OUR MISSION
To empower the brave by creating space and community for them to connect, grow, and succeed.
Our story
Organically grown. wildly determinded.
The Exchange Orana is a social impact organisation supporting a diverse and at times, geographically isolated, community of founders. We provide coworking desks, private offices, meeting rooms and event space, as well as a vast community network that gives people in regional Australia the best chance at commercial success in their own business.
Our Present
The Exchange Orana is a new chapter in the growth and development of the organisation. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana has taken over the management and operations of The Exchange – now known as The Exchange Orana.
Led by CEO Justine Campbell, she has a vision to see the business thrive even further by building on networks and connections into the region and beyond. Her passion lies in the regions with place-based approaches. She is driven to make a difference by leading and developing innovative, strategically directed projects that bring people together to create new opportunities.
The Exchange Orana will remain a community and coworking space that first and foremost aims to build confidence, capacity and capability to increase the chance of commercial success of startups, those scaling businesses, and even those still sitting on the fence.
The Exchange Orana will be a meeting place to build connections for the 12 local government areas RDA Orana represents and allow the organisation to expand its operations and events, provide a home for The Vault Talent Bank, Grants Hub, Jobs Board and support local government regions within the RDA region with working and meeting spaces.
The Exchange Orana will continue the aspirations and dreams of its founder Jillian Kilby of having a space “where the bold meet the brave, where ideas meet their maker and where coworking meets the community’.”
Our Past
In July 2017, Jillian Kilby wrote to the CEO of Telstra: "I would like to acquire the abandoned former post office and telephone exchange in Dubbo".
In November 2018, Telstra announced the sale of the building and Jillian delivered on her commitment to make the grand old dame the future home of The Exchange community.
Since that time, the startup has evolved and grown to thrive in the region and beyond. The opportunity to connect, learn and grow is far-reaching. We have an online following of more than 6,000, a community of over 600 members, over 150 events marked off the calendar, in our one-of-a-kind Clock Tower in the main street of Dubbo.
Our Values
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Empowering
We know your potential is ahead of you.
The Exchange is behind you.
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Connecting
We believe in the power of connection and hope to create a community where opportunities cross path.
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Sharing
We aim to be a lifeline of information and ideas. We encourage our team and community to share space and knowledge and learn from each other.
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Growth
We are huge fans of growth mindset. We aspire to create space to think and room to grow.
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Courage
We hold seats for the brave and the willing. We challenge our team and our community members to face their fears and jump right in.
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Gratitude
Thank YOU!
We appreciate the good things and the wonderful people in our lives. We are so glad YOU are here!
Meet our team
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Justine Campbell
CEO
Justine brings more than 20 years’ experience as a chairperson, board member and non-executive director of for-profit, not-for-profit and government organisations. She provides strategic leadership, governance and industry experience, guiding organisations towards success.
She is driven to make a difference economically, socially and environmentally in regional communities, by leading and developing innovative, strategically directed projects that bring people together to create new opportunities.
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GEORGIE KENNEDY
The Exchange Orana Manager
Originally from Dubbo but with strong ties to Nyngan where her family runs a farm and after a stint in Sydney, Georgie moved back to the region and hasn’t looked back since! With a Bachelor of Psychological Science from UNE and three years experience in office management and social media, Georgie brings a wealth of experience to her role here at The Exchange!
From handling bookings and managing much of the day-to-day operations at The Exchange, Georgie’s got you covered. With attention to detail, she ensures your experience at The Exchange is nothing short of exceptional.
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Sophie Plasto
Marketing Manager
After four exciting years in Sydney’s luxury marketing scene, Sophie returned to the Orana region in 2024 and joined The Exchange team, armed with a toolkit of social media, email, and website marketing expertise. Now, she’s leading the charge on all things marketing, bringing fresh ideas and creativity to the table.
With a Business degree from UTS and her Master’s in Digital Marketing from CSU nearly wrapped up, Sophie’s all about making a difference. Originally from Wellington, she’s now living the renovator life in Dubbo, where she’s helping The Exchange thrive with her passion for all things digital and appreciation for heritage architecture!
OUR VISION
10 years from now, people all around regional Australia will turn around and say “I started my business at The Exchange - and that made all the difference.”