Acknowledging the emergence of the Furneaux Collective from the Islander Way project, our journey began as a bold response to the unique challenges posed by the evolving tourism landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. This endeavor, funded by the Tasmanian Government and supported by Flinders Council and Visit Northern Tasmania, has been a testament to the collective spirit and dedication of our community, contributing over 1,000 hours to this initiative.

The Islander Way project was initially a reaction to the increase of tourists to the island, whose presence raised questions about environmental stewardship and the impact on local lifestyles. It shone a light on the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving our way of life.

As we navigated these challenges, it became clear that our concerns extended beyond just managing tourism. Issues like waste management, food security, housing, and the implications of an ageing population on the island demanded our attention.

Confronted with our limited infrastructure and resources, we had to rethink how tourism could coexist with our island's future, particularly in the context of sustainability and resilience. The Islander Way's "Ideas Incubator" was instrumental in helping us focus on six key sub projects. The Islander Way framework, developed by the community and Designing Tourism, has 20 additional action points. It is a reflection of our commitment to continuous improvement and progress.

This framework, a culmination of our collective efforts, was endorsed by Flinders Council in September 2023 as an advocacy document. It serves as a roadmap, not just for tourism, but for the holistic development of our community.

It's a blueprint for regenerative tourism that respects both people and the environment. As the Furneaux Collective inc, born from this project, we stand ready to lead and navigate the way forward.