By Rebecca Spencer

In February 2024, I had the privilege of sharing my thoughts for effective place-based engagement at the Community Engagement Summit in Manly. Let’s do a quick delve into these guiding principles:

Embrace Diversity: Recognise the richness of diverse perspectives within your community. Engage with inclusivity in mind, leveraging various platforms and formats to ensure everyone’s voice is heard. By embracing diversity, we not only create more resilient spaces but also foster a sense of belonging for all.

Clarity is Key: Transparency breeds trust. From the outset, be transparent about the scope of community influence. Clearly define what aspects are open for negotiation and what are non-negotiable. Respect the community’s time by being upfront about the engagement’s purpose and the path forward.

Embrace Cultural Connections: Acknowledge and honour the deep-rooted connection Indigenous communities have with the land. By including Indigenous perspectives, we gain a profound understanding of the interplay between people, place, and well-being. Let’s weave this wisdom into our engagement strategies to create more holistic and sustainable environments.

Transparency in Action: Keep the community informed every step of the way. Share outcomes transparently, explaining the rationale behind decisions. By demystifying the process, we foster trust and encourage ongoing participation.

At Becscomm we’re passionate about empowering communities through effective communication and engagement strategies. Let’s collaborate to create vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect the heart and soul of our communities. Together, we can unlock the full potential of place-based engagement and build a brighter future for all.

To find out more about how we can help you with your place-based engagement strategy, click here.