Systems innovators. Grounded in place.

We are a deeply experienced and well connected team. We are system innovators, strategists, designers, enterprise builders and collaborators. We work with our partners across Australia to grow regenerative economies.

We believe in the brilliance of regional communities. We love working with communities and local enterprises to create thriving, inclusive economies that support people, place and Country.

Our work is to help unlock potential and grow thriving places. We co-design solutions, programs, and strategies alongside our partners to turn possibilities into action.

How we work

Grounded in place. Built through relationships. Focused on action

WHAT WE DO

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

Regen Labs examples of Regenerative Projects

Our story

From imagining a different future to making it happen.

Our way

What matters to us, and how we show up in our work.

Bold. We imagine what's possible, challenge old assumptions and have a go at creating something better.

Cooperation. We share ideas, connections and learning. Good work grows through relationships. We build trusting relationships, capability and make collaboration count. We achieve more together.

Grounded in place. We listen first. Every place and community has its own history, culture, strengths and aspirations. We make space for others to thrive.

Reciprocity. We give and receive with care, recognising that healthy relationships sustain people, communities and Country.

Curious and experimental. We ask good questions, try things out and learn as we go.

Honour people and Country. We respect First Nations sovereignty, value different ways of knowing and work for the wellbeing of people, Country and future generations.

Where we work

Every place has its own story, strengths and possibilities.

We work alongside local leaders, enterprises, governments and community organisations across regional Australia. Our projects connect people and ideas across places, while responding to what matters locally.

Our people

We bring together experience in community-led economic development, systems and regenerative innovation, enterprise development, finance, strategy, community organising and collaboration.

Reece Proudfoot

Co-founder and Director - 
Regenerative Innovation

Reece brings deep experience in innovation, partnerships and impact investment. Formerly Head of Innovation and Impact Investment at WWF-Australia, where he founded Panda Labs, he helps communities and organisations develop new approaches to complex challenges and turn promising ideas into action. Key projects include: AdaptNSW business transformation strategy, Better Model for Data Centres, and Highlands Homegrown Economic

Dr Dimity Podger

Co-founder and Director - 
Regenerative Enterprise Programs

Dimity brings experience in regenerative business, leadership and capability development. Formerly Regenerative Communities Lead at WWF-Australia, she also spent a decade leading her own purpose-driven advisory business, and a stint as an environmental economist. She designs and facilitates programs that help enterprises and communities strengthen their capabilities, collaborate and grow their impact. Key projects include: Regen Economic Activator Program (REAP) Hills and Coasts, REAP on Ruwe, WEAVE, Community Wealth Building research, circular economy Opportunity Mapping workshop Lake Macquarie.

Phil Freeman

Co-founder and Director - 
Regenerative Finance

Phil is the Co-founder & Director of Impact Venture OpenSC. He has a background in corporate law and climate advocacy (building alliances). He is a board member of social venture Grow Your Mind and Montessori East School. Key projects include: Regen Community Investment Fund (feasibility study for PRF), enterprise advisory and finance structuring, Better Model for Data Centres community benefit sharing models, AdaptNSW Heat Tool.

Giles Kershaw

Fractional Chief 
Marketing Officer

Giles brings marketing and communications expertise to Regen Labs, helping us share our work, connect with partners and communicate the opportunities emerging across regional Australia. He leads Venturesome, a strategic brand, marketing, campaigns, and graphic design agency.

Our local partners

We work with local partners, cultural advisers and specialists who bring knowledge, relationships and experience to our projects.

Matthew Wright-Simon

Local Associate - Regen Labs, South Australia
Key projects include: Regen Economy Activator Program (REAP) Hills and Coasts, REAP on Ruwe, and support with the Regen Community Investment Fund workshops.
Gaye White

Place Partner / Collaborator - Leads WinZero
Key partner with Regen Labs on the Highlands Homegrown Economy initiative, and Better Model for Data Centres
Dave Booth

Cultural Adviser, Peramangk Country
Key projects include: Regen Economy Activator Program (REAP) Hills and Coasts, and support with the Regen Community Investment Fund workshops.

Working with our First Nations partners

We acknowledge that when we work in a place, we are working on Country, and partnering with First Nations leaders, innovators and enterprises to advance First Nations aspirations.