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.

Noticing local connections

Notice the people, groups and informal roles that shape everyday life in your community. Opportunities to contribute – including paid roles – often emerge through relationships, not just job ads or formal programs.

Reflect on:

which local activities, projects or roles are already active or growing in your place

how people organise, share information or make things happen day to day

where there are entry points to contribute, observe or learn – through formal roles or informal involvement.

Small step

Write down a few people, groups or places you interact with locally. Notice who connects people and shares information. This can help you see how things happen and where you might contribute.

Go deeper

Information interviewing tips (University of Sydney) offer simple ways to have short, informal conversations with people doing work you are curious about. Use these tips when you want to understand what is involved and how people got started.

Advancing Collaboration Practice fact sheets (ARACY, 2013) share practical examples of how people and organisations work together locally. It can help you spot what effective collaboration looks like in real settings.

Navigate Local Jobs interactive map (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, 2023) shows employment and training activity in your region, including the organisations involved. Use the map to find local organisations, networks and potential entry points.

Return to 'Contributing close to home'

Explore the pathway