Greater Whitsundays Communities Progresses Inclusive Growth Project with Inclusive Growth Framework

 Greater Whitsunday Communities (GWC) is making significant strides in its Inclusive Growth Project, initiated with funding from the Building Better Regions Fund (Round 5). The project aims to encourage effective social investment and coordination within the region. To facilitate this process, GWC has engaged Selena Gomersall, an expert who previously developed a similar framework for Outback Futures.

The project's main objective is to create a comprehensive framework, supported by visual imagery, that highlights various categories against which all stakeholders in the region can assess their contributions to inclusive growth.  GWC has taken the lead in a co-design process to develop an Inclusive Growth Framework specifically designed for employers in the region. This framework will enable employers to self-assess their performance to ensure their operations benefit as many people as possible. It is important to note that no single stakeholder is expected to score highly in all pillars. However, the framework will provide a benchmark for measuring improvement over time and encourage stakeholders to strive for progress. By refining the self-assessment statements, GWC is forming smaller working groups to rank employers and subsequently test the framework with a select number of participants.

 Upon completing this phase, GWC intends to collaborate with a university to validate and refine the framework. The involvement of a university will lend academic credibility and ensure that the framework meets rigorous standards.

 GWC invites individuals and organizations to participate in this unique initiative by providing insights and expertise. Interested parties are encouraged to contribute to refining the self-assessment statements related to various pillars, including geography, governance, climate, connection, economy, and opportunity. These statements will serve as the foundation for employers to rank themselves and evaluate their inclusive growth efforts.

 Whether attending a meeting to share thoughts or providing feedback via email, stakeholders' contributions will be crucial in shaping the final framework. The collaboration between GWC, Selena Gomersall, and the wider community underscores the Greater Whitsundays region's commitment to fostering inclusive growth.

 By implementing this inclusive growth framework, Greater Whitsundays Communities aims to create a coordinated approach to social investment that benefits all stakeholders. The framework will not only provide a means of self-assessment but also enable stakeholders to track their progress and contribute to the overall development and prosperity of the region.