Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation
SUPPLY CHAIN REVIEW
The IOT RDO and the Christmas Island Business Association (CIBA) joined in partnership to commission a review of the IOT supply chain. Centred Solutions were engaged by the two organisations to conduct the review, and provide clarity and solutions to the complex and challenging regional supply chain.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Centred Solutions worked with the IOT Supply Chain Review Joint Committee to develop a review of the IOT supply chain with a set of recommendations, as well as an implementation plan and evaluation framework.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Reliability and efficiency of supply chains are improved to better support the movement of people, goods and services into and across the IOT, resulting in business and development opportunities, and improvements in liveability for our communities.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
Working with the IOT Supply Chain Review Joint Committee, we approached the review using the following methods:
-
Analysis and evaluation of all current and historical data records relating to sea freight, air freight and passenger flights;
-
Conducted over 40+ engagements with industry, government, local residents and service providers; and
-
Mapped the entirety of the supply chain and identified key issues and recommendations to address key areas for improvement.
PROJECTS OUTCOMES
The IOT Supply Chain Review outlines 15 recommendations aimed at improving efficiency and quality, optimising logistics, improving transparency and delivering value to stakeholders. Significant opportunities are now in reach, from growing a self-sustaining local food supply, to radically reducing air freight backlogs. This Review provides a roadmap towards these opportunities.
.jpg)
Maruku Arts
INTERIM CEO SUPPORT
Maruku Arts is one of the largest and most successful Indigenous owned and operated organisations in Australia. For over 30 years, Maruku has operated as a not-for-profit art and craft corporation comprising approximately 900 Aboriginal artists, and is proudly owned and operated by Anangu. Maruku’s vision is to keep culture alive and strong through art, craft and organic experiences.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Maruku Arts approached Centred Solutions to provide interim CEO support, following the passing of their former CEO. The organisation had been without leadership for several months, and the Board required support from an interim CEO to stabilise, support and lead the organisation through this complex period. Centred Solutions worked with the Maruku Board of Directors to provide governance and organisation support through a period of transition.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Empower Maruku Arts with the right governance tools to continue operations, led by a confident leadership team.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
Working with the Board, we carried out the following key methodologies:
-
Analysed and worked through current and historical risk factors to the organisation;
-
Completed and supported the CEO transition and onboarding
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The project provided Maruku Arts Board of Directors with a high level of strategic and managerial expertise, to work through a number of risks and successfully onboard a new CEO who remains there now. This important cultural asset continues to operate, equipped with the appropriate tools to succeed.
Tourism Central Australia
VISITOR AND CORPORATION OFFICE LOCATION REVIEW
Tourism Central Australia (TCA) is the peak regional tourism organisation across Central Australia. The organisation has a vision to grow new markets and aspire to world class standards through a refresh and refocus of the tourism experience.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
This project examined best practice visitor information centres (VICs) for the future and engaged broadly with members and stakeholders to determine key attributes of a VIC with a focus on location.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Develop a detailed report outlining short and long-term options for the TCA VIC in Alice Springs.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
Working with TCA, we approached the project using the following methods:
-
Analysed client expectations, business and operational context and existing information sources, identified and potential site options and mapped local and regional development.
-
Engaged with over 30 key TCA staff and external stakeholders.
-
Reviewed findings of analysis and engagement, and prepared, grouped and mapped key qualitative and quantitative data sets, trends and findings in a logical framework.
-
Prepared a final report with clear recommendations for the TCA Board to consider.
To ensure recommendations were well informed and backed by reliable evidence, we engaged external experts to support cost estimations and property assessments.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The project equipped TCA with a thorough and multi-use plan the organisation can use to build its sustainability and future pathways. The report supported a funding request to the Northern Territory Government and was instrumental in receiving $5 million dollars for a new VIC in Alice Springs.
​
"The work Centred Solutions undertook for Tourism Central Australia was pivotal in unlocking $5M in funding for the organisation to develop our new Alice Springs Visitor Information Centre. The team are professional, skilled and passionate about regional and remote Australia. I would strongly recommend their services."
Danial Rochford, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Central Australia
Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation
STRATEGIC REGIONAL PLAN
The Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Regional Development Organisation (RDO) is one of 52 organisations located across Australia that are part of the Regional Development Australia network. The IOT RDO team is comprised of local leaders and passionate advocates working to facilitate sustainable development in the IOT, and to build strong and confident local economies on both Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Centred Solutions worked with the IOT RDO to develop a three-to-five-year Strategic Regional Plan.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Develop a plan to inform and guide future priorities for the organisation outlining the region’s vision, ambition and strategic priorities for all stakeholders including governments, potential investors and communities.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
Working with IOT RDO, we approached the project using the following methods:
-
Conducted a detailed thematic analysis of historic and current plans, strategies and research;
-
Undertook an extensive engagement process using best practice methods, which included an online survey, workshops and individual consultations with a broad range of stakeholders; and
-
Conducted a thematic and economic analysis on the information and data sourced through the engagement and research process.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The IOT RDO Strategic Regional Plan 2030 is a realistic plan that represents the voices and experiences of the people across the region. The plan leverages the region’s natural assets and community strengths, richness and vibrance, to foster a more diverse economy, and a stronger, more resilient and capable region.
Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation
LOCAL DECISION MAKING
As one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations in Australia, Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation (JCAC) has a long and proud record of community service delivery in Tennant Creek and the broader Barkly region.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
In August 2021, JCAC and the Northern Territory (NT) Government agreed to commence Local Decision Making (LDM) agreement negotiations under the NT Government’s Local Decision Making Policy. LDM is underpinned by the principle of self determination for Aboriginal communities and seeks to transition services and programs to community control where appropriate and desired by traditional owners and community leaders.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Represent the needs and aspirations of JCAC in negotiating a LDM agreement with the NT Government and other stakeholders.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
We facilitated an extensive negotiation process between JCAC and the NT Government to ensure a deep and shared understanding of the project, needs of involved parties and challenges faced. The thorough and best practice engagement process established a comfortable space for all stakeholders to be heard and provided a platform for JCAC voices to be amplified.
The LDM agreement was developed using data and information sourced throughout the engagement process, which was presented to the JCAC Board and NT Government for finalisation and sign off.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The project provided JCAC with a meaningful LDM agreement that reflects what is important to the community and its people, details a shared understanding with government and other stakeholders on priorities, and a guiding document that will support them to achieve real outcomes.
​
“We would like to thank Mark and Fionn from Centred Solutions for helping us understand the process. They have guided us, and captured and represented our aspirations in both the negotiations, and in preparing the Local Decision Making Agreement for Julalikari and Government.”
Linda Turner, Chairperson – Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation
Department for Territory Families, Housing and Communities
VISITOR PARKS EVALUATION
The Department of Territory Families, Housing and Communities (the Department) funds two visitor parks in the Northern Territory: Apmere Mwerre Visitor Park (AMVP) in Alice Springs, and YiSSA Short-stay Accommodation in Darwin. The Department engaged Centred Solutions to evaluate both park’s operational models and make a series of recommendations.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project involved an evaluation of both AMVP and YiSSA, to determine the effectiveness and appropriateness of the short-stay visitor park model in delivering a true short stay service in a climate where situational homelessness is increasingly impacting demand for these services. The evaluation informs best practice for current and future visitor parks, as well projecting future demand in different regional areas.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
Develop an evaluation report based on analysis and findings from a review of operational and administrative data, engagement with service providers, staff and residents, and a broad demographic analysis of trends across the Territory.
THE ROLE WE PLAYED
With assistance of a Darwin-based demographer and a Darwin-based external consultant, we:
-
Reviewed operational and administrative records including trends in visitation and spending across both parks.
-
Engaged with over 40 visitor park staff, service providers, current residents and former residents, including at least one site visit at each park.
-
Qualitative data was collected through workshops and interviews, while an extensive demographic review informed a quantitative data analysis and future projections.
-
Reviewed findings of analysis and engagement, and mapped key issues and recommendations in relation to delivering short-stay services specifically in the Territory.
-
Prepared a final report with clear recommendations for each visitor park.
PROJECT OUTCOMES
The final report seeks to improve the safety, comfort and availability of both YiSSA and AMVP’s short-stay services, taking into consideration the pressures that both housing affordability and accessibility are having on the demand for these services. Future visitor parks will have this analysis to refer to when being developed, to achieve best practice.
Numerous Territory-Based Clients
WORKPLACE ASSESSMENTS AND INVESTIGATIONS
The Centred Solutions team has conducted multiple workplace assessments and investigations across various sectors within the Territory. During workplace assessments, the team engages with staff in a structured way to get a sense-check of strengths, challenges and overall team experiences, then writes up comprehensive workplace assessment reports with clear recommendations to strengthen the team performance. Formal investigation reports go deeper to understand formal allegations and then deliver formal investigation outcomes. As investigations generally occur after issues have already arisen, this has to be handled sensitively, particularly in the remote context, where people live and work together. Workplace Assessments are also specific and unique to the teams and locations. For this reason, we do not publicly provide a detailed case study on this kind of work. For more information, please get in touch with our team.