ACTION PLAN TO BUILD CONSUMER ENGAGEMENT
Our Community Engagement Internal Working Group ( CEIWG ) is an actionoriented group of 20 + Merri Health staff across divisions .
The CEIWG 3-year action plan outlines targets in seven key areas to :
• drive innovative improvements in engagement strategies
• develop mechanisms to increase quality community participation
• embed community engagement across the organisation
What did we achieve ?
60 % of target actions completed or on track
identified champions across divisions to promote community engagement
launched enhanced community engagement portal with resources to help teams
Challenges :
• resourcing , members support actions in addition to their everyday work
What ’ s next
• continue working to achieve targets
BE MERRI HEALTH AND WELLBEING FESTIVAL
Our annual Be Merri Health and Wellbeing Festival brings together community members , consumers and teams across Merri , working in partnership to develop and run fun activities to promote health , wellbeing and social connections .
This year , we were excited to return to face-to-face events , with stalls at the Fawkner and Glenroy Festivals which attracted large crowds .
Challenges
Changing COVID-restrictions meant we always needed a ‘ Plan B ’ in place , and we quickly adapted when Fawkner Festa was cancelled . Instead , we partnered with Merri-bek Council to produce ‘ Fawkner Zine ’, to boost mental health and social connections .
What did we achieve ?
engaged
200
people people direct and
20,000 +
Be Merri Festival activities and promotions
partnered with
10
community members / local organisations to plan and deliver activities
co-designed and created festival activities with community members
partnered with Merri-bek Council to produce the ‘ Fawner Zine ’ with interactive activities
Fawkner zine distributed directly to
5000 + households and available online
What ’ s next
• supporting teams to run their own pop-up stalls and activities at festivals in Victoria
BUILDING SOCIAL COHESION IN FAWKNER
Fawkner is a diverse population with social , economic and environmental challenges . Research found some community members felt disadvantaged , isolated and discriminated against .
In response , we launched Hello , Fawkner ! ( HF ) a four year project that aimed to strengthen community cohesion , connection and respect .
This was the final year . Hello , Fawkner ! delivered great results , supporting 160 + community-led events through four key initiatives : a leadership program ( The Great Idea Program ), grants for community-led celebrations ( The Harmony Day Party Program ) and online and print community news ( The Fawkner Times ).
Partnering to develop respect for diversity
We partnered directly with community members over the last four years , providing over $ 90,000 to Fawkner residents for projects and activities strengthening the community .
PARTNERING WITH CONSUMERS AND COMMUNITIES
Other partners included :
• Department of Social Services ( DSS )
• Victorian Government
• Merri-bek City Council
• Fawkner Neighbourhood House
• Urdu Speaking Women ’ s Group
• Fawkner Service Providers Network
• PaperMill Media
• The Public Value Studio
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