About Evolve Network (Evolve)
Introduction
Evolve Network (Evolve) has delivered social impact activities in regional communities for two decades. Evolve was founded by Kerry Grace in 2004.
The Evolve team has delivered many projects for all levels of government, not for profits and Aboriginal Corporations for small regional communities since 2004.
Our talented team works in community to enable sustainable, community-led solutions.
In 2023 we founded national conference, Social Impact in the Regions to further our work in regional capability development.
skills
A range of services supporting sustainable regional development
Our talented team works in community engagement and activation, strategic planning, facilitation, impact measurement and economic analysis and capability development.
Our team has a unique mix of practical skills, connections, deep understanding and abilities which make Evolve a sought-after entity for regionally based projects.
We work with clients at every level of government, not for profits, Aboriginal Corporations and Corporates. At the heart of our work we thoroughly believe in healthy and sustainable regional communities. The methodologies surrounding the delivery of this goal vary.
Our founder's Story
A Regional Australian
Kerry Grace worked in the corporate world with a focus on advertising, marketing and business services through the early years of her career then transitioned to adult education where she enjoyed over a decade as vocational education teacher, then a senior business development team member for TAFE NSW. Through this time she grew her business Evolve Group Network which has served the regional Australian communities for almost 20 years.
Kerry lives in the Mid North Coast of NSW. She is mum to three grown up kids and has a quirky collection of pets including alpacas. Like many regional kids of the time Kerry left home soon after completing her HSC. She returned home in 2003 to raise her family. Kerry established Evolve Network in 2004 as a means of balancing her growing family and a flexible way to make a living in a small town. The business always set out to achieve social impact and through the years it most certainly has.
Once upon a time Kerry Grace was an ‘accidental leader’.
She describes this phase as a time of overcoming the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome that had plagued her younger life. Something that Kerry admits held her back for many years.
Still, Kerry rose above her earlier challenges and now mentors regional leaders through her writing and public speaking.
Through her life and career experiences Kerry continues to demonstrate integrity, passion, and love of what she does.
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!
Connect
Would you like to work with Evolve?
If you would like to work with Evolve, require more information or simply wish to touch base and connect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
