Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is a powerful approach to community development that focuses on discovering and mobilizing the resources that are already present in a community.

When a group of people discover what they have they join together in new connections and relationship they build power. When people become more productive together, they exercise their power to address problems and realize dreams. Together we are better.

This approach recognizes that people learn best how to build “community partnerships that work” successfully by learning from their own experience, by having clear principles of practice, and by learning from the experience of other community builders.

Each workshop is designed for continuous participation over the 2 days through 3 learning phases; step in, step up and step out.

The workshops will explore and discuss how we intentionally introduce asset and strengths based work as a legitimate and important part of community work.

Through the workshop participants will learn by:

Discussing the principles and philosophy of ABCD

Learning practical strategies to find and engage community assets

Exploring principles of community organising

Exploring how agencies and communities can work together more effectively

Building an ABCD community partnership

Participants will also walk away with multiple, effective participatory tools, practices and processes such as:

Asset Mapping

Learning Conversations

Needs versus Strengths

Co-Design & Ideas to Action

Angry Hamburger

ABCD Power Ladder

This session will be run as follows:

A team of 2-3 trainers from the training team will be at each event
Wear comfy clothes; this is active and immersive learning in action
Reach out if you need financial, accessibility or interpretation support
Each session will be emergent and subject to change based on participant’s feedback
Be prepared to share stories, learn from each other and have loads of fun!

This workshop is for anyone who wants to explore the power of collective creativity and collaboration with each other and within their communities:

Community development workers and engagement leaders, department policy officers and program managers

Business leaders, social entrepreneurs, community and not for profit leaders, community organisers, and their teams

Next generation leaders and other young activists

NDIS directors, team leaders, planners

An important learning is honouring the diversity of economic factors that encourage people to join us. All costs are per person. Booking fees apply at checkout.

Please reach out if finances are an issue. If you are passionate about joining, we want you there!

Your hosts for this event are:

Dee Brooks - Through her down-to-earth style, Dee Brooks brings people together in dynamic ways to realise and engage the full potential of their networks and communities. Dee is an Intentional Nomad who has traveled and worked in over 20 countries. Based on two decades of grassroots work, her work has inspired people at hundreds of events and workshops worldwide where she offers community engagement and development training and also provides professional co-design, facilitation and keynote addresses for conferences, forums and events.

Lee Griffiths - I have a passion for community and always have, this is why I do the work I do, facilitating ABDC training, workshops and strategic planning. I have spent the last 14 years working in local government and the not for profit sector creating the conditions for government and organisations to walk along side community to strengthen outcomes across Australia and the UK.

From my grassroots roots voluntary work to my previous leadership positions, the golden thread has always build on recognising the strengths, assets and opportunities communities already have to bring about the change they want.

Kodei is a keen facilitator who enjoys supporting community groups and organisations to find strategic ways forward. As a member of the Community Development team, he brings a warm, people-focused approach grounded in strengths-based practice and collaboration. With a background as a qualified baker and pastry chef, Kodei is a natural connector who values deep conversations, shared learning, and working alongside others. A lifelong learner and self-described perpetual student of life, he thrives in diverse roles from supporting community-building initiatives and refining internal processes through a Next Stage lens, to assisting the NDIS team with compliance and administration. Kodei is often found coordinating event logistics, uploading content to online platforms, or engaging in philosophical conversations about systems and the future of work. Curious, collaborative and community-minded, he is passionate about creating meaningful change through thoughtful, inclusive practice.

Steph Bitter is a young and enthusiastic individual, passionate about supporting people to realise and express the most authentic version of themselves. With a background as a writer, performing musician and songwriter, they studied a Diploma of Community Services to align their passion for rights and social justice with a love of connecting with people. Steph blends Asset-Based Community Development, Participatory Community Development, and Person-Centred practices to support individuals and communities to find belonging and create authentic meaning in their lives.