Democracy Lab

Client
Merri-bek City Council

Traditional Owners
Wurrundjeri Woi-wurrung

Participation
Created by and for Merri-bek locals

Collaborators
2025 Co-facilitator: Kin Francis

The Merri-bek Democracy Lab is part of Council’s Social Cohesion Plan and supports residents to build the confidence, skills and connections they need to take action on the issues that matter to them and shape their local community.

The Merri-bek Democracy Lab is built on a collaborative and evolving model that places community at the centre of program design, delivery and evaluation.

Each cycle begins with the creation of a Community Reference Group, made up of local residents and past participants. This group helps guide the direction of the program and ensures it reflects the needs and priorities of the community.

The program itself is designed to help people build strong connections with others in their local area, and to grow their confidence and skills to get more involved in community life. Sessions are co-designed with a community-based co-facilitator and shaped by the insights of the Community Reference Group, ensuring that each program feels relevant, inclusive and grounded in local experience.

Delivery involves a mix of community members, past participants and Community Reference Group members, bringing together diverse perspectives and lived experience.

The process ends with a participatory evaluation, guided by the Community Reference Group, who analyse learnings and shape recommendations for future rounds. Past participants are also invited to join the Community Reference Group, creating a continuous, community-led loop that strengthens leadership, participation, and long-term impact.

Survey data shows that the Merri-bek Democracy Lab consistently delivers meaningful and lasting outcomes for participants. Across multiple program cycles, people have told us they leave the program with stronger connections, greater confidence, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Participants regularly say they feel more aware of the opportunities to have a say on issues that matter to them, and more confident stepping into leadership or getting involved in local initiatives. Many describe a clearer understanding of different communities, and a stronger sense of belonging.

The program also helps people build practical networks—most participants leave knowing who at Council they can talk to about bringing an idea to life. Just as importantly, the Lab builds people’s belief in themselves and in their ability to shape the communities they’re part of.

“My experience in the Merri-bek Democracy Lab was both empowering and eye-opening. It provided a safe and welcoming space where diverse voices were truly valued. I appreciated the chance to connect with people from different backgrounds and share ideas that mattered to our community. It also helped me build confidence and realise that even small contributions can lead to meaningful change. Thanks a lot for that wonderful opportunity.”

“I left every session feeling empowered and inspired. Enjoyed meeting such a diverse representation of the community through the other participants and guests.”

“It felt really uplifting to be surrounded by like-minded people who were engaged and genuinely cared about making a difference in the community.”

While we always work in a context-specific way, this model has been adapted and applied with other clients, including:

Hume Change Makers 2020-2023
Client: Hume City Council

Whittlesea Leadership Program 2022-ongoing
Client: Whittlesea City Council
Project Partners: LaTrobe University and Victorian Local Government Association
Collaborator: Sarah Hussein

LGBTIQA+ Leadership Program 2023-2024
Client: Victorian State Government, Department Families, Fairness and Housing
Project Partners: Gov Insights