The two current members of the GameChange's core team have reflected on what the work has meant to them.
Jane
What’s it like to work on a system change project? It’s like a beast H.P Lovecraft would have struggled to articulate. Big, complex, underpinned by other systems we have control no leavers for and smattered in hope, passion and grit.
Often, I am caught up in exploring the problems of a system, unpacking their cause, detangling the complexity and extracting meaning. I can get so bound in my frustration in the system it can be hard to look outside of it – or even determine if there is a system boundary or an exit. Working on a complex system with people across our local employment challenge I have found sometimes valves of action can release that systemic pressure.
We have been trialling imperfect solutions to an imperfect system. We have centred the experience and expertise of those affected most by the current ways of working, with a foundation of learning and adapting as we go.
For me I am hoping this flatter, more inclusive governing structure of collective impact where our spheres of influence are on a continuum of confluence becomes a norm in addressing our wicked problems.
Inviting our community not just a seat at the table, but ensuring their seat is comfortable, their snacks are appropriate, and their voices are included is one way we can create inviting environments for our communities to be the architects of their future and become leaders in shifting traditional hierarchical power and control.
I have been a witness to the power of people, wanting, willing and able to change has been powerful personally, and professionally. This work has inspired to work more collaboratively, locally, across political divides and with a mantra of progress not perfection.
I believe trialling new forms of collective governance, deliberative engagement, and a firm connection to community matters as they unfold there is a bright future. A future where people are encouraged, empowered and supported to lead meaningful lives in whatever form that may take and be part of transforming the lives of their communities.
Andrea
The GameChange and Community Revitalisation projects led by Greater Dandenong City Council and supported by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions have been such an opportunity for our region to work together, and one of the best experiences I’ve had.
These place-based employment projects and programs have included local community, government, industry, organisations and businesses as part of their design and delivery, and at Council I’ve been lucky to work with a diverse, experienced and clever team of luminaries over the years: Sandra George OAM, Paul Kearsley, Peter Johnstone, Jen Ebdon, Lasie Nguyen, Zamera Shariffie, Jane Faulkner, Michelle Hunder, Priya Prasad, Kevin Van Boxtel, Sidra Haidari, Manal Mohamed and Jane Knight.
Local Business and employers have jumped at the opportunity to be involved, and together we’ve created some projects that have attracted huge interest from government, industry and community such as the Dandenong Employment Hub, Making the Match, Learn from a Local Employer and the Career Counselling project.
The Jobseeker Reference Group has gone from strength to strength and has been responsible for many of our recent successes. This dedicated team of community members are insightful and committed to improving our local employment system.
Systemic change is tricky, but when a system isn’t working, or only works for some of its stakeholders, change is necessary. Our employment projects are the tip of the iceberg but demonstrate that with:
- Persistence and optimism
- Consistent collaboration
- Central facilitation
- Trust and good relationships
- Stakeholders willing to give change a go
- Connectedness…
…good things are possible.
Keep chipping away and much will be achieved. Make sure you keep in touch with each other and continue to share in the generous ways you have demonstrated over the last few years – it’s gold.
