‘The ideas in this book reveal the great treasures of knowledge and wisdom that can enrich our lives. Indeed, inspiring thoughts are much needed in this time of fear and panic. The book is an essential companion for anyone involved in the citizen and professional project that is community development.’
Professor Sue Kenny, Deakin University Australia

‘Good community development requires critical thinking, otherwise we will just prop up the existing neo-liberal order, with its economic and political injustices, its unsustainability, its patriarchy, its racism, its heteronormativity and its colonialism. This book provides a rich and varied collection of wisdom and critical scholarship, challenging taken-for-granted ‘normality’, which contributes to our understanding of living and working in community in these troubled times. It contains many ‘gems’ which will inspire and enhance the practice of community workers.’
Professor Jim Ife, Western Sydney University

‘Ideas change the world! Here is an inspiring collection of good ideas to steer a kinder, fairer future out of the wreckage of neoliberalism.’
Professor Margaret Ledwith, University of Cumbria

Peter Westoby
Peter Westoby has been involved in development practice for over thirty years, working as a grassroots practitioner, facilitator and scholar in diverse contexts such as Australia, PNG, the Philippines, Vanuatu, India, South Africa and Uganda. He is currently Associate Professor of Social Science and Community Development at Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and a Visiting Professor at the Centre for Development Support, University of the Free State, South Africa.

David Palmer

David Palmer currently teaches community development at Murdoch University. Much of his work takes him to remote parts of Central and Northern Australia supporting community-controlled projects carried out by Indigenous groups. Often this means he gets to see first-hand both the challenges facing communities, some of whom had their first contact with non-Indigenous people as recently as the 1970s, and a range of creative and culturally grounded projects.

Athena Lathouras,

Athena Lathouras, known as ‘Tina’, had 30 years practice experience in the areas of community development, disability support, and with peak bodies. She is a senior lecturer in the social work programme at the University of the Sunshine Coast; a member of Community Praxis Co-operative and volunteer liaison with Community Development Queensland.