The challenge
Articulous were engaged by Melbourne Water to deliver a series of engagement sessions in response to the October 2022 Maribyrnong River flood event, as part of the Maribyrnong Flood Review.
Our action
Working closely with Melbourne Water, Articulous facilitated the delivery of an engagement plan and associated communications materials for six pop-up community information sessions. The sessions were aimed at providing information and support to impacted community members and giving them an opportunity to share their experiences of the flood event. Two sessions were held online via Zoom, and four face-to-face sessions were delivered in the local government areas of Melbourne, Moonee Valley, Maribyrnong and Brimbank.
How it happened
Articulous facilitated the ‘Share your Experience’ components of each session, engaging with impacted community members one-on-one to understand their experiences before, during and after the flood. The stories shared by community provided additional context to the flood review, outside of the Terms of Reference.
The outcome
Following the engagement, Articulous delivered a comprehensive report outlining key findings from the ‘Share your Experience’ sessions. The report, which has been made publicly available, was submitted to the Review Panel and shared with Melbourne Water and other relevant agencies, including local councils and the SES, to inform decision making in the future.
Articulous staff were praised for their professionalism and care when engaging with community on the highly sensitive and emotional issue. Many community members commented on the benefits of being heard and thanked both Articulous and Melbourne Water for the opportunity to share their experiences.
