CREATING CONNECTIONS
Strategy. Communication. Engagement.
i.e. is an abbreviation of the Latin expression id est, meaning “that is”.
It serves to clarify a statement or position, to show its true meaning. Much like we do.
About us
i.e. works with people to create connections, build capacity and strengthen resilience
i.e. community is a specialist community and stakeholder engagement consultancy. We work with our clients and communities to design and deliver engagement programs that make a difference.
We strive to connect with the communities in which we work, acting as agents for positive change through collaboration and creative problem solving. Delivering communication, engagement and social research based on intelligence, i.e. uses data to provide insight into the people and the problem, to deliver outcomes to motivate and create lasting impact.
i.e. brings together a team of thoughtful and curious consultants from diverse backgrounds, combining facilitation, engagement and communication expertise to explore new ways to engage and inspire.
People
JOSEPH LEA
Engagement Support
Passionate about sustainability and governance, Joseph joined the i.e. community team as an intern to provide his expertise in critical analysis and research.
With extensive communication and engagement experience and a background in research, Joseph has contributed across several projects, including ‘Renewables Nation’ for the World Wildlife Fund and vaccine hesitancy research for Cohealth.
Joseph is a recent Masters of Environment graduate from The University of Melbourne. He also has a Bachelors degree in Politics & International Relations, with a Honors degree in Political Science & Development Studies.
ELL SCHLYDER
Project Coordinator & Team Support
With a comprehensive background in administration and management, Ell joined i.e. community to bring her expertise in team management, report writing, project coordination and administrative tasks.
Ell is passionate about building working relationships and strengthening communities. With a degree in Psychology, she is especially interested in understanding the interests and motives of people.
Ell has played a key role in the management of everyday business tasks, and is a lead in business development and proposal writing
Work
ACTIVE TRANSPORT
Active transport in Darebin
To support the City of Darebin’s Active Transport Strategy, i.e. community partnered with Preston Market and the Bicycle Network to deliver a series of events and workshops at the market over 12 weeks to promote cycling and encourage visitation to the market. The program culminated in the Bike Breakfast - in partnership with Bicycle Network, Transport Accidents Commission (TAC), CERES Bike Shed and local cycling groups. Over 150 cyclists joined a group ride across Darebin to attend the breakfast and provide input into how cycling could be improved in Darebin.
Whitehorse cycling strategy and active transport forum
Todd led the design and implementation of a comprehensive engagement program to support the development of the Whitehorse Cycling Strategy to guide infrastructure, education and advocacy over the next 10 years. Tasked with engaging a broad cross-section of the community, the program obtained input from more than 400 people over two phases. A year after the strategy was finalised, i.e. delivered an active transport forum to obtain community and stakeholder feedback on the implementation of actions within the strategy. The forum, and associated engagement activities, involved all cycling groups in Whitehorse and provided the opportunity to capture a wide range of community perspectives.
DEVELOPMENT
Redevelopment of Whitehorse Centre
i.e. was engaged to provide engagement support for the redevelopment of the Whitehorse Centre, the largest redevelopment project in council’s history. This involved the development of a stakeholder engagement framework to inform and align all engagement activities for the next three years, and the design and delivery of a series of stakeholder workshops with council stakeholders, users of the centre, patrons, architects and the local community.
Understanding ageing and housing
i.e. community undertook research to better understand the experience of getting older in Banyule and Boroondara, in partnership with Longevity Group Australia. Exploring what it means to be an ‘Age-Friendly City’, the engagement sought the views of older residents on how they remain connected to the community, what support they need to remain in their homes longer, and who they trust to turn to for advice on major financial and housing decisions as they age. This involved targeted discussions with key groups, such as U3A, surveys at major shopping centres, focus groups, and in-depth discussions with advocates for older residents.
INFRASTRUCTURE
West Gate Distributor
i.e. community was engaged by Fulton Hogan to develop a comprehensive communication and engagement strategy and supporting communication action plan for the design and delivery of the West Gate Distributor. The team provided ongoing strategic advice to Fulton Hogan and VicRoads and delivered all stakeholder and community engagement activities. As one of the Victorian Government’s key election promises and priority transport initiatives, the project attracted significant interest from a broad range of stakeholders and community groups. It involved close collaboration with numerous levels of government, regulatory and statutory authorities, including VicRoads, the Port of Melbourne and Maribyrnong City Council.
North East Rail Line Upgrade and Inland Rail
In response to opposition from communities and concerns from councils, i.e. was asked to assist ARTC to develop a more robust engagement approach in five key centres across North East Victoria. This involved establishing and facilitating a community reference group in Euroa and working with stakeholders and the communities of Euroa, Benalla, Wangaratta and Glenrowan. After 12 months as the key stakeholder interface for the region, the team continues to provide strategic and on-the-ground engagement and issues management support for the projects.
CULTURAL ACTIVATIONS
South of the City
Since 2017, i.e. has partnered with South of the City (SOC) – a youth-led social enterprise founded by Theo, a member of our team, addressing the cultural disconnect between young people and the suburbs where they live. SOC was founded in response to the fact that the arts landscape in Melbourne's south and south eastern suburbs was flat, as the pulse of live music, art and other creative industries moved northwards towards the inner-Northern suburbs. As a result, arts venues and public spaces in the south were left underfunded and underutilised. By engaging the networks of young people living in the south, i.e. and SOC have delivered a successful campaign and co-designed more than 130 alternative arts events
Nite Art
In partnership with the City of Melbourne and the University of Melbourne, our team played a key role in delivering a series of events to bring the city alive at night. Working with more than 30 galleries, museums and artist-run spaces, Nite Art promoted the cultural highlights of Melbourne and enticed Melburnians and visitors alike into the night. For three years, we worked with our major partners to develop the campaign strategy, build a comprehensive content plan, and deliver the campaign, making best use of the communication channels of the participating organisations. Core themes developed for the campaign included the 24-hour city, undiscovered Melbourne and art after dark.
Focus
We help organisations make better decisions, grow their influence and achieve their goals.
We work with communities to build capacity, create connections and strengthen resilience.
Community scans and research
Collaborative strategy development
Expert facilitation
Community and stakeholder engagement
Place making, activation and events
Reputation and issues management
Research
Riding it out: active transport in a post covid-19 world
We’re doing research to better understand what will be needed to respond to changing transport needs during and after COVID-19.
One thing is clear: the pandemic has completely changed what ‘normal’ travel looks like.
As our communities emerge from lockdown, they will be looking for new ways to get around the city. It’s no longer realistic to take the 8am train with thousands of other commuters – at least in the short term. While many people will turn to their cars, cycling is a crucial alternative.
CASE STUDIES
Horsham Rural City Council
Get in touch
Phone
+61 457 943 242
todd@ie.community
Location
552 Victoria St, North Melbourne, VIC
JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
i.e. community is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri and neighbouring Boonwurrung Peoples of the Kulin nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of these lands and all the lands on which our work takes place, and pay respects to Elders past and present. This has always been and will always be Aboriginal land.
© i.e. community