There are many small towns in rural areas of Australia with declining populations and services marked by the loss of young people to regional and metropolitan cities. In some cases this has been associated with decline of a dominant industry, such as wool.

In this context, a number of such towns are exploring ways in which a culture led recovery can sustain these towns, and add to the quality of life of residents. An example is provided by the Small Town Transformation project funded by the Victorian Government with Regional Arts Victoria having a key role. The Victorian scheme involved grants of $350,000, on a competitive basis, for towns with populations below 1500 that could come up with schemes for creative enterprises not involving brickes and mortar construction on the assumption "if you have bold artists and brave towns you can create a mindset and a culture that leads these places forward".

A report on the scheme in the magazine of a national newspaper(theaustralian.com.au/magazine) focused on initiatives taken in the small town of Dookie in the Victorian wheat region. This entrepreneurial initiative was led by a group of women who planned a cultural festival for the town with learning as the project proceeded. The centrepiece was an old quarry near the centre of the town with sheer rock walls rising which was converted to an auditorium for live performances. AS the co-ordinating group has never run a festival, they hired an artist for this role. Other outside artists have been enlisted to direct film and theatre productions, and associated learning ventures such as enlisting an engineering workshop for welding lessons to train locals to build sculptural barbecues. The initial Dookie arts festival will start on 4 October.

The Dookie case illustrates how small towns in decline can be revitalised by cultural events and activities where there is vision and leadership, with learning on the way. No doubt other examples exist in communities participating in Networks. Much could be gained by further cases being posted on this site, perhaps illustrating the role of heritage museums in small communities.