Case Study - Community Development and Strengthening
City of Casey - Life is Sweeter When You Know Your Neighbours
The City of Casey, one of Victoria’s fastest-growing municipalities, is experiencing significant transformation, especially in Clyde’s “triangle” area. Rapid development has introduced new residential neighbourhoods alongside established farming lands, creating a vibrant but diverse landscape with a blend of cultures.
This project aimed to strengthen community bonds by exploring the types of programs and activities residents want and identifying ways for the community to initiate these efforts. With a focus on fostering neighbourly connections and shared experiences, the insights gathered from this project may guide future Council-supported programs and community facility usage, helping create a more connected, inclusive Clyde.
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Engaging a diverse community within a condensed timeframe while ensuring meaningful input and involvement.
Balancing expectations with realistic time commitments for participation and activity planning.
Clearly communicating the level of participation expected and emphasising the flexibility involved in running community-led initiatives.
Overcoming logistical challenges posed by poor weather during outdoor events, impacting attendance and engagement.
Navigating limited internet access in some areas, which hindered outreach efforts and online engagements.
Managing low foot-traffic at event locations, requiring creative strategies to draw community interest and boost attendance.
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Ongoing, adaptive marketing efforts by Council and Conversation Co, including email campaigns, phone outreach, eye-catching flyers, and adjustments to activities to increase engagement.
Incorporation of appealing incentives like free food, giveaways, and others draws to encourage community participation and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Availability and responsiveness to community enquiries via phone and email, bringing a sense of trust and providing timely information to interested members.
Flexibility with activity planning by adjusting the number and location of events to meet community needs and maximise outreach.
Persistence despite poor weather conditions, ensuring events continued smoothly and maintaining engagement through unexpected challenges.
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Engagement Outcomes Report: A comprehensive report summarising the Clyde Community’s needs and preferences, including preferred activities, dates, times and recommendations for sustained community-building efforts.
Community building program model: A model that outlines key areas for future community programs, acknowledging the successful strategies already implemented by the Community Strengthening team and offering guidance for continued engagement.
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The project energised community interest and highlighted various planned projects within other strategies.
It fostered a sense of ownership among residents and stakeholders.
Encouraged active participation in the future development of the township.
City of Port Phillip - Balaclava Community Forum
The City of Port Phillip Council was undertaking several key initiatives within the Balaclava community. Conversation Co was engaged to design and facilitate a community conversation to bring residents, businesses, and visitors together to discuss and showcase these key projects.. The Balaclava Community Forum was created to hear feedback on current Council projects, share results from previous projects and listen to ideas and concerns about changes happening in the community..
Some in the Balaclava community were feeling concerned about empty shopfronts, perceptions of crime, and uncertainty over key developments, particularly the proposed sale of Council-owned land to Coles. Combined these projects were fuelling feelings of distrust and anxiety in the community.
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Conversation Co worked closely with Council to create an exhibition styled event that balanced structured engagement with open conversation. Key elements included:
A mix of engagement methods: From facilitated discussions and presentations to self-guided activities and interactive mapping.
Dedicated ‘exhibitor’ spaces for current consultations (e.g., Carlisle Street Streetscape Plan, Proposed Land Sale) and project updates (e.g., Small Parks Program, Dickens Street Pocket Park, St Kilda Library Uplift, Urban Forest Precinct Plan).
A visioning station to gather aspirations and priorities for Balaclava’s future not captured within current projects.
A family-friendly refreshment stand with activities for children to contribute their ideas. Children were encouraged to draw and share their feedback on what they love about Balaclava.
Community builders with other community organisations and groups working to improve Balaclava were invited to promote their group.
Conversation Co provided conversation facilitators, supported with the design of engagement materials, briefed Council staff, and worked with Council to create a safe, respectful, and fun experience for both the participants and community.
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The event brought together up to 200 participants, who were free to explore stations at their own pace.
Constructive dialogue replaced tension, with community members engaging directly with project leads and facilitators.
The Forum also reported back on recently closed consultations, and collected early needs and aspirations to inform Council decisions on major projects in the pipeline.
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Bringing thought and care to the layout and function of the event, Conversation Co helped shift the conversation and communities relationship with Council from conflict to partnership. The Balaclava Community Forum has created a case study for how Council can engage with communities on complex and sometimes controversial topics.
If you're working on a community development project, we’d love to hear about it. Reach out to us here or at hello@conversationco.com.au and let’s chat about how we can help bring local communities together.