Midwest’s three leading representative organisations signed a new […]
Showcasing Geraldton’s Creative professionals
This post is a short summary of a Peer Learning Session hosted by Pollinators, focused on Professional Development for our Design and Creative professionals. Designers and creative professionals are highly-skilled, generate significant economic and cultural value, and contribute disproportionately to the look and feel of our regional. Participants included landscape architects, textile designers, arts teachers, graphic designers […]
Pitch, Plan and Projections
Each year we have several events and programs, like Catalyst and Startup Weekend, where participants present their idea for a new innovation or venture to an audience. This can sometimes be the pinnacle of months or preparation, or just a few hours. However people come to this point it’s usually a key moment in the development of […]
Member Social Meetup — Third Friday
Meet and catch-up with Pollinators members at our monthly Friday evening social event.
Each month we have an inspiring topic, guest or feature that attracts all you doers, thinkers, innovators and creators.
This month we’ll be focusing on ‘contributing to large-scale social change’
There will be short presentations and discussions about:
- The national Changemaker’s Festival, commencing on the 17th October
- The ‘divestment’ movement, with national divestment day on the 18th October
- The national movement to support ‘startups’ and new industries in Australia, though things like Startup Spring, running from 13th to 27th October
Each month, topics and guests are sourced through suggestions from members: suggest a speaker or topic or any sort of event.
On the Third Friday of each month these events generally feature:
- MC Rosie Sitorus to facilitate connections and keep it rolling,
- A compelling question that gets conversations started,
- Special guests to share their stories, views or news,
- Discounted drinks thanks to an extended Happy Hour for members across at The Provincial.
Peer Learning: Podio as an all-in-one management solution
Pollinators hosted a peer learning session to discuss use of Podio to enhance team productivity in different organisational contexts. This post outlines some general recommendations from the conversations, and has specific suggestions for particular users and purposes, This session was attended by people in executive or manager-level roles within small to medium organisations. This conversation continued pre- and post-session within […]
Member Morning Meetup — First Wednesday
Connect, collaborate and create with Pollinators members at our regular First Wednesday Meetup.
The greatest attraction is meeting and chatting with other members. And, occasionally specific topics and guests are sourced through our membership: suggest a speaker or topic for a future event.
These events generally feature:
- Casual, open agenda so you can come and leave when it suits you,
- Pollinators staff or Board members will be on-hand to do introductions and share any news and ‘host’ the conversation,
- A diverse mix of people from across business, government, charities and more.
This month we will be joined by special guest, Rachael West who is visiting Geraldton to facilitate the opening session of Catalyst.
Rachael West is an engineer and social entrepreneur. She is passionate about helping people find the link between their own wellness and the contribution they make to the world. Rachael is the founder of Finding Yoga and designs health education programs in collaboration with health professionals. She is presenting the sold-out ‘School of Life’ session on ‘How to Make a Difference‘ in Perth, and is also a TEDx Speaker Coach and has 12 years experience as a workshop facilitator with a special focus on using movement and play for professional learning.
Rachael West
No RSVP required, just turn up.
On your way, grab some food and a coffee from our generous sponsors:
Culinary HQ will give members (present your membership card) a 20% discount on coffee and items from our pastry counter (excluding Macarons). Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Jaffle Shack will give members (present your membership card) a $2 discount on Jaffles and $0.50 discount on coffees. Valid between 7 and 9am on the First Wednesday of the month.
Peer Learning: Which platform or CMS to use for your website?
Pollinators hosted a peer learning session to discuss the relative merits of different web platforms (which includes ‘content management systems’ or CMS) for different users, audiences and purposes. This post outlines some general recommendations from the conversations, and has specific suggestions for different users or purposes. This session was mainly attended by those who professionally build and develop websites, and […]
Entrepreneurs learn and launch at Startup Weekend
Geraldton Startup Weekend was held over the 19th and 20th September, providing a structured, fun and fast way for local people to launch new ventures or projects. A mix of participants from business, government and community formed teams and used new tools to form, test, then present their ideas for new ventures. The benefits go beyond the prizes for the winning […]
Member Social Meetup — Third Friday
Meet and catch-up with Pollinators members at our monthly Friday evening social event.
Each month we have an inspiring topic, guest or feature that attracts all you doers, thinkers, innovators and creators.
This month’s theme — Startup Weekend!
It’s the first anniversary of CityHive moving to its Marine Tce location, and we’re celebrating with another night of awesome ideas and networking.
For further details and registrations, see Startup Weekend event listing.
Startup Weekend Geraldton
Geraldton Startup Weekend offers everyone in the Midwest the opportunity to LEARN how to turn an IDEA into a Startup and on to a viable venture or project.
This weekend is centered around action, innovation, and education. Whether you are looking for feedback on a idea, a co-founder, specific skill sets, a team to help you execute, or investment, this Startup Weekends is the perfect environment in which to test your idea and take the first steps towards launching your own startup.
Tickets are available for only Friday night, or the whole weekend, register via Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-weekend-geraldton-2014-tickets-12107781701
Entrepreneur’s Journey
Startup Weekend is primarily a LEARNING experience, where access to tools, coaches, mentors and collaborators accelerates your learning. While the best outcome is learning, it also happens that Startup Weekend is the largest single source of new ventures. And while Startup Weekends origins are in the technology community (apps and software), globally this approach has now been used with a focus on healthcare, women, social challenges and more. Read more about the diverse locations and topics on the Startup Weekend site.
Now, thanks to MMG Golden Grove, Up Global, Pollinators Inc and Lifetime Services, Startup Weekend is coming to Geraldton. We’ve tailored the schedule for our community and condensed into an amazing 30-hour event beginning with Friday night pitches, and continuing on Saturday with brainstorming, business model development, customer validation, basic prototyping and final presentations.
For Geradtlon Startup whether your idea is about technology, arts, or trying to solve a social problem, this is your chance to knock it into shape, FAST, and gain momentum to realise your dream. It’s also a GREAT lead-in to our Catalyst program.
Overview
Startup Weekend takes a team-based approach, where not all ideas pitched will be worked on. Some of the best learning comes from helping someone else on their idea or venture, without the emotional attachment and responsibility!
The event flow is:
- Friday Night (detailed timing for 2014 Geraldton Startup Weekend Friday here)
- Pitches — everyone who wants to has a 1 minute pitch
- Networking — an opportunity to learn more about other people, the ideas
- Voting — use sticky notes to vote for the top ideas
- Form Teams — teams are formed
- Saturday (detailed timing for 2014 Geraldton Startup Weekend Saturday here)
- Work on your ideas — use tools, resources, coaches, mentors, customers and developers to form your idea into a viable proposition
- Pitches — all teams practice then pitch for 5 minutes to the judges
Participants get:
- Support from coaches and mentors from across the community — legal, financial, technical, branding and marketing advice for free!
- All materials, templates, tools and contacts — for planning the business model, validating with customers and creating a minimum viable product
- Food and drink for the duration of the event — 4 square meals!
- Free resources from Startup Weekend sponsors like Amazon web services, .co, 3M and more
- Prizes for the best ventures, and spot prizes for great team members.
- Facilitation by a team of expert and enthusiastic organisers.
There are three information sessions, on 3rd, 10th and 17th September, to learn more about Geraldton Startup Weekend
Tickets are available via Eventbrite: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-weekend-geraldton-2014-tickets-12107781701
Member Social Meetup — Third Friday
Meet and catch-up with Pollinators members at our monthly Friday evening social event.
Each month we have an inspiring topic, guest or feature that attracts all you doers, thinkers, innovators and creators.
This month’s theme is ‘What’s coming up?’
There are a bunch of things happening — Goodness Festival, new spaces in the West End, Catalyst program about to launch for 2014 and a hundred awesome member ventures.
This is an open opportunity to share ‘what’s coming up?’ for you and our community.
Come down to hangout, connect and catch-up with other members.
Topics and guests are sourced through suggestions from members: suggest a speaker or topic or any sort of event.
