STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT
For organisations navigating complex decisions and change
When you're making decisions that matter deeply to your community or organisation - especially when relationships are strained, power dynamics are complex, or traditional approaches haven't worked - you need more than good process, you need good relationships.
I work with local councils, government agencies, and organisations on strategic engagement and facilitation that serves democratic decision-making, builds genuine community partnership and navigates complexity with strategic foresight, inclusion and compassion.
HIGH STAKES FACILITATION
What I offer
I work with you when decisions are complex, relationships matter deeply, and the stakes are high.
This includes difficult conversations where trust has been eroded, bringing diverse stakeholders together across difference, and creating spaces where genuine dialogue becomes possible even when tensions run high. I design processes that serve the decision you need to make, not just the appearance of consultation.
Examples of what this might look like:
- Post-disaster recovery engagement with traumatised communities
- Financial sustainability conversations requiring community understanding
- Organisational change processes when staff and leadership need alignment
- Place based partnerships bringing together government and sector partners
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Recent work
Disaster recovery engagement
Central Goldfields Shire Council | 2022 Floods and 2024 Bushfires
Led trauma-informed community engagement for post-disaster infrastructure design. Educated the organisation about trauma responses in community behaviour, facilitated community-council partnerships, and supported emergence of organisational readiness for community-led disaster approaches.
COMMUNITY-LED INNOVATION
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What I offer
This is about genuinely sharing power and resources with communities, not just seeking their input.
I help organisations design processes where communities have real authority over decisions and resources, build sustainable community-led structures that continue beyond any single project, and shift from consultation to co-creation.
Examples of what this might look like:
- Community-led climate action groups with ongoing decision-making authority
- Place-based partnerships where community members co-design solutions
- Community-led recovery projects that restore agency after disaster
- Sustainable volunteering structures led by community members
Recent work
Practice development for community-led decision making
Social Inclusion Action Groups | Department of Health Victoria | 2022-Present
Leading practice development supporting 10+ council coordinators, facilitating community of practice, and authoring comprehensive practice guide integrating trauma-informed approaches with systems thinking and community leadership.
The Beta version of Community wisdom in Action: A practitioner’s guide to place based decision making is available on request.
STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT DESIGN
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Beyond facilitating individual sessions, I help you think strategically about your engagement approach.
This includes figuring out who needs to be at the table and when, what evidence (including community perspectives) will inform good decisions, how to sequence conversations for maximum impact, and how to design internal engagement so your organisation can speak with one voice.
I also support strategic communications on complex challenges helping organisations build genuine understanding (not just deliver messages) around difficult topics like financial sustainability, rate variations, or service changes.
What I offer
Recent work
Victoria’s first Statewide Wellbeing Strategy
Department of Health Victoria | 2022-2023
Design lead facilitating co-design with over 1,000 stakeholders across diverse communities, centering lived experience expertise and Aboriginal knowledge to create Victoria's first statewide Wellbeing Strategy.
WHY WORKING WITH ME FEELS DIFFERENT
I think strategically, not just facilitate tactically
I help you figure out who needs to be at the table, what evidence matters, and how to design engagement that serves your project outcomes including critical internal engagement.
I understand power and the risks of retraumatisation
My training in group dynamics, process-oriented psychology, and conflict resolution means I can hold space for difficult emotions and create genuine safety. I can help organisations understand what trauma looks like in community behaviour (especially post-disaster) and help communities understand organisational constraints.
I've done this from inside government
As Manager of Community Engagement at Central Goldfields Shire Council (2020-2024), I led strategic communication and engagement on financial sustainability, disaster recovery, reputation strengthening and organisational change. I understand the constraints many organisations are navigating firsthand such as tight timelines and budgets and competing needs and demands.
I'm working at the forefront of practice development
Currently leading practice development for Victoria's Social Inclusion Action Groups, supporting council coordinators across regional and metropolitan Victoria to establish genuine community-led decision-making. I contributed to Victoria's first statewide Wellbeing Strategy with over 1,000 stakeholders and continue to create comprehensive practice guides for place-based community decision-making.
HOW WE WORK TOGETHER
Getting to know each other and what you need
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Every project is different, but the process typically involves:
1. Initial conversation to understand your context, what you're navigating, and what success looks like from different perspectives (Book a free 15 mins exploratory call or contact me on the number below)
2. Project scoping and engagement design tailored to your specific needs (who, when, how, and why). This may include cross organisational and or community participation to get the goals and parameters right
3. Delivery of facilitation, strategic communications and or capacity building with organisational support
4. Debrief, evaluation and learning to strengthen your internal capacity for future work
I'm based in the Northern Tablelands NSW, and work across regional NSW (up to 4 hours travel from Armidale) and across Metropolitan and regional Victoria (for larger projects only).
Most strategic work involves a mix of online meetings and in person facilitation.
The best way to know if we're a good fit is a conversation over Zoom or coffee if you're in the Northern Tablelands. My number is 0433 531 433 for urgent inquiries.
