Measuring what Matters - Lunch Box Conversation Session

This will be a participatory 1 hour, bring your lunch and a cuppa conversation session. 

“How do we know our community work is making a difference and if anyone is truly better off as a result? This is an opportunity to learn and share in new ways of working to co-create action in our communities.

This event is for:

• Anyone & everyone who wants to explore the power of collective creativity, intelligence & collaboration with each other & within their communities.

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

• Next generation leaders and other young people, Department leaders, policy officers & program managers.

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.

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.

Harley Ames is a Community Builder and Facilitator on the Board of Directors at Jeder, with a diverse background spanning dance, high-end hairdressing, and medical governance. Now based in Perth, he brings creativity, leadership, and strategic thinking to his work in coaching and Asset Based Community Development (ABCD), with a focus on asset mapping and project design. He believes meaningful change emerges from within communities and that community development thrives in the “wibbly wobbliness” rather than in straight lines.

Deeply involved in the LGBTQIA+ sector, Harley serves on several boards and committees, advocating for equity, inclusion, and law reform. Committed to continuous learning, he sees every facilitation and coaching opportunity as a chance to grow and adapt. Embracing the Four Fold Practice helps him stay grounded and intentional, supporting his belief that strong communities are built through collaboration, reflection, and tapping into shared strengths.

Chontelle Jannese - Chontelle Jannese is an experienced and passionate facilitator with a diverse background spanning 20 years in disabilities, mental health, sexuality, and supporting remote communities. Her work is driven by a strong commitment to person-centred approaches that empower individuals and build stronger, more inclusive communities. As a Project Officer under the Partners in Recovery (PIR) initiative, Chontelle demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating complex service landscapes to connect people with the supports they need. Her deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector has been further enriched by her leadership in the Together Home program, where she worked to provide stable housing and wraparound supports to those experiencing homelessness across Western and Hinter NSW.

Chontelle’s extensive experience also includes working within the NDIS, where she has focused on ensuring people with disabilities can exercise choice and control over their supports. Her commitment to social justice and advocacy shines through in her facilitation work. She creates safe, inclusive spaces for conversation and learning, helping participants explore new ideas and solutions that foster resilience and wellbeing.

Beyond her professional life, Chontelle is an adventurous spirit with a love of cameleering and swimming. She enjoys exploring the Australian bush, always ready for a new adventure or a quiet moment reading by a campfire. These hobbies keep her grounded and inspired, bringing a unique energy and perspective to her facilitation style.