Over the past few weeks, Linda has been involved in some International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) activities. Linda participated in the Test Kitchen to discuss content for the core modules of the Australasian Certificate of Community and Stakeholder Engagement. The Certificate was developed by a team of specialists and the Test Kitchens aimed to test the early work with IAP2 members and associates. The Test Kitchens were designed to capture input and feedback as well as stimulate critical and reflective discussion. It was a great opportunity to engage with others in some deep discussion about public participation practice with an emphasis on lifelong learning. Many of the participants shared stories from the field and practice, offering insights into the depth and complexity of public participation.
Linda also attended the pilots of two Certificate modules which were held in Brisbane last month. The intention was to further test the content with participants offering feedback. The new modules have captured the development of public participation and engagement practice and are a marked improvement on the Certifcate of Public Participation. The exercises and content were highly engaging and encouraged more reflective learning processes. The new program comes highly recommended from us for anyone who seeks to further develop their skills and knowledge in public participation. Public participation is a professional practice and involves an ethical disposition – we encourage other professionals to train and learn rather than assume that engagement is a ‘soft skill’ that anyone can do. It most definitely requires an ability to negotiate complex actor dynamics, particularly in relation to planning and development issues.
Also, John continues to support the work of Art from the Margins. He will be MC for the opening of the AFTM NAIDOC week exhibition at St Andrew’s Hospital. NAIDOC Week is an annual event that celebrates and acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.Art from the Margins (AFTM) has coordinated a NAIDOC Week art exhibition to highlight and celebrate the creative talents of several local Indigenous artists, including work from the Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Centre. The exhibition also features the winners of last year’s St. Andrew’s Indigenous Art Award as part of the AFTM Brisbane Festival Exhibition, Charlie Isaacs and Eric Blair. The exhibition opens on Friday 27 June 2014 at 5.30pm and runs until Tuesday 30 September 2014 at St Andrews War Memorial Hospital (Level 1, 457 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill).
AFTM is also holding an open day at their Studio on the Wesley Mission campus in Chermside (as above). The Inside Outside Open Day will involve access to the studio and afternoon tea in the sun. The 2015 workshop program will also be launched. Please join AFTM on Sunday 20 July from 11am to 3pm at 44 Curwen Tce, Chermside.
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