‘Citizen sourcing’ to improve councils’ image  

Local government can substantially improve public perceptions of key decisions by engaging with locals through online platforms, new research shows.

11 February, 2019

Newer forms of engagement on the rise

Public meetings and submissions still dominate councils’ community engagement but emerging methods are becoming increasingly popular, research shows.

17 January, 2019

Councils adopting ‘holistic approach’ on litter

Emerging technologies and partnerships with community groups are among local governments’ strategies to combat litter.

13 July, 2018

Councils hiking rates ‘behind closed doors’: report

New audit raises concerns that local governments in Queensland could be hiking rates beyond the legal limit and are failing to disclose reasons for rate increases, prompting a call for regulatory reform.

6 July, 2018

Cutting-edge parks, open spaces celebrated

A project that engaged various community stakeholders in the design of a new park is among the public works that have been recognised for innovation and leadership.

12 June, 2018

Delivering the real deal for digital government transformation

Successful digital strategies.

11 January, 2016

Chasing the pathway to cultural competence

By Angela Dorizas Government employees can now increase their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, with the launch of the Centre for Cultural Competence Australia (CCCA). CCCA is the first online provider of accredited, competency based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural training courses. It provides cultural training for both public and private […]

26 October, 2010

New community engagement protocol for ACT public service

The ACT Government has developed a new community engagement protocol to promote the adoption of a more participatory approach to engaging with the community. Following feedback from the community, the Government drafted the new guidelines Engaging Canberrans – A Guide to Community Engagement. An ACT Government spokesperson said there was a need to improve engagement […]

8 October, 2010

ELECTION 2010: Expert defends Gillard’s citizens’ assembly

A political expert from the University of Western Sydney says a citizens' assembly on climate change could become a fantastic asset for the Australian Government, if their views are seriously considered in policy-making. Prime Minister Julia Gillard today outlined her plan to convene a citizens' assembly to examine the evidence on climate change and the […]

23 July, 2010

Post-its and handshakes: first steps to engagement

By Rob O’Brien The first step towards establishing trust and building relationships through community engagement could be a polite greeting or a Post-It note away, leading engagement practitioners have been told. In a series of talks, delegates at the Effective Community Engagement Conference in Sydney were also told about the benefits of running ideas over the […]

23 July, 2010

Councils sign up to online engagement tool

Community engagement specialist, Bang the Table, has announced that it will provide online engagement tools to councils across Victoria and New South Wales. New contracts have been signed with Auburn City Council, Bankstown City Council, Blue Mountains City Council, Yarra Ranges Shire Council and the City of Yarra. Bang the Table will provide the councils with […]

22 April, 2010

Regional councils ranked top in Qld engagement report

Bigger is not necessarily better when it comes to citizen engagement with Queensland's regional councils among the highest achievers, according to a new report. New State Government data shows size doesn't matter when it comes to community engagement – with Balonne, Banana and Maranoa regional councils among the top performers. Minister for Local Government Desley Boyle […]

7 April, 2010

Melville named as world’s most liveable city

By Angela Dorizas The City of Melville has joined the ranks of the world’s most liveable and sustainable communities at an UN-endorsed awards ceremony in the Czech Republic. The local government area in the southern suburbs of Perth was a gold winner at the

19 October, 2009

Crime does pay under UK criminal cashback scheme

By Rob O’Brien They say that crime doesn’t pay, but under a new scheme in the UK, more than 40 communities are likely to improve their neighbourhoods through the seized assets of criminals. The Community Cashback system, operated through the Criminal Justice System, will allow citizens in England and Wales to have a say in […]

26 June, 2009