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.

Sharing learning with others

Passing on what you have learned helps others find their feet and keeps knowledge circulating in your place. Leadership is strengthened when insight, experience and responsibility move across people rather than sitting with one person alone.

Reflect on:

people who have shaped your learning, and how you pass that on

stories or experiences from your work that could guide others

ways you share what you’ve learned – through conversation, storytelling, working alongside others or documenting what helps.

Small step

Think of one person who is finding their way – a peer, volunteer or someone newer to the work. Share a useful resource, or invite them into a meeting, gathering or conversation you’re already part of. Follow up to see how it went.

Go deeper

Knowledge Transfer Tool (Australian Indigenous Governance Institute) offers guided prompts for passing on knowledge, supporting leadership transition and planning succession in culturally grounded ways. It helps make tacit, cultural and relational knowledge visible so responsibility and experience can move across people and roles.

Resources for Mentors and Mentees (Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, 2022) offers practical guidance for building respectful, two-way mentoring relationships, including listening well, building trust, sharing learning and supporting each other.

The Australian Public Service Framework for Engagement and Participation (Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, 2020) outlines approaches for working with communities through listening, participation and collaboration. It emphasises recognising public expertise, building trust and supporting shared understanding in decision-making.

Return to 'Stepping into local leadership'

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