Community Led Innovation: Heyfield Adventure Hub
Details:
4:35 – 5:25 pm
5th of December
Room: 4N-120
Sam Fenton & Daria Soldatenko
It can be difficult for community groups to implement adventure tourism initiatives. The Heyfield Tourism Innovation Working Group were challenged with the task of improving the local visitor economy in response to the loss of jobs in the native timber harvesting industry. By listening to the community and engaging a wide range of stakeholders, it was possible to create a shared understanding and common goals toward building and adventure hub to get more visitors and locals to stay, play and enjoy the outdoors.
About the Presenter
Sam Fenton is a lecturer in physical education and outdoor recreation with a research focus on Physical Literacy.
He has been developing a new approach to community led innovation, taking an appreciative inquiry approach to support community groups to identify and prioritise strategic actions to improve physical literacy in their community.
A recent project presented at an International conference, led to the creation of a global group of experts focused on Physical Literacy Enriched Environmental Design (PLEED).
His work continues bringing the best of global expertise to support local projects in Gippsland. His collaborative, codesigned projects have led to sustained momentum through the power of positive community alignment.
Daria is an experienced researcher who holds two PhDs. She has 14 years of research
experience across tourism, education, and ecology. Daria’s main research interests are
regional tourism development, tourism motivational factors, and culture.
Daria has worked as a Research Fellow, both in Russia and Australia. She has strong
quantitative, research, statistical and data interpretation skills.
She is currently involved in multiple projects within the Collaborative Evaluation and
Research Centre at Federation University.
