Communities of Practice
Outside of delivering high quality community engagement, Conversation Co loves the opportunity to build the capacity of organisations to deliver community engagement. We use a wide range of methods to do this include formalised training, one-off workshops, placing staff within organisations through Conversation People and developing communities of practice (CoP).
Revisiting Masterplans we helped shape: Where are they now?
Our team recently returned to the sites where Conversation Co supported the community engagement processes. We wanted to see: Did the vision hold? How is the community using the space? What lessons can we carry forward?
Read on for insights about the projects we helped shape, what the community envisioned back then, and what has changed now since the engagement.
Towards Smoke Free and Vape Free Cities
From the original project Towards Smoke Free Melbourne policy to making the Queen Victoria Market a smoke and vape-free precinct, the message from the community is clear: it is time for cleaner air, healthier spaces and a more inclusive approach to public health.
Social Connection – What is it and how we can talk about it?
We often engage with communities with a lot of assumptions. We search for the "answer" to loneliness, lack of linkages into local neighbourhoods, knowing one's neighbours and being able to rely on them when needed.
But what is it and how can we talk about it – from a community engagement perspective?
Case Study - Community Development and Strengthening
When communities lead their own development, projects are more sustainable, equitable, and successful. Whether it’s workshops, online forums, or casual meetups, our goal is to create spaces where everyone feels comfortable contributing.
Read more about our Community Development projects and impact.
How Community Engagement Powers Stronger Communities
At Conversation Co, we often say strong communities don’t just happen, they’re built, one conversation at a time. At the heart of this process is community engagement.
But what exactly is it, and why does it matter so much for community development?
The Do’s and Don’ts of Engaging on Transport Planning
Transport planning is where lifestyle, livelihood, and identity collide. Whether you’re reducing parking, introducing new bike infrastructure, or improving walkability, changes to transport systems can spark joy - or outrage.
Case Study - Staff Consultation and Internal Engagement
Staff consultation is essential, but it’s not just about asking questions, it’s about asking them in the right way. In this article, we share three projects where we used different methods depending on the context, showing when to lean into fun and when structure works best.
Rethinking Employee Engagement for a Stronger Workplace Culture
Engaged employees are more than just a valuable asset—they’re the heart of your organisation. But how can we boost employee engagement?
Case Study - Circular Economy
Transitioning to a circular economy isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a cultural shift. Engaging communities, businesses, and policymakers early and often ensures waste initiatives are effective, inclusive, and built for long-term success.
Read our in-depth case studies on Circular Economy projects.
Stakeholder Guide - Engaging Communities in Circular Economy
Circular economy is a broad and interconnected model that relies upon numerous stakeholders. But for the complex nature of modern supply chains it can be challenging for local communities, consumers, and businesses to implement effectively. Using community engagement in circular economy projects is essential to untangle this web and get consumers and households on board.
Why Engaging the Community Early in a Development Project is a Smart Move
Developers who engage early don’t just avoid battles, they build better projects. Get the community onside, work with businesses, and make sure emergency services, councils, and stakeholders aren’t blindsided. We’ve seen some of the positive benefits first hand from our clients.
Impact Report 2024
At Conversation Co, 2024 was a year of community-led impact and growth. We took a moment to reflect on our achievements, challenges, lessons learned — and what's on the horizon for 2025.
With sustainability being the core of our practices, we are committed to using our business as a force for good. We strive to create tangible and lasting impacts for the planet and the people, one conversation at a time.
Ideas for ticking things off during Caretaker Period
So it’s mid-September and the Election Period has commenced. The frantic pace of council may slow down a little during council Caretaker Period (we recognise this is certainly not the experience for everyone though).
Keeping the relationship spicy (in a good way)
I was having an honest conversation with a friend of mine who had been tapped on the shoulder and encouraged to nominate and run as a local Councillor in her local area. She works for Council and would need to take a leave of absence from her employment to do so, and was of course weighing up the pros and cons.
Navigating the Misinformation Maze: Engaging Communities Amid Disinformation Challenges
The spread of misinformation and disinformation is a major factor in our social and political landscape today. This has affected our ability to communicate and work together on some of the big issues we face; supporting public health, addressing climate change, maintaining a stable democracy, ensuring rights and responsibilities.
Preparing your next Domestic Animal Management Plan
Conversation Co is experienced in supporting councils to develop their DAMPs — whether it is engaging with the community stakeholders, workshopping the objectives and actions with your internal teams, or writing the DAMP.
Harnessing AI in Marketing: Tools, Benefits and Safe Practices for a Smarter Workflow
AI is not just a buzzword; its involvement is growing in every aspect and field, especially in the realm of marketing. While there are still many grey areas regarding policy and privacy in using AI, using the right tools in the right ways can make our work (and life) much easier.
Thinking about Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week from May 27th-3rd June is a time for all people, from the different cultures that call Australia home, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike to reflect on our shared history and work towards a unified and equitable future together.
How to Maximise the Community’s Involvement & Interest in your Project
We know community engagement is necessary in delivering projects and council initiatives that matter to the community. Apart from the usual methods of engagement (e.g. developing an engagement and communications plan for the project period, coordinating pop-ups), how else can we maximise the community’s interest and involvement in a project?