New research provides evidence of the features of successful Victorian place-based approaches and the role of government in supporting place-based work to improve the wellbeing of Victorian communities.

Place-based approaches are an innovative way to address disadvantage and inequity, strengthen resilience to crises in place, and build thriving and resilient communities.

In 2021-22, the Jesuit Social Services’ Centre for Just Places, with the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Centre for Urban Research at RMIT University, examined the research and practice evidence to understand what features enable the success of place-based approaches and how to best support them. Research findings are separated into two key reports:

Part 1. A review of the literature outlines the critical factors for successful place-based approaches drawing on existing Australian and international evidence, and offers insights on gaps in current knowledge about place-based work and opportunities for future research.

Summary of key findings from the literature [PDF, 946.07 MB]

Part 2. A review of practice focuses on five place-based case studies in Victoria providing grounded and context specific insights into the challenges and opportunities facing place-based work in Victoria.

Summary of key findings from practice [PDF, 1.01 MB]

The ‘What works for place-based approaches in Victoria?’ project was funded by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (Inclusive Places) with oversight and guidance from a range of government, philanthropic and not-for-profit stakeholders. The project is a collaboration between the Centre for Just Places, RMIT Centre for Urban Research and the Centre for Community Child Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.