The International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) celebrated 100 years by bringing together people who believe in the power of community from all over the world.
Global Vision, Local Action: Highlights from the IFS100 & Locality '25 Convention
Held in the UK from 10-13 November 2025, the IFS100 and Locality Convention ‘25 was a vibrant celebration of global connection, community empowerment, and bold new ideas for the future! As hosts of the IFS office, LCSA was thrilled to be right at the heart of this historic occasion, representing Australia alongside our board members, staff, and the IFS host team.
The opening at Oxford House in London buzzed with excitement, setting the stage for a week packed with learning, inspiration, and lasting partnerships. Melissa Aase, CEO of IFS, summed up the energy perfectly: "The people of our movement, have worked together as a network to build community strength, no matter where we are in the world, for the last 100 years.”
With more than 127 international delegates and over 400 UK representatives, the convention was a dynamic hub of ideas and experience, drawing participants from Australia, the United States, Kenya, Canada, Germany, and beyond. The event wasn’t just about looking back, it was about uniting to shape the next century of the global settlement movement.
"Being part of IFS100 was truly inspiring. The passion and practical innovation on display show just how much our Australian communities can learn and contribute on the world stage. The global collaboration and shared vision for empowered, resilient neighbourhoods will directly impact our work back home and I can’t wait to bring the energy and insights to LCSA and our partners." — Mike Shreenan, IFS Operations Manager for LCSA.
Community-Powered Neighbourhoods
A highlight of the event was the launch of Locality’s compelling new report, “Community-Powered Neighbourhoods.” The report sounds a rallying call: to tackle social division truly, we must put power back in the hands of local people through community anchor organisations who know and serve their neighbourhoods best.
These grassroots powerhouses are transforming local economies, driving prevention in services, and building genuine social trust. The message? Governments must make these organisations central to every neighbourhood’s strategy.
The report’s three big recommendations:
- Launch a National Community Ownership Strategy to put assets in community hands.
- Build neighbourhood governance models around community anchors.
- Drive public service reform that is genuinely community-led.
Why this matters for Australia?
The challenges and solutions showcased at the convention resonate deeply for us here in Australia. Community anchors — described as "locally adored, nationally ignored" — are just as vital in our own regions. This global movement is a call to action: invest in local leadership, ditch the one-size-fits-all approach, and let communities shape their futures.
Hearing from leaders from the US, the Netherlands, Sweden, and many more confirmed that, wherever we are, the recipe for change is universal: partnership, empowerment, and conviction in the power of community.
Looking Forward
Celebrating the IFS centenary wasn’t just a milestone, it sparked a surge of fresh ideas and resolve. The convention proved we have the tools, vision, and tenacity needed to create community-powered neighbourhoods for the next century and beyond.
For LCSA and all our Australian partners, these global insights and connections give us new energy to champion local voices and build strong, adaptable communities — together.