Building Strong Regional Communities
After 20 years of service in regional communities our skills, techniques and networks support sustainable change in the regions
Services
Evolve Network’s team have extensive experience in regional communities. Our services include:
Community engagement and consultation
We understand distance can be an enormous challenge for our regional clients and have developed a methodology to enable participation which is inclusive of digital literacy, cultural safety and literacy and numeracy skill levels. Having worked in regional communities for over two decades we know that communities often feel over-consulted and may not want to engage as a result. Our engagement methodologies ensure even the most difficult to reach communities are enabled to participate.
Program mentoring and support
There are many benefits to community based service delivery. Not only can it save a lot of groundwork to get programs established, it also has the opportunity to build important capacity within regional, rural and remote communities. Sometimes small not for profit entities need just a little more support to deliver programs to specification and what better way to learn than ‘on the job’. We work with funding bodies to understand the desired outcomes and outputs and then the not for profit to translate this into an achievable implementation plan. We can then mentor delivery teams to grow their skill sets as they deliver the desired program.
Community strategic planning
Evolve Network works with government and communities to deliver community strategic plans which cover the social, economic, environmental and cultural goals of the community. Our plans are always action oriented and aligned to the goals of the community. In developing a community strategic plan we thoroughly consult with the community examining what really matters according to the community, what has worked in the past and desires for the future; we look at the current macro and micro economic environment and examine and pressing environmental and community matters. Our plans prepare communities for both short and longer term actions.
Bespoke projects
Each year we deliver a range of bespoke projects to address areas of interest. In 2023 this was a conference designed to support regionally based Social Impact Practitioners. The conference is called Social Impact in the Regions and will be held in Coffs Harbour (NSW Australia) 6-8 September. Find out more here. Social Impact in the Regions will run for the following 10 years.
About Evolve Network
Authentic community engagement
Our team will assist your community to identify your strengths, to create a map for the future, to understand your goals and to activate your community. Our process is about mentoring and teaching, while we love doing it’s much better you do that so you can do it again and again. Through the years we’ve delivered community and corporate festivals, mentoring and coaching programs, training and workshops, strategic and business planning and lots and lots of facilitation. But all of this doing has taught us one very important thing. If the community we are working on isn’t on board – there’s truly no point starting. Our key principles are authentic community engagement, and leaving a lasting legacy via skill sharing.
Communities already know the solutions to their greatest problems. Often what is needed is someone who can gently guide a conversation about what these solutions are and how they should be implemented.
Kerry Grace
Impact Facilitator
Why you should work with Evolve Network
Proven experience
A thought leader
Tried and tested approaches and theories are often successful, but Kerry isn't afraid to push boundaries and pioneer new and unique ways in which to achieve the goals of the community she is working in. Kerry is called upon by all levels of government to develop strategic pathways forward for regional communities.
Ability to build trusted relationships
Through years of working in regional communities Kerry is known to build trusted relationships across a broad range of stakeholders, thus encouraging honest and constructive dialogue between all involved. Kerry held a senior leadership position as the Director of Regional Development for Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island 2016-2023.
A deep understanding of regional Australia
Kerry’s family have lived in the regions for seven generations. Having grown up in a regional community herself and spending most of her adult life in regional Australia, Kerry understands the challenges that communities and corporates face when looking to work together. There is simply no substitute for lived experience.
A flexible approach to a variety of entities
Throughout her career, Kerry has worked with community leaders, small businesses, large corporations and not for profit organisations. Kerry has worked in a senior role in vocational education to encourage investment in programs for Indigenous communities. She is often called upon to support capacity development in Aboriginal Corporations. She understands the intricacies of the various stakeholders in any situation and is able to speak a language that everyone understands.
Connect
Would you like to work with Kerry?
If you would like to work with Kerry, require more information or simply wish to touch base and connect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Kerry is always looking to broaden her network as well as answer questions that potential clients might have.
Reviews
What clients say
Michele Donovan
Personally and Professionally I have had a strong, sincere working relationship with Kerry over many years – Kerry does become invested in her projects, she is a great listener and advocate. She is a great people person, loves being engaged at the Grassroots level to gain a better understanding of the real issues, and develop with and alongside community the best way forward.
Tracy Singleton
Kerry’s strengths includes: her ability to produce high quality products within short time frames; work with a strategic focus i.e. community development with a strong focus on social enterprise; ability to work with diverse communities with honesty and integrity; and deliver project outcomes in a timely manner.
Kellon Beard
I have known Kerry since she took on the role as CEO of Regional Development Australia on the Mid North Coast in 2016. What has impressed me about Kerry is her dedication and commitment to the role in what have been some very tough times. Kerry has always shown great leadership and creative problem-solving approaches. Kerry has shown great leadership and has inspired those around her and dedication to see things through.
Heather Cavanagh
Kerry Grace is a passionate, effective advocate for economic development and sustainability in regional Australia. She utilises outstanding leadership and strong negotiating skills to achieve optimum outcomes, even where (at an early stage) this may simply be achieving a more widespread awareness and understanding of the issues and, of course, the associated opportunities!
Blog
The latest from Kerry
No matter what anyone tells you there is only one sure fire way to build trust in any regional community and that’s to keep showing up. Every regional community has seen its fair share of Johnny-come-lately’s who appear from out …
I’ve had too many conversations with women who tell me they felt they became invisible at 50. Certainly, there is a lot of truth to this idea, it does happen. But I also believe there is an incredibly powerful flip …
After focusing my attention on regional and economic development for the past 7 years my return to the social impact world in the context of regional Australia has been somewhat disappointing – why? It’s simple. Nothing has changed. Of course …