The Caldera Institute for Sustainable Community Development, an independent not-for-profit company, was established in early 2010. Institute Directors had all been on the Steering Committee of a New South Wales Government pilot Community Economic Transition planning exercise undertaken in 2009 within communities of the Upper Tweed Valley in the Northern Rivers Region of the State. The project was funded by Industry and Investment NSW. Click on the link to view our Caldera Community  Economic Transition Plan.

The project sought to develop community identified and supported, economically and environmentally sustainable initiatives that will help achieve greater community self sufficiency and resilience for rural and regional communities. Analysis showed that many of the initiatives that would be required to meet these goals would take time, expertise and a level of coordination that was beyond the resources of individual community groups. T

We identified the need for an organisation that could undertake a more strategic role in: developing and managing major community projects, supporting community group initiatives, acting as a facilitator and capacity builder, identifying new opportunities and building partnerships and networks with lead agencies, business and other key stakeholders.

The Caldera Institute was established to meet this need. Our aim is to work with rural and regional communities within the Northern Rivers Region and elsewhere, to support and facilitate initiatives that build sustainable community futures.