Talking Transport Warrnambool Report
Over the past year, the South Coast of Victoria Local Jobs Program secured funding to deliver four regional Appreciative Inquiry workshops exploring how transport can better connect people to employment, education, training, health services and community life. The project brought together representatives from business, education providers, community organisations, government agencies and local residents to share ideas and identify practical solutions.
Facilitated by Kelly Mason, CEO of Bounce Global, each session captured local experiences, strengths and opportunities to improve transport access across the region. Individual community reports were developed alongside a regional cross-ministerial synthesis report, creating a strong evidence base to inform future planning and advocacy.
The conversations highlighted that many communities already have valuable transport assets in place, but that better coordination, reliability, accessibility and flexibility could significantly improve access to jobs, training and essential services. Participants identified practical, locally driven opportunities that build on existing infrastructure and services rather than requiring entirely new systems.
The Warrnambool report, for example, identified opportunities to improve bus frequency and reliability, strengthen regional connections, expand licensing pathways for young people, and make better use of existing transport resources to support workforce participation and community wellbeing.
This work demonstrates the value of bringing diverse stakeholders together to explore solutions collaboratively and focus on what is already working well in our communities.
The reports are not the end of the conversation. They are a starting point for collective action.
If you are an employer struggling to attract workers, an education or training provider seeking to improve learner access, a community organisation supporting vulnerable citizens, or a community member with ideas to share, we want to hear from you.
The strongest solutions come from people who live, work and learn in our region. By working together, we can build practical, community-led approaches that improve access to employment and education opportunities for everyone across South West Victoria.
To learn more about the Appreciative Inquiry process, or join future conversations and initiatives, contact Angela.Williams@localjobs.org.au.
Your voice, experience and ideas can help shape the next steps. Reach out today and be part of creating a more connected and accessible future for our region.
