Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) Needs Analysis Research and Deliberative Engagement

City of Whittlesea, VIC

CRED Consulting was engaged by the City of Whittlesea Council to prepare a needs analysis report and deliberative engagement program to support its Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) program.

The SIAG program was established in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (2021–2022), which recognised the critical role of communities in supporting mental health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

SIAGs are community-led groups made up of diverse community members representative of age, gender, sexuality, and diverse cultural backgrounds. The role of the SIAG is to identify local priorities, make decisions and shape solutions to strengthen social connection and inclusion.

Funded by the Victorian Government and led locally by Council, the City of Whittlesea is one of the first ten Victorian councils to establish a SIAG.

This project brings together evidence, research and lived experience to guide how Local Social Inclusion Investment Funding is prioritised and delivered. The fund is designed to enhance opportunities for connection, build skills and knowledge, create more accessible facilities and places, strengthen social inclusion and community participation and influence policies and practices and social norms.

Through a structured, multi-phase approach, we supported the SIAG to:

  • understand the current state of social inclusion, connection and wellbeing across the municipality
  • explore the lived experiences of diverse communities, and
  • identify key gaps, challenges and opportunities for action.

HOW WE DID IT​

CRED delivered a research-led and deliberative engagement process, combining robust evidence with lived experience to inform SIAG decision-making.

We delivered:

  • A Current State Report, drawing on ABS and health data, council insights and literature review to identify key drivers of social inclusion and exclusion, priority populations, geographic differences, and existing programs, gaps and opportunities.
  • Translated complex research into plain English, visually engaging materials to support informed discussion and decision-making with SIAG members.
  • Designed and facilitated a deliberative engagement program with diverse SIAG members, representing a range of ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, abilities and lived experiences. The in-person deliberative workshops truth tested the research findings with lived experience to validate, challenge and deepen the evidence base.
  • Prepared a Needs Analysis Report consolidating insights, themes and priority opportunity areas to guide funding decisions.

OUTCOMES

This project provides the City of Whittlesea with a robust evidence-base to support the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) in making informed, community-led decisions.

It equips the SIAG with the insights and tools to:

  • Prioritise impactful, place-based initiatives that respond to the lived experiences and needs of diverse communities.
  • Direct funding where it will have the greatest impact.
  • Build confidence and capability within the SIAG to make decisions grounded in both evidence and lived experience.
Services
Research