Running for the third time, this biennial convention looked to develop its format and expand its scope by embracing the Australian reMade principals of working toward a better Australia.

According to organisers, over 200 people attended the workshops on Saturday March 30 with a 180 taking part on Sunday March 31, lifting the attendance of the 2016 event by over 100 people.

Not bad for a small regional town.

Visitors came from around Australia to take part in a wide range for workshop designed around the nine pillars developed by Australia reMade after seeking the input of over 200 leaders from communities around the country for ways to a better future for Australia.

"We received great feedback from the shopkeepers in town about people talking about the convention," organiser Julie Lyford said. "They were all pleased with how busy it was in town."

Building on the positive feedback, Julie said they hope to run regular evening sessions to help build on the ideas that came out of the convention.

Although climate change was a feature of the weekend, it also covered ways for a holistic approach to a better, stronger future.

One of the stand-out seminars, called 'Walking together; A First People's Heart', involved a few members of the Gloucester Aboriginal community, like Skype Apthorpe, who shared their personal stories.

"It was quite powerful to hear the voices and stories from our Indigenous community members," Julie explained. "The session set the scene for the whole convention."

"I think the audience was impressed by the raw nature of the storytelling."

Organiser Sue Kington said sessions like this highlighted the importance of our Indigenous culture and how a sustainable future in a community-wide initiative.

"It's not just about having experts presenting, it's also about real people telling real stories'," Sue explained.

In this year's event there was a greater focus on connecting with the Indigenous culture, which was integrated in all aspects of the convention.

"Without true progress, a voice in parliament and full acceptance of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we won't move on a society."

New at the convention was the seminar, 'Echo of Young Voices', where young people were given a platform to be heard. Gloucester's Anita Jackson, who was vocal in the fight against the proposed Rocky Hill Coal Mine, received a standing ovation after she spoke.

"The strength and conviction of the young speakers was amazing," Sue said.

Julie and Sue believe the convention has national and even international significance with plans to continue to build on the movement for the next convention in 2021.

"Our hope is more locals will take advantage of some of the amazing workshops and more of them will be part of the next convention," Julie said.