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Journey of Change

Roadmap to creating positive change in our community

Hands Up Mallee’s Journey of Change (JOC) is our roadmap for creating lasting, positive change in the Mildura community. It shows where we’re headed and how we’ll get there.

See our Measurement, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework
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Learn more about co-design

A Model for What Matters Most

We use the Journey of Change to guide everything we do- from project planning through to measuring outcomes, always keeping our focus on what matters most. The model has been developed with HUM partners through a series of stakeholder workshops and consultations during 2022. It identifies the enabling conditions and systemic changes needed for transformative change at the population level for children, young people and families.

Detailed Journey of Change Graphic
Journey of Change Graphic

Simplified Journey of Change.

1. The Challenge and Opportunity

We began with a shared understanding: cycles of disadvantage were deeply entrenched, services were fragmented, and solutions often came from outside the community.

This inspired new ways of working together with the community to create locally driven solutions that disrupt these patterns, making services more responsive to local priorities and deliver better outcomes for children, young people, and families.

2. Foundations at the Start

Our starting point was strong because we had:

  • Community and partners ready to listen and act differently – A willingness to embrace new ways of working.
  • Evidence and insight – Data, stories, and research to guide decisions.
  • History and context of place – Understanding Mildura’s unique context: remote region, Aboriginal people, river, horticulture, small businesses, cultural diversity, and high socio-economic disadvantage.
  • Existing relationships – Partnerships we could build on.
  • A resourced backbone team – To convene, coordinate, and keep the work moving forward.
Enablers of Change

3. The Enablers of Change

Our starting point was strong because we had:

  • Authentic engagement – Aboriginal voices and community perspectives are embedded, not tokenistic.
  • Transparent governance – Locally-led and fit for purpose governance structures that build trust and accountability.
  • Multi-sector collaboration – Services, government, and community working are working in partnership
  • Informed co-design – Decisions shaped by data, stories and research
  • High Impact activities - that lead to systemic change
  • Continuous learning – Sharing openly and adapting as we go, both locally and nationally.

4. Creating and Scaling Systemic Change

We aim for changes that go beyond programs to shift systems:

  • Community voice embedded in decisions – Local priorities drive policy and practice and Aboriginal people lead in the journey
  • Mindset and Practice Shifts – Government, services, and community leaders embrace new mindsets and practices through transparent, trusted partnerships where community expertise drives decisions
  • Aligned resources – Resources are better aligned for impact through shared services, improved funding flows, and dedicated investment in Aboriginal communities.
  • Investment in local solutions – Co-designed initiatives are tested, refined, and scaled for impact.
  • Changes are happening beyond our place - Systemic changes extend beyond the region, influencing policies, practices, resource flows, relationships, power dynamics, and mindsets at local and national levels.
Water of Systems Change

Reference: The Water of Systems Change JOHN KANIA, MARK KRAMER, PETER SENGE

June 2018

5. Early Signs of Impact for Children, families and Community

We know progress is happening when:

  • Safe, supportive environments where children feel cared for, connected, and protected both at home and in the community.
  • Stable housing, essential resources, and access to transport and infrastructure ensure families can meet basic needs and fully participate in education and community life.
  • Healthy lives supported by timely care, preventive health measures, and community infrastructure that promotes physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
  • Children and young people learn and grow through engaged families, quality education, regular school attendance, and clear pathways to further study, training, and employment
  • Young people actively engage in activities, connect with peers, have a voice in decisions, and access opportunities for volunteering, work experience, and employment.
  • Children and young people feel connected to culture and community, safe to express identity, included and respected in a society free from racism.

6. Achieving Transformational Change

Our ultimate goal is clear: A connected community where children and young people thriving in six wellbeing domains (ARACY Nest framework):

  • Valued, loved & safe
  • Material basics
  • Healthy
  • Learning
  • Participating
  • Positive identity & culture

Ref: The Next, Australian Alliance for Children and Youth, 2013