I used to think “community engagement” was one of those corporate phrases people say when they’ve run out of normal words. Like right up there with “synergy”, “touch base”, and circle back”, except even more suspicious because it sounds like you’re about to be handed a clipboard and a fluorescent vest. 

Fast forward to my job interview, where I was confidently nodding along like I understood everything, I had done (what I thought was) vigorous research on community engagement. However, my now-manager asked “Do you know what community engagement is?” and I was stopped in my tracks.

I can now mark my career by ‘Pre-manager explanation’ (PEM) and ‘Post-manager explanation’ (POM)

Before I was enlightened, my understanding of “community engagement was basically: 

• Something involving community gardens (maybe?)
• Volunteering, but with… branding 
• Posting on Facebook community pages

Anything that involves engaging the community.

So there I am, thinking I’m doing fine. Smiling. Nodding. Then my manager very kindly gives me a proper idea of what Community engagement is: 

• Building relationships between organisations and communities 
• Ensuring people’s voices are included in decision making
• creating programs/ events/ services that reflect what people need
• Responding to concerns and passing this feedback on to clients 

I like to explain it as being the bridge between the community and our clients, whether that be council or developers.

One time I walked right past a community engagement event without realising it. 

There were developers standing around showing plans and boards, people asking questions, and a table with free snacks while a barista made complimentary coffees to order (to be fair snacks will always grab my attention before any civic planning does). 

At the time I thought it was just some kind of local open day thing where people received free coffee while politely looking at posters. But now I understand what was actually going on. The whole set up was community engagement in action. 

It was a way for people to: 

• See what’s being planned in the area, including planning and presentation drawings
• Ask questions directly to the people making decisions 
• Give feedback before anything is finalised
• Feel involved instead of just finding out once everything is knocked down 

The coffee however is still strategic. People talk more when they’re caffeinated. 

What I didn’t realise back then was how much work goes into getting that moment. The planning, the coordination, the design of the information, the back and forth, the forms. What looked like a casual “pop in and have a chat” set up was actually the end result of a huge amount of behind the scenes effort just to make it feel that simple and approachable. 

Being part of a smaller company has completely changed how I see all this. 

Instead of being pigeonholed in one tiny role, I actually get to not only see but try a bit of everything. From organising events, to participating in focus groups, writing reports and creating social media tiles. It is exciting to learn and grow with a team who can facilitate that. 

It also makes a difference for those engaging with us. WIth smaller teams there is less distance between the people sharing feedback and those making decisions. Instead of feedback disappearing into a faceless system, you are often speaking to the people who can take that input and do something with it. 

Because of this closeness, things can move and shift a lot of quickly. If something isn’t working, it’s usually much easier to adjust, respond, or rethink it without everything getting stuck behind layers of approvals and long timeliness. 

One of the coolest parts of working in this space has been getting to help out at community engagement events myself. 

Lance, the founder of BROOKS, volunteers with the Sydney Street Choir, so I was able to assist with their 25 year performance at the Opera House!

As an ex-Bunnings worker I felt right back at home sizzling the sausages for community engagement in the Bayside council. 

The Highland Views ‘Meet Your Neighbours’ event was a great success! I enjoyed it as much as the residents, with my face painted and many flavours of Messina ice cream tasted. 

Nothing says “community engagement” like some high vis! On behalf of The Works, I volunteered and participated in a Reconciliation Walk in Bellambi. 

It’s still funny to me that I went into my interview needing community engagement explained to me by the person who would eventually become my manager. 

Now, after seeing what goes on behind the scenes, I realise the events, conversations and strategically placed snacks are only the visible part. What people don’t see is all the planning, coordination, relationship-building, problem-solving, and listening that happens before anyone even arrives at the sausage sizzle. 

I’m still learning, but I’ve gone from needing community engagement explained to me in an interview to being able to see and contribute to all the moving parts behind it.