Who We Are

We unlock the potential of people and places.

As a non-profit social enterprise, we make it easier for local people to shape the places they live by improving how communities and institutions work together. It’s about doing better, together.

Our philosophy

Community participation is critical social infrastructure. It builds trust, reciprocity and collective agency, creating the right conditions for people and communities to flourish.

Yet, we’re facing a global crisis of disengagement and disconnection. Trust in institutions is declining, social isolation is rising and many people feel excluded from the decisions that affect their lives. Too often, people are treated as recipients of services, rather than co-creators of solutions.

When people are given opportunities to influence the places they live, work and belong - even in small ways - something powerful happens. They build confidence, develop new skills, develop relationships and discover a deeper sense of connection and purpose. Participation doesn't just improve places, it strengthens people.

Our work bridges the gaps in between governments, communities and industry by building trust, relationships and a shared responsibility through doing. We make positive action easier, more practical and more accessible by connecting people making it happen.

This philosophy guides our unique ‘way of doing’.

Our story

Founded in 2018 by Jimmy Murphy and Dean Cracknell, with plenty of help from supporters, our movement started with the simple idea to make it easier for local doers to create the positive change that they want to see in their communities.

Originally known as Town Team Movement, our formative years focused on supporting Town Teams - community-led groups of residents and business operators who improve their neighbourhood, using our Charter of Behaviour to build and strengthen local relationships.

Over time, we recognised that thriving communities require more than active citizens. They also need governments and institutions that are willing and able to enable local action.

Today, our work supports both sides of this equation, helping communities and institutions to collaborate to achieve better outcomes for people and places.

Our Team

Jimmy Murphy

Co Founder

Emma Snow

Director Consulting Lead

Dean Cracknell

Co Founder

Kendell Terrell

General Manager Of Partnerships And Impact

David Snyder

Community And Place Specialist

Patrycja Rosinska

Community And Place Specialist

Rory Murray

Place Collaboration Enabler

Rae Hoff

Community And Place Enabler Grant Administrator

Megan Humble

Place Collaboration Enabler

Esther Bliss

Community And Place Specialist

Jess de Campo

Community And Place Specialist

Work with us

We work with government, corporates, philanthropy, not-for-profits and purpose aligned organisations to create thriving places where people are empowered to make a difference.

Consulting

We help you to connect with community and shape places where people want to be.

This includes activating public spaces, community engagement and events, co-design, place and concept plans, community capacity-building, problem resolution, workshops and presentations.

Get in touch to see how we can work together.

Partnerships

Working at the intersection of community and institutions, our partnerships are a powerful force for change.

We design and deliver award-winning programs, community-led initiatives, collaborative processes, conferences and events that shift mindsets, inspire action, change systems and empower people to contribute.

Keen to collaborate? Get in touch to discuss your ideas and opportunities.

Awards

National Winner for Youth-led Placemaking Projects 2024
Community Diversity andWellbeing Award, Planning Institute of Australia

WA Local Hero 2023
As part of the Australia Day Award

Planning Champion 2022
Planning Institute of Australia, WA

IAP2 National Engagement Award 2021
City of Cockburn Climate Change Engagement and Place Values

Best Small Project 2021, Harbour Rd PorchFest 2021
Place Leaders Asia Pacific

Stakeholder Engagement 2021
Belconnen Place Design Brief – Planning Institute of Australia ACT

Stakeholder Engagement 2021
Kalamunda Shared Spaces – Planning Institute of Australia WA

We can support you to realise your visions and create meaningful spaces too.

Contact Us