Where we belong: creating inclusive and accessible communities across Glebe, Haymarket, Pyrmont and Ultimo

Contributing to the public good is at the heart of the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) mission and purpose (UTS 2018). As a significant resource holder, we recognise the role universities can play in driving social change both on campus and in the wider community. The UTS Social Impact Framework (UTS 2017) provides a strategic foundation for community-engaged practice in teaching, knowledge transfer, and capacity building. The activities aligned under this framework have established UTS as a social impact leader in a sector which is increasingly recognising the importance of community-driven, place-based civic engagement and social innovation. As part of this commitment, the Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion (CSJI) leads collaborative initiatives that bring together community members, local businesses, government, and university stakeholders to tackle complex social and environmental issues. CSJI aims to embed participatory practice and community engagement across UTS, directly address societal challenges, and promote transformational change toward a more sustainable and socially just society.

This report documents a recent research collaboration between CSJI and local stakeholders to develop a community-driven theory of change that amplifies local priorities and voices. By exploring perspectives on inclusive and accessible public and private spaces, this work builds on a multi-year effort to foster community-led change. Using asset-based methodologies, the project highlights the best experiences of inclusive and accessible spaces in our community. These narratives are used as a basis for building on the best of what already exists to create more opportunities for similar experiences to occur. Key deliverables from the project include a community-driven story of change that outlines key priorities for creating inclusive and accessible spaces, a bank of project ideas that were generated in a series of co-design workshops, a literature review into loneliness and social isolation, and a local community newspaper. These outputs reflect a rigorous process of community-driven inquiry and are offered as valuable tools to community advocates, social development practitioners, and planners.

Critically, the report also details policy and practice recommendations emerging from key findings including increased investment in free and low-cost community spaces and events; prioritising social infrastructure in urban planning; improving public transport and walkability; embedding co-design and participatory decision-making in policy development; strengthening social inclusion policies for diverse and marginalised groups; prioritising funding for safe and livable housing; and funding for place-based organisations. It also provides guidance for delivering community programs and initiatives to reduce loneliness and isolation, which was a community priority identified through this project.