Listening to Families, Building Futures
A journey to learn how to best support children and families in communities across the Shire of Manjimup.
Accordwest spent time in Manjimup, immersing in conversations with children, parents and caregivers, local services and government to shine a light on how we can best support the health and wellbeing of children under 12. We listened to local voice because locals know what’s working, what’s not, and how we can add the most value to make a real difference to those who need it most.
Local mums, dads and carers in Manjimup know best, with first-hand insights into raising young children in the Manjimup region. We set out to learn everything we can to paint a complete picture of their unique experiences, from the most rewarding moments, to the challenges they experience, and the kinds of supports that would be most helpful along their journey.
“We care deeply about the people we serve – and community collaboration is in our DNA. As we expand our services into greater Manjimup, we’re excited to learn firsthand what people want, need and prioritise, so we can shape our services around them.”
~ Evan Nunn, Accordwest CEO ~
Feedback avenues
We developed a comprehensive series of feedback mechanisms designed to harvest first-hand insights from those living in greater Manjimup.
A short 10-minute survey designed to help us understand the experiences of raising young children and the support families need most.
A short 10-minute survey designed to gather insights from local service providers on the challenges families face and opportunities for collaboration.
A series of small group discussions hosted by community members, sparking conversations that reveal unique perspectives on raising children.
Creative and fun activities designed to capture young voices on what makes life great and what challenges they face while growing up in greater Manjimup.
Enlightening online discussions with local services, government bodies, and the community to explore insights and brainstorm actionable solutions.
A half-day gathering to help us build a shared understanding of community priorities in Manjimup, as well as identify opportunities to strengthen support.
What happens now?
The insights and findings discovered in our community listening and project activities are being used to positively influence and shape the design of Accordwest programs for children and families in greater Manjimup. The following report interprets feedback and provides recommendations to improve our service design in line with local needs and priorities. It’s also a framework to strengthen a wide range of supports within the Shire, and support advocacy efforts for additional service expansion and funding for locals when they need it most.
Listening to Families.
Acting on What Matters.
We’re proud to share the final report from the Listening to Families, Building Futures project—a community-led initiative shaped by the voices of parents, children, and local service providers across the Shire of Manjimup. Over several months, we facilitated workshops, gathered creative input from children, and engaged in open conversations to explore what helps families thrive. The findings are clear: when services are welcoming, flexible, and designed together with community, they foster real connection and lasting impact. This report captures those insights and translates them into practical directions for Accordwest and our partners. It reflects a shared commitment to local collaboration, neuro-affirming practices, early support, and building the conditions every child needs to flourish.
Kaya, we’re Accordwest
For forty years, Accordwest has been a beacon for hope and support in the South West, steadfast in our belief that every story matters, no matter how big, how small, or who is telling the story. Our client stories have motivated us to be better, do better, support more people, give voice to those who aren’t heard, and spark real positive change. As a proudly local not-for-profit provider of community support services, we are recognised as the South West’s trusted advocate for our communities’ most vulnerable.