The power of place: co-designing change with communities

AAt Iceni, we’ve been privileged to work alongside communities across NSW, and time and again, we’ve been amazed by their capability, knowledge, skills, and resilience. These communities are not just recipients of change - they are the drivers of it.

We face complex challenges - climate change, inequality, and social exclusion, to name a few. While these are global issues, their impact is deeply local. The most effective solutions don’t come from applying generic policies but from working with communities to design responses that reflect their unique strengths and needs.

This is why place-based approaches matter. When community knowledge is tapped into through expert facilitation, we can co-design programs that create real, lasting change. By bringing together lived experience and strategic expertise, we ensure that solutions are both effective and deeply embedded in the people and places they serve.

Local context drives better solutions

Each place is unique - whether an urban neighbourhood, a rural town, or a coastal community. A place-based approach ensures solutions are practical and sustainable, reflecting local needs. For example, a coastal town will approach climate resilience differently than an inland agricultural region.

By working with communities, we can co-design innovative solutions - from localised economic models to renewable energy initiatives or better access to education and healthcare.

Empowering communities through co-design

Communities hold invaluable insights into the challenges they face. By actively engaging them in decision-making, we empower people to drive their own transformation. This strengthens social equity, ensuring that those most impacted by issues like poverty or climate change have a say in shaping solutions.

When local communities lead development, they create policies and practices that reflect their values, priorities, and aspirations.

Strengthening social cohesion and sustainability

Place-based strategies build stronger, more inclusive communities. When people collaborate to solve local issues, they form connections across social, economic, and cultural divides. Strong social networks lead to more equitable, resilient societies.

Sustainability is also central. A place-based approach fosters environmental stewardship, ensuring solutions don’t come at the expense of natural resources but instead support long-term health, resilience, and economic sustainability.

Long-term impact and accountability

When solutions are co-designed with local stakeholders, there’s a greater sense of ownership and responsibility. Communities are invested in long-term success, ensuring that change isn’t temporary but continuous, adaptive, and sustainable.

At Iceni, we believe that facilitation and co-design are essential for driving meaningful, lasting change. By working alongside communities, we help unlock local knowledge, leadership, and innovation, creating solutions that are deeply rooted in place.

We believe in moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches and invest in the power of place.