Acknowledgement: This report is republished here courtesy of Dusseldorp Forum

Through the COVID-19 crisis, there are communities across Australia that have demonstrated resilience and innovation, delivering fast and effective action to support children and families when and where they need it most.

Dusseldorp Forum collected their stories in this report Place-Based Resilience: Community Driven Response and Recovery in a Time of COVID-19. This report gives real-time examples of how four place-based, community-led initiatives are responding to the multiple challenges facing their communities while providing the glue to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

Analysis reveals common outcomes these place-based approaches have achieved during the pandemic. These include;

• Supporting the local service system to stabilise and leverage existing resources;
• Preventing the most vulnerable from falling through the cracks;
• Ensuring community members are able to continue to access essential supports;
• Giving the community a voice in response and recovery; and
• Keeping people informed, connected and safe.

These outcomes have been the result of a range of decisive actions including partnerships and collaboration; adaptation and innovation; bridging the gap between the service system and the community; advocating on behalf of the community to the wider system; and, tailoring communications to suit local contexts and resonate with local audiences.

The report includes recommendations for strengthening place-based approaches as essential social infrastructure for the recovery and resilience of communities.

Invitation to contribute

The examples provided in this document are only some of the actions that have occurred in place-based initiatives around Australia. Dusseldorp Forum invites other communities to add their voice and experiences to this compilation.

Please complete this online form or contact info@dusseldorp.org.au to discuss further.