The City of Yarra appointed Capire to design and deliver a deliberative engagement process to inform several strategic documents:
The engagement process was designed to meet the deliberative requirements of the Local Government Act 2020 and Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, ensuring authentic and representative participation.
Approach
At the centre of the process was a Community Working Group (CWG) of 55 participants, recruited through a public Expression of Interest. To reduce barriers to participation, the CWG was provided with accessibility measures such as support for interpreters, sensory-safe spaces and flexible formats.
The deliberative process was framed by a strategic remit: ‘How can we achieve Yarra’s vision of a vibrant, safe and inclusive environment while accommodating growth and maintaining financial sustainability?’
Capire developed background materials and pre-reading packs to support informed participation. The process was iterative, with content adapted throughout in response to CWG feedback and emerging priorities.
Over four CWG sessions in January and February 2025, participants engaged with key themes such as social inclusion, community safety, public health, infrastructure, sustainability, growth and financial planning. Each session featured presentations from Council staff, interactive activities, and structured discussions to inform collective recommendations.
Internal engagement
Alongside the CWG, Council delivered an internal engagement stream to understand the views of Councillors and staff. Internal engagement activities included an online staff launch, a drop-in session for staff, three workshops with Councillors, and two workshops with the Executive and Senior Leadership Teams. Capire supported delivery of the internal workshops.
Outcomes
Capire delivered a CWG Summary Report consolidating the group’s input, insights and recommendations to support Council’s strategic planning. We also produced a joint report with City of Yarra, linking staff and Councillor input to community priorities.
The deliberative process was monitored and evaluated throughout, with pre- and post-engagement surveys assessing changes in participants’ trust in Council, civic confidence, understanding of strategic planning and participation barriers. Survey results indicated significant improvements in participants’ understanding of Council processes, sense of community connection, and trust in Council’s decision-making.
