Parks, gardens, reserves, waterways, environmental lands Workplaces in Open Spaces

Conversation starter Workplaces in Open Spaces Council reports & strategy alignment Policy context Existing modelsGIS mapping Coordinating group

Be Active Wodonga (2013) Physical Activation Model What was needed for making the partnership work Building advocates & ownership with our partners Keep checking in – is our thinking right? Understanding our role as resources not experts Value adding

Brains Trust meeting GIS Mapping Steering Group formed Model ‘s pathway developed Marketing consultant engaged Initial case studies developed Prospectus developed & launched TOR developed Pathway established WiOS templates developed Stage 1 Stage 2 Recruitment of businesses to active launch – Spring ‘Days of’ Alignment with Healthy Together Wodonga – Health Champions and Innovations Grants The Process

What has changed Internally Formed better relationships between council and community Physical Activation embedded into Action Plans Council reports and strategic plans have this new approach included Existing resources used beyond their traditional approach Impact on individuals way of working/thinking Allowed council teams to think different about their work and achieving council goals Able to identify potential champions internally to drive the initiative

“Our discussions and conversations have shone a light on something that I hadn't considered, appreciated and or rated as important. I was focused on providing a service that produced a desirable appearance ‘neat and tidy at all times’, therefore little if any consideration was given to the health benefits our public open space provides our community. Public health is directly related to the services the parks and gardens team provides.” “It has opened up pathways we could only have dreamt of and inspired our member groups to think more broadly about the benefits of working in open spaces, not only for themselves but for different groups within our community. As a result our groups have created new links with local schools and businesses and are better able to connect with Council to access community resources.” Peter McLarty, Manager Parks and Gardens (including Natural Resources) Anne Stelling, Wodonga Urban Landcare Network Coordinator But don’t just believe us...

Key Learnings Start with a concept and begin engaging Be clear about your vision Build trust by acknowledging past differences Keep checking in with partners Bring in expertise as needed Keep building your coalition by asking who is missing? Align the model with your stakeholders key objectives

Challenges along the way Past relationships of organisations – keeping the ‘eye on the prize’ Ensuring sustainability is at the forefront of planning and implementation Maintaining momentum Promoting opportunities Media messaging Workplaces in Open Spaces (2014) A ‘how to’ guide to corporate volunteering and sponsorship in Wodonga’s open spaces

Next Steps Complete and implement Marketing and Promotional strategy - Utilising ‘Days of’ such as Parks Week Continue regular steering group meetings to plan and implement Identify opportunities to extend the model into other settings and health areas Workplaces in Open Spaces (2014) A ‘how to’ guide to corporate volunteering and sponsorship in Wodonga’s open spaces

Thank you for your time and enthusiasm today Workplaces in Open Spaces A copy of the Prospectus can be found at

Model’s pathway Business identifies interest in Workplaces in Open Spaces Business contacts Wodonga City Council’s Volunteer Coordinator Key questions: When: suitable dates Where: do they have a preference Type : preservation / restoration / planting Number: how many staff? Any other issues: transport, equipment/ insurance etc Based on business information and key stakeholder information the CoW Volunteer Coordinator contacts suitable organisation program coordinator Wodonga Urban Landcare Network Parklands Albury Wodonga Wodonga City Council – Parks and Gardens Wodonga City Council - Natural Resources Key contact: Anne Stelling Key Contact: Ant Packer Key Contact: Michael Power Key Contact: Andy Griffiths Areas: Friends of Wodonga Parks (alongside waterways) Areas: Murray River lands + Bush Parklands Areas: Wodonga Parks and Gardens Areas: WRENS and Hill Tops