We exist so that communities can be in charge of shaping their own futures.
We don’t just deliver programs and services. We help communities build the leadership, governance and shared infrastructure to decide what matters, guide resource allocation and keep decision-making accountable to the community - so they can create lasting change on their own terms.
While our work began with refugee, migrant and diaspora communities in Melbourne’s West, Southeast and Northwest metropolitan regions, we are developing a broader model for transformative and community-owned social change that can be replicated by other communities experiencing social exclusion and disadvantage.
An empowerment ecosystem,
in action
Every initiative that happens within an empowerment ecosystem belongs to the whole community. Each community has its local Changemakers House - a community-run home where individuals come together to build their skills as leaders, lean from each other and work together to implement and sustain community initiatives. Each Changemakers House is a residential property in the neighbourhood, managed and shaped by the people who use it.
Across a typical week, the House may host leadership and governance training, small teams planning or running local enterprises, structured dialogue sessions across generations and cultures, community-led research activities, and mentoring or skills development. Everyone in the community is welcome, and each participant is always invited and encouraged to get more involved with the work and to make their own unique contribution with the skills and insights they bring.
Our lines of action
All our work is organised into one or more of our four flagship programs. We consider these programs to be the pillars, or the core components, of an empowerment ecosystem’s infrastructure.
Community Capacity Building
Building Leaders at the Grassroots
We support community members to grow the skills, confidence, and experience they need to participate in delivering programs and services - including taking on leadership roles within our governance structures. Learn more
We incubate and launch co-owned businesses, where profits are shared between business owners , employees and community projects - allowing community members to build their own financial independence while re-investing in their communities. Learn more
Economic Development
A Shared Model for Financial Prosperity
We support community members to develop the knowledge and skills they need to play an active role in how research is conducted and used, and ensuring that they participate in setting research priorities, generating knowledge, shaping narratives and influencing the decisions that are made about their communities. Learn more
Participatory Research
Community-Led Knowledge Generation
We foster dialogue across generations, traditions and worldviews. We embed traditional culture and spirituality into our work, seeking to draw from a fuller range of human knowledge and wisdom when responding to community needs, and honouring the deeply-held values of our community members. Learn more
Intercultural Dialogue
Building Bridges Across Divides