Improving access to primary health care for multicultural communities was the focus of the North West Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) community panel. Supported by an innovative AI tool, the panel developed practical recommendations and funding ideas for NWMPHN’s federal submission. This process highlighted the importance of genuine community involvement and continues to inform NWMPHN’s place-based health initiatives, showing that addressing barriers to care requires more than policy.
MosaicLab and Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation co-designed a Code of Conduct training that brought values to life. Over a day and a half, staff explored ethics and workplace behaviour through real-life scenarios, cultural storytelling, and hands-on activities - then shaped the Code in their own words, images, and symbols. The process built clarity, connection, and confidence - and ensured the team has a Code that’s lived, not just learned.
We don’t just facilitate conversations - we design them with purpose, strategy, and care. In under three minutes, our new video lifts the lid on what really happens behind the scenes at MosaicLab. It’s not just about what we do, but how and why we do it - and what makes our work different. Come take a look - this time, we’re the story.
Have a challenging issue to tackle but lack the resources for meaningful engagement? ML Giving is MosaicLab’s not-for-profit division and we’re here to help. We support emerging and under-served communities in fostering deeper conversations that drive real change. We believe everyone deserves a voice in shaping their communities. Learn how you can apply to work with us.
How do you bring stakeholders from across Australia together to shift how spiritual health is embedded in our healthcare system? MosaicLab partnered with the Spiritual Health Association to design and facilitate an engagement process that helped shape the country’s first National Model for Spiritual Care in Health. The model was piloted in 21 hospitals and health services, including a national health service. After the pilot, sites conducted audits to assess its impact on spiritual care, staff awareness, and patient experiences. The results were published in an evaluation report released in late 2024, offering key insights from this national initiative.
A Research and Development Note detailing the process and outcomes of a recent study we worked on with Lyn Carson of Active Democracy and the newDemocracy Foundation has been published.
The study considers the question - How can we enhance the ability of randomly-selected citizens in mini-publics (such as citizens’’ juries) to understand and evaluate expert evidence?
Now and then we hear people say that what you might loosely categorise as ‘warm up’ or ‘introductory’ or ‘getting to know you’ activities are pointless exercises with no real purpose. It is assumed (perhaps?) that they are something facilitators do just because that’s what facilitators do and they like to ‘play games, not because they have any bearing on the issue at hand or any tangible benefit to the group.
We can’t speak on behalf of all these types of activities (perhaps there are some out there that really are annoying, pointless and fluffy!); however, today, with the kind of activities that an effective, experienced facilitator might use in mind, we’re debunking this myth.
The 'Participatory Democracy - Exploring Experiences' session at the IPAA Public Sector Week 2017 featured active, experiential learning and an interactive discussion with a group of diverse panellists.
Attendees experienced a mini, deliberative discussion, answering the question: 'what are the biggest challenges facing the public sector when it comes to gaining trust in the community?'. The group then engaged in an energetic Q&A with the panel which included specialist consultants and public sector representatives with extensive experience in using deliberative engagement to help tackle major public policy challenges.
Facilitated by MosaicLab, the workshop saw great ideas generated and invaluable knowledge shared. The discussion was relevant to anyone working in the public sector (and beyond), so, today we're sharing a snapshot of the ideas generated and a summary of the Q&A discussion - a fabulous, free resource for anyone interested in quality engagement or participatory processes.
The second half of 2017 is shaping up to be very busy for MosaicLab, with events left, right and centre. In fact, we're so busy, we have created a new events page where you can peruse all of the events and training opportunities we are currently involved in or hosting.
There's something for everyone, and, with events taking place from coast to coast, we're looking forward to connecting with old friends and new faces right across Australia.
From the engagement practitioner who wants to hone their skills, to those wanting to champion quality engagement in their organisations. From those looking to network and connect right through to those simply interested in a conversation around 'doing democracy differently. We'd love to see you there.
Earlier this year, MosaicLab trialled an exciting new training concept based on participatory learning. Hosted by Public Libraries Victoria Network and State Library of Victoria and facilitated by MosaicLab, the experience gave participants an in-depth understanding of, insights into and skills in deliberative engagement.
Following foundational engagement training sessions, and some online learning and discussion, PLVN representatives from across the State came together to experience a mini (but very real), 2-day deliberative process.
This exciting, in-depth training opportunity is now available for other organisations to experience.
Did you see last month's invaluable deliberation insights post? We shared a video chock full of ideas and advice from project managers who had been through a deliberative journey.
This month, we're sharing the second video in this series - insights from decision makers who have led their organisations though a deliberative engagement experience.
Online tools are an important part of the modern engagement landscape. They offer a broad range of benefits from ease and flexibility of access to handy data analysis options. They can be absolutely worth the investment, and are integral parts of most successful, contemporary engagement processes.
However, it's a mistake to think that a great online platform or tool alone will solve all your engagement problems or attract high levels of participation - no matter how much you spent on building it or how long you spent on perfecting it.
This monthly myth touches on a mistake that is pretty easy to make and can catch organisations out, leaving them without much of a return on what can be a significant investment.
Join us for an interactive forum at IPAA Public Sector Week 2017! If you have ever wondered 'what is participatory or deliberative democracy' and 'how do I include these ideas in my work' then this is the session for you.
You will have the opportunity to experience some of the key tools used in deliberative engagement processes and understand the complexity and opportunity that comes from navigating a diverse group of people around a complex issue and facilitating the decision-making process.
In June 2017 we ran our first ever Deliberation Ready Training session for leaders, managers and decision makers in Melbourne. The day was designed to help participants get themselves and their organisation ready for a successful journey into deliberative engagement.
Because we love to share resources and are always seeking to help others to improve their engagement skills and processes, we are giving you free, exclusive access to one of our fabulous Deliberation Ready Training resources our participants had access to during their session.
