Edition #2

Table of Contents

• What if?

• 🫚 The Soil: Nurturing Our Roots

• 🌾 Seeds of Change: ReKindle - Nurturing Youth, St …

• 🔥 The Campfire: AMP Spark program

• 👊 Upcoming Events and Opportunities: June’s Patch

• 🎉 Harvest Stories: The Gold Phone

• 👀 Celebrating Our Community's Impact: Justice for …

• 🎨 Creative Corner: Punk Philosophy and People Pow …

• 🧑🏼‍🌾 Parting Thoughts: A Message from the Farme …

Dear fellow dreamers and architects of change,

In the quiet moments between heartbeats, between the rustling of leaves and the whisper of distant stars, there lies a question:

What if?

What if dignity wasn't a luxury, but the very foundation upon which we build our communities?

What if we could reimagine justice not as a system, but as a living, breathing embodiment of our shared humanity?

These are the questions that propel us at A Curious Tractor, driving us across sun-baked plains and through urban labyrinths, from the red earth of Kalgoorlie to the ancient shores of Minjerribah. In a way, we are co-conspirators in a grand reimagining of what's possible.

Nic and I are working hard to find a blueprint for a revolution – quiet, persistent, and profound.

What follows are stories of this revolution unfolding. You'll meet Gloria, whose quest for a supportive mattress becomes a powerful metaphor for dignity in daily life. You'll also witness First Nations communities reclaiming the narrative of justice, guided by the rhythm of Country and the whispers of ancestors. You'll have a chance to find respite and also find out how a punk ethos could transform our youth justice systems.

But these stories aren't just meant to inform or inspire.

They're an invitation – to you, to us, to all of us – to become part of this unfolding tale. Because the future we're cultivating isn't a distant utopia. It's here, now, sprouting in the cracks of what we once thought immovable.

In a world that often feels fractured, we at A Curious Tractor believe in the revolutionary power of curiosity, empathy, and collective action. We believe that by asking better questions, by listening deeply, and by daring to act on the wisdom we uncover, we can cultivate a future that nourishes us all.

With fierce hope and boundless curiosity,

The A Curious Tractor Team (Nic and Ben)

P.S. This is quite a long one so maybe come back for a few bites of the cherry ;)

🫚 The Soil: Nurturing Our Roots

Picture this - Aunty Gloria, surrounded by 5 other women at Nigma Mia camp, her eyes twinkling with a lifetime of experiences, spoke of the simple dignity that comes with a supportive mattress. "It's hard for me, being on disability, to wash my mattress," she confided, "But a good one, it gives me the support I need." In those words, we found our mission crystallised – to create not just a product, but a tangible piece of dignity.

We met Chloe, a tireless support worker at Bega Garnbirringu Health Services, whose passion for her community blazes brighter than the Kalgoorlie sun. She opened our eyes to the cascading effects of poor sleep – from increased hospitalisation to the struggle for daily wellness. Her insights transformed our understanding, shifting our focus from mere comfort to holistic health and community resilience.

Tracy from the Church of Christ, a beacon of compassion in the community, shared profound insights that reshaped our perspective. "The people love to sleep outdoors and that's their preference for a lot of people," she told us. Her words reminded us that our solutions must honor cultural practices and connections to the land. Tracy's enthusiasm for the project's potential was palpable: "This is a great idea. Being lightweight, but still being able to take the weight of somebody easily... Hygienically, that's a huge plus."

At Boulder Camp, we had the privilege of meeting Walter, a community stalwart whose wisdom is as deep as the roots of the ancient gum trees. Walter's eyes lit up as he spoke about the importance of a good night's sleep and the challenges of the harsh environment. "This bed is good," he nodded approvingly, "And it's outside this place. On this big shed. And nice and cool wind come in." His words underscored the need for our designs to be not just comfortable, but adaptable to the unique conditions of outdoor sleeping.

As we sat on the red earth, sharing yarns and dreams under the vast Kalgoorlie sky, we felt the project taking root in fertile soil. We learned that a bed is never just a bed – it's a cornerstone of health, a platform for dreams, a symbol of home. We discovered that true innovation isn't born in boardrooms, but in the spaces between stories, in the nodding agreement of elders, in the excited chatter of youth imagining new possibilities.

Looking ahead, our path is clear yet wonderfully undefined. We're not here to impose solutions, but to cultivate them alongside the community. Our next steps will be a dance of co-design – workshops where Elders and youth alike will shape the future of the Goods project. We envision community-led production, where each bed crafted is a statement of self-determination and local pride.

This is just the beginning. The soil is rich, the seeds are planted, and together, we're cultivating a future where every member of the community can rest easy, dream big, and wake up ready to shape their world.

Stay tuned, for this garden of possibility is only just beginning to bloom.

🌾 Seeds of Change: ReKindle - Nurturing Youth, Strengthening us all

Imagine a space where every young person's potential is not just recognised, but celebrated and nurtured. This is the essence of ReKindle. It's more than a program; it's a movement, a revolution in how we support and empower our youth.

"ReKindle is different," shared one trial participant, their eyes alight with newfound purpose. "Aunty actually helps me do stuff I want to do. I think for the first time, I feel like I can try things and choose what I want to do." In these words, we hear the transformative power of genuine support and the importance of agency in shaping one's path.

As we stood among the gathered community - mentors, employers and supporters - we felt the birth of a village. A village where every member plays a crucial role in nurturing the potential of our youth. This is not a top-down approach, but a collaborative dance of empowerment and growth.

ReKindle challenges us to reimagine support systems. It asks: What if we created a community that's always there for our young people, no matter where they are in their journey? What if we saw each young person not as a problem to be solved, but as a unique spark capable of igniting change?

The launch was just the beginning. Now, the real work begins. We're calling on you - yes, you - to help fan this spark into a flame. Whether you're a potential mentor, an employer with opportunities to offer, or simply someone who believes in the power of community, there's a place for you in this village.

As ReKindle grows, we at A Curious Tractor are honoured to support its journey through strategy, learning, and growth. We're weaving together the threads of innovation, community wisdom, and youth empowerment to create a tapestry of change that stretches from Brisbane to Kalgoorlie and beyond.

This is an invitation to be part of something extraordinary. To help rewrite the narrative for young people who've faced challenges. To create a community where every young person can say, "I belong. I matter. I can shape my future."

Stay curious, stay connected, and let's rekindle hope, one young life at a time.

🔥 The Campfire: AMP Spark program

Nic and I find ourselves in the extraordinarily privileged position of being part of a cohort of up-and-coming social entrepreneurs, each blazing trails in their own unique way. It's like being part of a constellation - each star shining bright in its own right, but together, forming something truly magnificent.

Our weekly meetings have become a ritual of sorts, a sacred space where we learn, unlearn, and co-design together. It's a beautiful dance of minds and hearts, where vulnerability meets creativity, and challenges transform into opportunities. From these sessions, we emerge not just with new knowledge, but with renewed vigour and fresh perspectives.

The intensives at Beechworth? Pure magic. Imagine a gathering of change-makers, huddled together in the crisp air, sharing stories, strategies, and dreams. It's in these moments, away from the daily grind, that some of our most profound insights have emerged. There's something about the combination of focused time, diverse perspectives, and a change of scenery that sparks innovation like nothing else.

But it's not just about the structured moments. It's the random calls, the late-night texts, the shared victories and setbacks as we navigate the complex world of social enterprise together. This cohort has become more than a professional network - it's a support system, a sounding board, and a source of inspiration.

We're pumped (to put it mildly) to be involved in this program. It's shaping not just our projects, but us as individuals and as a team. The ripple effects of these connections are felt in every aspect of our work, from the Goods project in Kalgoorlie to ReKindle in Brisbane.

We invite you to explore more about the cohort here. Take a moment to dive into their visions, to see the incredible work being done across various sectors and communities. And if something strikes a chord - if you see a project that resonates with you or a cause that ignites your passion - we encourage you to reach out and get involved.

Here's to the power of connection, collaboration, and the endless possibilities that emerge when bright minds come together for the greater good.

👊 Upcoming Events and Opportunities: June’s Patch

June's Patch is a living, breathing testament to the restorative power of connection - to nature, to community, and to oneself. Born from the support of the June Canavan Foundation and Qld Gives this project has blossomed into a sanctuary where healthcare professionals can find respite, renewal, and a profound sense of grounding.

As we stand on the cusp of Phase 2, we're filled with a sense of wonder at what we've achieved and excitement for what's to come. Imagine a space where the act of nurturing plants becomes a metaphor for self-care, where the rhythm of the seasons provides a gentle reminder of life's natural cycles, and where the simple act of digging in the earth can root us firmly in the present moment.

Our vision for Phase 2 is to expand this healing circle, inviting not just 30, but 60 participants to experience the transformative power of nature-based therapy. And we're not stopping there.

Picture a community coming together to grow nutrient-rich produce, not just for themselves, but for those who need it most. Envision healthcare workers, patients, and community members side by side, tending to crops that will nourish bodies and souls across the region. This is the heartbeat of June's Patch - a place where healing extends beyond individual renewal to encompass entire communities.

We invite you to be part of this growing story. Whether you're a healthcare professional seeking renewal, a community member passionate about sustainable food systems, or someone who simply believes in the power of nature to heal and unite, there's a place for you in this garden of possibility.

You can join the growing Junes Patch community and apply for a stay by signing up at this link. Here you can ask questions about the project, meet some of the community and book in for a stay.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the impacts of June's Patch, share stories of transformation, and explore how this model of nature-based healing could ripple out to touch lives far beyond our immediate reach.

After all, in the garden of life, we're all growing together.

🎉 Harvest Stories: The Gold Phone

A gleaming golden payphone, a relic from an era when phone calls were events, not afterthoughts. But this isn't just any payphone. It's a portal, a time machine, a storytelling device that bridges generations and experiences. The Gold.Phone is our way of asking, "What happens when we repurpose the familiar to create something extraordinary?"

At the recent Reintegration Puzzle Conference 2024, we unveiled this shimmering beacon of possibility. As attendees approached, curiosity flickering in their eyes, we watched a beautiful alchemy unfold. Hesitant fingers became confident as they dialed, voices that started as whispers grew strong with each shared story.

Brodie's opening message set the tone, inviting others into this unique space of reflection and connection. We heard Britney's insights, Taylor's aspirations, and Emma's revelations. Each message, a golden thread in the tapestry of human experience we're weaving together.

But the Gold.Phone isn't just about nostalgia. It's about reimagining how we connect, how we listen, how we understand each other. In a world that often feels fragmented, it offers a moment of pause, a chance to truly hear and be heard.

As we listened to the echoes of these first messages, we were struck by the power of this simple yet profound act of communication. Conference feedback transformed from dry data into heartfelt reflections. "Eye-opening," one participant shared. "Learnt so much," echoed another. Each message a testament to the transformative power of genuine connection.

This first test of the Gold.Phone is just the beginning. We're dreaming big about its potential – imagining it traveling to remote communities, standing tall at bustling intersections, or nestled in quiet corners of public spaces. Each location offering a new opportunity for stories to be shared, for voices to be amplified, for communities to connect.

Stay curious, stay connected, and who knows? The next time you hear a phone ring, it might just be the call to adventure you've been waiting for.

👀 Celebrating Our Community's Impact: Justice for Minjerribah

The Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) has embarked on a journey that promises to reshape the very foundations of justice in the Quandamooka region. Imagine a world where justice isn't about punishment, but about healing. Where the wisdom of Elders guides the path forward, and where connection to Country is recognised as essential to wellbeing. This is the vision being brought to life through the National Justice Reinvestment project.

For the Goenpul, Ngugi, and Noonuccal peoples, justice is far more than a legal concept. It's about living in harmony with Country, ancestors, family, and culture. It's a holistic vision that recognises the interconnectedness of spiritual, social, emotional, mental, economic, and cultural health. And now, with funding secured, this vision is set to become a reality.

The seeds of this transformation were planted long ago, nurtured by the tireless efforts of the North Stradbroke Island Social and Youth Justice Working Group. Their dedication has already borne fruit in the form of vibrant school holiday programs that reconnect young people with their culture and community. Now, with new resources at hand, these seeds are ready to blossom into a comprehensive Justice Reinvestment strategy for the entire region.

As this project unfolds, we invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting this vital work. Whether you're a potential partner, a curious learner, or simply someone who believes in the power of community-led change, there's a place for you in this story.

Stay tuned as we share more stories from this incredible journey, and discover how we can all play a part in reimagining justice for a more connected, compassionate world.

🎨 Creative Corner: Punk Philosophy and People Power

Just as punk challenged the status quo, we're pushing back against a system that criminalises youth instead of supporting them. Our approach? Grassroots storytelling, community-led solutions, and a refusal to accept the narrative that punishment equals justice.

We're making bets on people and ideas. On Brodie Germaine connecting young people in the Lower Gulf of Qld, on Joe Kwon and Confit Pathways supporting a connection to the G-code, fitness and mentoring, on young people in detention who want to express themselves through shoe redesign and on the 26 communities supporting justice reinvestment projects in Australia. These aren't top-down interventions; they're locally-driven initiatives that understand the unique challenges and strengths of each area.

From Indigenous Elders sharing cultural wisdom to young people leading peer support programs, we're seeing a tapestry of solutions emerge that no government policy could have designed.

Philosophical Underpinnings

At its core, this movement questions the very nature of justice and power. We're asking: Who benefits from the current system? Whose voices are systematically excluded? By centring the experiences of marginalised youth and their communities, we're challenging the philosophical foundations of our justice system.

Some writing here about how power shapes the very core of our justice system, particularly when it comes to youth justice.

The Diagrama Difference

In this spirit of radical reimagining, we're working to bring Diagrama to Australia. Their 20+ years of success in transforming youth justice systems in Europe offer a blueprint for what's possible when we prioritise rehabilitation over punishment. But we're not just importing solutions; we're creating a synergy between Diagrama's proven methods and the deep wisdom of local communities.

Read about Ben’s trip to Spain’s Diagrama Detention Centres here.

Read more about Diagrama and the plans for Australia on this draft website

Crafting New Narratives

Our punk philosophy extends to how we tell these stories. We're rejecting the sensationalised crime reports that dominate headlines. Instead, we're amplifying the voices of young people, community leaders, and grassroots organisations. Through podcasts, community art projects, and digital storytelling, we're creating a counter-narrative that speaks truth to power.

Some writing about how community-led approaches and Indigenous-led solutions provide more effective and long-lasting alternatives

The $50 Million Question

With the Queensland government's recent $50 million commitment to finding youth crime solutions, we stand at a crossroads. Will this money reinforce the old system, or can we channel it into truly transformative, community-led approaches? I believe Diagrama matched with the network of 26 justice reinvestment communities is ready to show what's possible when we invest in people, not prisons.

A link to a call out about a potential project to support intelligence sharing and collaboration

🧑🏼‍🌾 Parting Thoughts: A Message from the Farmers

As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we're reminded of why we started A Curious Tractor.

My journey (Ben), from the streets of Muswellbrook to the remote communities of Queensland, from the bustling music scenes to the quiet corners where stories of resilience unfold, has taught me a crucial lesson:

We've shared stories of youth justice, of community-led solutions, and of the power of storytelling. But at the heart of it all is you – the changemakers, the dreamers, the ones who refuse to accept the status quo.

Remember, we're not just cultivating crops here; we're nurturing ideas, fostering connections, and growing a movement. Every story you've read, every project we've highlighted, is a seed. And like all seeds, they need your care, your attention, and your belief to flourish.

As we look to the future, we're excited about the fields we're yet to explore, the stories waiting to be told, and the change we'll create together. Whether it's through the Youth Justice project, our work with Diagrama, or the countless community initiatives we support, we're committed to being curious, to asking the hard questions, and to finding solutions that honour the wisdom of communities.

Your voice, your actions, your support – they all contribute to the world we're working to create.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Let's continue to cultivate curiosity, nurture empathy, and harvest hope.

With gratitude and anticipation for the growth to come,

Ben and Nic

Co-founders, A Curious Tractor

P.S. Stay curious, stay raucous, and keep tilling the soil of change. The seeds we plant today will be the forests of tomorrow.