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Building a Stronger Voice for Western Sydney

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Building a Stronger Voice for Western Sydney is a joint project of Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF), TRI Community Exchange(TRI) and WESTIR Limited (WESTIR).

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Stronger Voice for Western Sydney Forum a Great Success - Fresh Idea Brainstorm Result

The Stronger Voice for Western Sydney Forum was a resounding success with over 80 people attending.

The day began Jeremy Goff (WSROC) providing ‘inside’ information on the ‘Power of Lobbying’.

This was followed by Peter Rogers (WESTIR) giving participants an interesting and informative insight into the changing trends and demographics in Greater Western Sydney.

This was followed by a group activity where participants identified what were the ‘big issues’ for Western Sydney. A diverse range of ideas and views were put forward by the various groups who then used a ‘fresh Ideas’ brainstorm on what strategies could be embarked on to bring about change.

Fresh Idea Brainstorm

Baggage Bucket Themes

Download the theme here (MS Publisher Format 125KB)

The Main Issues and Goals Identified Were:

Issue		Goal
Invisibility of our Assets		Positive Image – Enhance Stronger Voice for WS
Rethinking Work and Transport		Sustainable and for local people in new industries
Community Image		Promote harmony within and outside community
Promoting the Diverse Identity of WS		Achieving a Positive Identity/Image of WS
Access & Equity for Carers’		Meeting Carers’ Needs
Education		Empowering WS community
Need to work together to work the system		Highly skilled/networked/knowledgeable workers in advocacy
Creating a community that values education and lifelong learning		Pathways to employment
Western Sydney Stereotype		Turn it around
Lack of Shared Identity (Stereotyping)		Shared Western Sydney identify

In the afternoon Kerry Nettle spoke on Strategies for Successful Advocating and participants found the practical approach very useful. The day ended with a panel giving us their successful advocacy stories. A participant’s feedback:

‘Great diversity of topics but feeding into the ultimate goal of advocacy. Seeding thoughts for action.’

WSCF is collating all the presentations and input from the forum and this will be made available through our web site. So watch this space for more updates!

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Key Ideas from Kerry Nettle at the Forum

Influencing Politicians

Interacting with politicians is only a small part of an advocacy campaign. Successful and sustainable advocacy campaigns change public opinion which can’t be done just by talking to politicians. Strong campaigns engage a broad section of the community in a conversation about why things should change. Since politicians are interested in votes and public opinion reflects voting intention, influencing public opinion is an effective way of influencing politicians...

Download Full Version Here (PDF 104KB)

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