Everything we do as planners, designers and policy makers we do on Country. Building our allyship and understanding of the opportunities offered when we adopt a Country-centered approach to our work, enables us to step-in as non-Indigenous Australians and play a more active role in healing the past. Planning with Country provides a new lens through which to see our work in land-use planning, economic development, heritage and environmental protection, stakeholder engagement and design. As allies we can listen better, improve our governance and decision-making, seek out different knowledge sets and engage proactively with First Nations colleagues and communities.
In this course we will critically reflect on the values that inform our processes and decision-making, explore the opportunities for healing and change through a Country centered approach to planning, design and policy. Participants to not need to be working on a specific project, but rather come with a willingness to challenge their own perspective and practice in a safe, non-judgmental space.

Designed For

Strategic planners, designers, policy makers who want to build their allyship and understanding of planning with Country

Learning Outcomes

• A clear understanding of what planning with Country means to ally planners/designers.
• Strategies to integrate planning with Country principles in practice.
• Confidence to advocate for a Country-centered approach on current and future projects. 

Presenter 

Michelle Howard MPIA (Fellow) is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and an internationally accredited facilitator and strategic planner. As Managing Director of Collaborations, she has worked on planning, design and infrastructure projects across Australia for the past 30 years. Michelle is a founding member of PIA's Knowledge Circle and hosts the national Allies Community of Practice.  She has a reputation for working with diverse constituencies and managing complex issues of change. Michelle is an experienced trainer and mentor within the urban planning and community engagement sectors. Born on Palawa Country, Michelle has worked with Indigenous colleagues and friends since 1988 to integrate a stronger cultural narrative and voice in art, planning and design projects. She recognises the on-going learning, powerful questions and work required to build a ‘two-way’ approach.

Terms & Conditions

Registrations cancelled more than 14 days prior to the event date will not incur any fees and a full refund will be granted.

If you cannot attend and you are within 14 days of the event date, you can transfer your ticket to another person.

In all other situations we cannot issue a refund or credit.

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