The Public Value Studio provides a number of different services, each with ‘activating the public for collective good’ at their core. These include:
- Developing and reviewing policies or programs with an emphasis on connection and strategic partnership opportunities.
- Leading and managing projects that are designed to build stronger social capital in communities, in partnership with government or community organisations.
Some examples of current and previous The Public Value Studio projects include:
Democracy Lab and Civic Participation Programs
The Public Value Studio is currently involved in the design and delivery of programs which support community-led change and build greater participation by diverse groups in community life.
Programs include the Moreland Democracy Lab and the Hume Change Makers Program.
More information about the Moreland Democracy Lab can be found here.
More information about the Change Makers Program can be found here.
Service and Program Reviews
Hume Community Grants Review – identified ways to further build community capacity, align funding with Council priorities and continue to meet community needs, as well as streamline administrative processes.
Brimbank Community Grants Guidelines Review – revised the Guidelines, Application and Acquittal documentation to improve clarity and accessibility as well as streamline processes.
Yarra Festivals and Events Program Review – evaluated the scope, resourcing and service provision related to the Festivals and Events Program, and made recommendations for improved operational structures and process as well as increased strategic direction.
Policy Development
Maribyrnong People and Participation Strategy – analysis and report reflecting latest research and insights from peak sector bodies and academics on civic participation and volunteering to inform the development of the Strategy.
Living and Ageing Well in Moreland – developed a Framework and Action Plan in collaboration with an Older Persons’ Reference Group which brings together existing policies, strategies and external partnerships, introduces new initiatives, and outlines Council’s commitment to delivering timely and responsive support to Moreland’s older community members.
Hume Multicultural Framework – supported Council with the development of the Framework which outlines its commitment to take a whole-of-organisation approach to responding to the needs of the community, including established migrant communities and newly arrived and emerging communities.
Co-design and Community-led Practice
Oxygen Youth Summit – co-designed a summit with young people to explore civic participation and ways to enhance their voice in policy making.
Market Value Project – project managed a community building and place-affirming arts project that took place in the heart of the Preston Market. It responded to community concerns about the impending redevelopment of the site in a way that was non-divisive and culturally expressive.
Community Infrastructure Projects
Future Governance Options Brief for Saxon Street, Brunswick – analysed various governance options and made recommendations regarding a governance model for a future multi-use facility at Saxon Street. The future facility will involve both commercial and community stakeholders and recommendations were made aligned to the strategic objectives for the site.
Other projects included overseeing the development of a five-year Arts Infrastructure Plan and the contract design and tender for the management of the Brunswick Mechanics Institute.