New Ways of Engaging with Regional and Rural Communities: Strengths Based and Inclusive

Hampshire A¹*

1. Mission Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia

This presentation will examine three community engagement case studies from regional and rural communities. The initiatives have been developed by Mission Australia in partnership with local communities. They include community and employment initiatives and improve social, economic and environmental outcomes.

There will be a focus on strengths based and inclusive approaches to building engagement and local community capacity. The skills, attitudes, knowledge, resources and mindsets critical for effective engagement will be explored. The case studies include:

• Regional Environmental Employment Program (REEP) which aims to address youth unemployment and land degradation. Land conservation and developing the skills of disadvantaged young people aged 15-24 years are its focus. It has recently been evaluated and local partnerships have been crucial to its success.
• Dubbo Leadership and Cultural Program which assists young Aboriginal students gain leadership skills and enhance their cultural knowledge and identity. It targets students in Year 8 who need some help to stay in school. Key to its success has been its engagement of individuals, families, schools and other organisations and its focus on building self esteem, skills and cultural awareness.
• Border Rivers services – a range of services for communities such as Goondiwindi on the NSW/QLD border. Services include transport, youth support, training and crime prevention. It involves multiple partnerships and highlights how important safe and reliable transport is for rural communities and how transport initiatives can provide a base for greater community engagement.

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