Client profile

The Hobsons Bay City Council Learning Communities department is responsible for the facilities, services and programs provided by Hobsons Bay, including libraries, community centres and community development. As a newly created area in 2015, the department was seeking to develop a vision for the community that captured the values, principles and areas of focus for Hobsons Bay.

Project context

Spark was engaged to work alongside the Learning Communities Management Team (Learning Communities) to develop a three-year strategy that not only set out vision and purpose, but genuinely engages the local community in the process. Through this, we explored underutilised assets and potential opportunities to create new models of working, and revenue streams to support objectives.

Solution

The outcome of this project was the completion of a Council endorsed Strategic Plan that was co-created with Learning Communities, community service providers and over 50 active members of the community. Hobsons Bay has shown boldness in the exploration of new ideas and opportunities, and are using the Strategic Plan to see through innovative community-led projects such as ‘makerspace’ creative technology hub based at Seaworks.

The use of a genuine community-led approach has given Learning Communities the opportunity to create community ownership. Further, through exploring new models and opportunities, Learning Communities are finding new ways to deliver services, and reach the community despite increasing economic pressures within local government.

The full plan can be viewed on the Hobsons Bay City Council website.