The Albanese Labor Government is partnering with philanthropic organisations to create a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation.

This initiative aims to support local communities’ needs and aspirations while tackling longstanding disadvantages.

The government recognises that there are disadvantaged communities right around Australia where a national approach on its own will never be enough.

This is about listening to and empowering local leaders, working with communities and designing services in a way that meets their bespoke needs.

That’s why the Government is investing $19.3 million over five years to establish Partnerships for Local Action and Community Empowerment (PLACE).

This funding will be matched by five philanthropy partners: Minderoo Foundation, Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation, the Bryan Foundation and the Dusseldorp Forum.

“Our Government is pleased to be part of this unique partnership with philanthropy to help empower communities and the people who live in them,” says Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth.

“The need for PLACE emerged from community, which called out the fragmented nature and widespread gaps in local capability of place-based work and the lack of shared learning and best practice solutions to make progress locally.”

“I’m excited to see what comes out of PLACE to help those communities and Australians experiencing disadvantage that need it most to thrive,” she adds.

PLACE will act as a one-stop shop to identify, support and enhance place-based programs in areas like the early years, youth development, health, education, employment and youth justice.

PLACE will focus on strengthening the capacity of communities to design and deliver these programs, promote evidence sharing, and improve data governance across place-based initiatives.

“This is a passion of ours because too many kids in communities like mine are trapped in the cycle of intergenerational disadvantage,” comments Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

“The best way to solve issues communities face is by listening to them, developing solutions led by local people.”

“Place-based support has and can have a profound impact, and now more Australian communities will benefit from these kinds of initiatives.”

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Hundreds of communities and thousands of Australians are expected to be helped by PLACE’s work in its first five years.

Place-based approaches involve government partnering with local communities to develop collaborative, long-term solutions to complex social problems tailored to individual community needs.

Place-based programs in Burnie, Tasmania have helped increase year 12 completion from 56 per cent in 2011 to 86 per cent in 2020, and helped reduce unemployment stemming from youth education and employment connection.

Place-based work in Logan, Queensland over the past decade has helped child vulnerability fall significantly – from about 37 per cent of kids not doing as well as we would like in 2009 down to 29 per cent in the last Australian Early Development Census.

PLACE will provide the forum and practical tools to replicate the successes of these initiatives in more communities and to enhance existing initiatives.

This is the next step in the Albanese Government’s efforts to address complex social problems through place-based approaches, building on the $200 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage package in the 2023-24 Budget.

This is all about ensuring no Australian is left behind or held back because of where they grew up.

CEO of the Paul Ramsay Foundation Professor Kristy Muir says, “Place-based approaches recognise that local knowledge and experience are essential for creating thriving communities.”

“PLACE will be a valuable mechanism for bringing together expertise and resources so we can achieve more through place-based projects, supporting programs and practitioners to create stronger outcomes for local communities. Philanthropy is proud to be partnering with government to help bring PLACE to life,” he concludes.