The Australian Government has joined with leading philanthropic foundations to support the establishment of a new national centre for place-based work in local communities across Australia. 

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth and Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE) this morning at Our Place at the Carlton Learning Precinct, together with representatives of philanthropic funders and community practitioners.  

PLACE will support hundreds of communities and initiatives nationwide, working with local communities to address complex and persistent socioeconomic barriers. It is an independent not-for-profit organisation governed by an innovative community accountability model. 

PLACE will initially focus on place-based initiatives in four priority areas, each including a dedicated First Nations focus:  

1. Entrenched socio-economic barriers 
2. Early years childhood development 
3. Employment support programs 
4. Australia’s energy transition to net zero 

Place-based approaches refer to programs that bring together residents, community groups, government services and others in a particular location to develop a shared understanding of an issue, a shared vision for the future, and a shared commitment to action and change.  

Paul Ramsay Foundation CEO Professor Kristy Muir said establishing PLACE was an exciting moment for driving positive impact in local communities. 

“This initiative builds on a long history of collaborative, community-based projects across Australia, bringing together knowledge and experience to help strengthen communities. PLACE aims to better support and elevate existing work, share successful practices, and inspire new ways for communities to envision and lead their own futures. 

Place-based approaches understand that complex social problems cannot be solved through isolated services alone. They also listen to community, work together, share, and learn from each other to address the conditions that help ensure people and places have what they need to thrive. We are excited to partner with government on supporting this important initiative.” 

PLACE Interim CEO Luke Craven said governments needed to share decision-making with local communities and other stakeholders to create lasting change on complex issues. 

“We can see the power of place-based approaches from the inner-city and suburbs to regional centres and remote communities. Today’s announcement will boost the great work already happening in this sector and ensure local communities get more support to collectively address the issues that matter most to them.” 

“Local communities understand their challenges and the support they need to create change. Good place-based approaches unite communities with government and other stakeholders around a shared understanding of complex problems and a shared commitment to action. PLACE will empower practitioners and drive better community-owned responses to complex problems.” 

“PLACE will be an organisation that embodies place-based principles around evidence, data, community engagement, innovation, learning and accountability to the community.” 

PLACE is initially funded through a long-term partnership between the Australian Government and philanthropic funders, including the Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF), Ian Potter Foundation, Dusseldorp Forum and the Bryan Foundation. It will commence operations in early 2025.  

PLACE is supported by:

• The Australian Government
• The Bryan Foundation
• Dusseldorp Forum
• The Ian Potter Foundation
• Minderoo Foundation
• Paul Ramsay Foundation