Our Services
Overview
Evolve Network (Evolve) engages stakeholders who bridge community, government and business to identify their role in enabling forward motion on complex community problems and emerging opportunities. Our work focuses on rural and regional Australian communities.
Change is not always easy for communities, our extensive community and economic development experiences have taught her that real and sustainable change is only ever realised when the community can own, and deliver their response to change. The success of this is then enhanced through robust facilitation, careful planning and support.
We work at each end of the community change process giving value to a range of stakeholders who benefit both directly and indirectly through the delivery of our services.
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.
Over the years we have supported many social enterprises and social impact projects to flourish.
In 2023 we delivered the first Social Impact in the Regions conference to enhance capabilities among regional impact practitioners.
Social Impact in the Regions is held between the first Weds-Fri in September each year. Our 2025 venue is currently being determined.
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 us?
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. We are always looking to broaden our network as well as answer questions that potential clients might have.