Pathways into place-based work

This map shows different ways people contribute to place-based work – individually and collectively. It helps you orient yourself in the work, based on where you are right now. You can start anywhere. Follow what feels familiar, or explore other ways of getting involved. Click a pathway or practice point to explore further.

Don’t know where to start? Visit the landing pages for Collective pathways and Individual pathways to get a sense for the different parts of the map.

Pathways Map - Key

This map shows different ways people contribute to place-based work - individually and collectively - and where those forms of work connect.

Colours

Green - Individual pathways

Red - Collective pathways

Pathways

Each colour contains three pathways.

Pathways represent different ways of contributing, not stages or levels.

Practice points

Each circle represents a practice within a pathway.

Select a highlighted practice point to explore reflections, activities and resources.

You can visit practices in any order and return to them at any time.

Overlaps

The blue highlighted areas show where individual and collective pathways connect.

These highlight shared practices that influence both personal contribution and the wider conditions for place-based work.

Overlaps are shared ground, not additional steps.

How to use the map

There is no start or end.

Begin wherever feels most relevant to you.

Explore one pathway or move between several.

The map is designed for exploration rather than a fixed sequence.

Taking part in local work

Contribution in place-based work can begin informally or through formal roles. People step in as connectors, helpers, cultural guides, organisers or professionals. They bring local knowledge and trusted relationships that support community efforts.

Reflect on:

a local effort, project or group you would feel proud to support

the kinds of support your community needs right now

ways you could contribute that strengthen what is already happening and respect local leadership and knowledge.

Small step

Choose one local activity or group to spend time with – such as a community garden, mentoring program, neighbourhood clean-up or advisory group. Use this time to notice how decisions are made, who is involved and what helps things work well in your place.

Go deeper

Recognising your role in place-based work (PLACE, 2025) explores the informal and emerging roles people play in place-based work, and how these contributions support community-led change.

EthicalJobs.com.au lists community-focused roles across Australia. This site is useful for seeing the kinds of organisations, roles and skills involved in local work.

Creating Change through Partnerships (SNAICC, 2020) shares stories of communities and organisations working together through trust and local leadership. It offers a grounded view of what respectful partnership can involve.

Return to 'Contributing close to home'

Explore the pathway