Community & Indigenous Services - Rural Solutions SA - SA.Gov.au

Communication,
Consultation and
Engagement
Community engagement and facilitation
Good community engagement can be achieved
by using a wide range of tools and techniques
tailored to individual situations.
Rural Solutions SA has extensive experience
in the engagement of diverse communities
and provides services across the spectrum
of engagement methodologies from basic
information provision through to full community
engagement in decision making. We can
provide on-ground services or advice about
the development or review of an effective
engagement strategy for each unique set of
circumstances.
Indigenous engagement
Our team has specialist technical, business
and project management skills to support
Indigenous communities, groups and agencies.
With extensive experience working with
Indigenous people across Australia, our team
are highly skilled and understand the cultural
sensitivities required when working with
Indigenous people.
Community and
Strategic Planning
Facilitation of community planning processes
Planning is fundamental when assisting
communities facing change. Identifying achievable
goals and developing long-term community plans
that consider social, economic, environmental
and cultural issues is critical to strengthening
communities.
We have extensive experience working with
Indigenous and non Indigenous groups and
communities to develop sustainable enterprises
and outcomes. Our strength in collaborative
planning can assist communities to communicate
and achieve their aspirations in a realistic and
planned manner.
Asset mapping
Asset mapping assists communities to self-assess
their capacity as individuals, organisations and
institutions, including identification of community
strengths and opportunities for development.
We facilitate this process with the use of an
innovative electronic tool that provides extensive
reporting back to participants of both quantitative
and qualitative data. This data can be used
to provide insights for community planning,
government policy and can also be used as
indicators of success for community initiatives.
Land use planning
Land systems and the community that is
supported by them require extensive expertise for
planning and development purposes.
Our team employs qualified urban and regional
planners able to deliver planning consultancy
services. Our planners draw on the wide range
of expertise across Rural Solutions SA (including
economists, scientists, sociologists, and
agronomists) to deliver integrated and sustainable
land use planning.
Training and
Capacity Building
Training and e-learning
Rural Solutions SA is a Registered Training
Organisation and delivers a number of nationally
accredited training packages under the Vocational
Education Training (VET) System. We can assess
individual competencies within training packages
or help people achieve competencies through
recognition of prior learning (RPL). Our services
are available as online packages via our e-learning
network and can meet personal training needs
with individual times and locations.
Development of training strategies
Training is important for individual and team
growth, keeping abreast of new information and
techniques. We design and provide customised
training to meet your needs. We offer Certificate
III in Rural Operations and Certificate II, III, IV and
Diploma in Business. We also offer Smart Train,
which is a chemical user’s course for primary
producers.
Governance training
A fundamental requirement for groups is to
increase skills and capacity in the areas of
management and corporate governance.
We have a governance training program to
meet your needs, ranging from a tailored halfday
workshop to a structured six-day corporate
governance workshop. All training is linked to the
Business Services Training package. To assist with
on-going governance issues we can offer follow
up mentoring for your Board or Committee.
Cultural awareness training
Indigenous people have a long association with
the land and coastal areas of this country; this
relationship is still as strong today as it was
hundreds of years ago. Often the complex social
and cultural relationships are unknown, confused
or misinterpreted. Understanding these differences
can assist participants to engage and achieve
greater outcomes into the future.
Our two day course uses informative, proactive
and interactive approaches aimed at making
participants feel comfortable and safe using
adult learning principles and methods. We have
developed a course aimed at raising awareness
of issues and promoting greater understanding
at all levels of government. The course is aligned
to training packages. All participants receive
resource manuals and certificates of attendance.
Planning for the future
Planning for the Future is a training process
developed to assist organisations and
communities build sustainable enterprise
opportunities and become equitable partners in
the economic marketplace across South Australia.
We deliver workshops using an interactive
approach based on adult learning principles and
modern extension methods. Succession planning
assists participants to establish realistic goals
in an economic, environmental and personal
perspective for a viable business future.
Innovation skills training
Keeping ahead and competitive is critical to
success, often the best ideas are generated from
those within the business. How to tap into this
and grow from the inside requires a thorough and
rigorous process.
Innovation skills’ training provides both individuals
and businesses the opportunity to learn how
to be innovative. As the only licensed deliverer
of the innovation works framework in SA
we provide a range of services to support and
develop innovation within business. Innovation
works delivers a 4 stage proprietary framework
to achieve business innovation. The focus of this
is on identification of priority areas, education
and training, leadership and integration in
the organisation. Undertaking the innovation
framework assists in developing and growing
potential and opportunity for continued success
and viability.

Economic
Development
Feasibility studies
A feasibility study can help in your decision
making process and allow for sound financial
decisions to be made early in the planning and
development phase of any new project.
Rural Solutions SA has experts in all fields of
agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, commercial
fisheries, forestry, community services and other
industry sectors. We can assist in identifying
industry trends, market development, risk
assessments and forecast short and long- term
trends for business development.
Business planning
Completion of a business plan is crucial for any
business to develop strategies for the success of
business. A business plan will help you identify
and reduce risks that your business may face and
assist in helping you identify problems before they
impact on your business. Sound business plans
are essential when applying for grants and loans.
Rural Solutions SA has extensive experience and
success in Business planning with many years
of delivering to rural clients wishing to expand
their operations, assist new farmers establishing
enterprises, or for continuous business
improvement.
Property management planning
Farming faces significant challenges in today’s
markets. To maintain financial stability and
growth, planning is often the key.
We work with farmers to develop individual
property management plans that focus on
all aspects of rural businesses including the
enterprises, people, finances and the natural
resources.
Rural Solutions SA has and continues to support
primary producers recover after impacts from
natural disasters in South Australia such as fire
flood, and more recently drought.

Social
Research
Social research
Social research enables analysis and reporting on
complex human interactions in communities and
regional areas.
We employ experienced social scientists that
are able to use both qualitative and quantitative
methods in order to quantify social phenomenon
and linkages. Understanding such interactions
and dynamics can assist with development,
planning, implementation and evaluation of
programs, industry impacts and social issues.
Our team uses quantitative methodologies
involving the collection and analysis of numerical
data focusing on the links among a smaller
number of attributes across many cases.
The qualitative methodologies are concerned
with emphasising personal experiences and
interpretation focusing on understanding the
meaning of social phenomena and linkages. Tools
we use for social research include: questionnaire
surveys, interviews (structured, semi- structured
and non-structured), focus groups, and
observation.
Social planning
Social planning involves identifying and
planning to meet the needs and aspirations of
communities and assisting governments and
other stakeholders in making decisions as well as
developing appropriate and responsive strategies.
Our methodologies include undertaking
community engagement, demographic analysis,
asset mapping, consideration of social trends and
conducting social research. We provide concise
data to assist with regional planning and provision
of services and projects for future needs.
Community development
Community development focuses on empowering
individuals and groups of people by providing
them with the tools and skill sets they require to
affect change in their own communities.
Our practitioners organise meetings, facilitating
interactions and conduct research within a
community to identify problems, assets and
resources, analyse local power structures, assess
human needs, and investigate other concerns
that comprise the character of the community.
We bring a wide range of skills and experience to
practical community planning and development.
Social profiling
Social profiling enables sound analysis, planning
and decision making across all spectrums of
community.
We develop detailed descriptions of communities
and groups of interest using either secondary
data (i.e. ABS data) or primary data (data from
purpose designed surveys, interviews and focus
groups). We have experience in developing social
profiles, which have enabled resource allocation
and integrated solutions from government and
Industry.
Social impact assessment
Social Impact Assessment involves analysing
and managing the intended and unintended
consequences of change arising from policies,
natural forces and projects.
We use analysis, monitoring and methods of
public involvement to document and manage
social effects encompassing both quantitative and
qualitative data sources. We focus on individuals,
groups, communities and sectors of society
affected by change. The process we use is firmly
established internationally as an important partner
to environmental assessment procedures in the
development and implementation of projects,
programs and policies.
Management
Services
Strategic management and development
Strategic management and development in the
policy arena fosters relationships and positive
outcomes between communities, boards,
agencies, statutory councils and Ministers.
Strategic planning assists stakeholders to achieve
outcomes in a planned and sustainable manner.
Rural Solutions SA has experience coordinating
the provision of high-level strategic policy and
legislative advice as well as the development of
submissions to authorities. We can provide short
or long-term innovative services in the preparation
of policy development, implementation,
monitoring, evaluation and reporting.
Facilitation of collaborative arrangements
Collaborative approaches result in a more
effective use of resources and improved
outcomes for communities and agencies, forming
strong partnerships and growth for future projects
and activities.
Our strong linkages and networks across a range
of Government, Community and Industry sectors
enables us to facilitate collaborative arrangements
in supporting regional development, research and
outcomes.
Executive support
Executive support to fulfil roles and obligations is
crucial to achieving successful outcomes.
Rural Solutions SA has extensive experience
assisting customers to manage and deliver
programs and projects to clients from high level
Government to Community groups and Industry.
We can assist by providing professional support
to your committee or group for short or long term
services to achieve your objectives.
Service Review & Evaluation
Reviewing and evaluation of services, programs
and projects is vital to determine effectiveness
and outcomes. Understanding this assists
in providing optimum future activities and
strengthening partnerships, whilst greatly
assisting with reporting requirements.
We can provide unbiased and professional
services to review service delivery, community
engagement and community development
initiatives. Findings are crucial for final reports,
and often include recommendations for
improvement.
Program/Project Management
Successful projects require strong leadership and
good management. Our team have extensive
technical and experiential skills in delivery and
management of small and large scale statewide
programs. Our presence throughout South
Australia combined with local and extensive
national experience, as well as technical skills
equips us to assists agencies and communities
to achieve goals to enhance community,
environment and economic outcomes

Community and Indigenous Services is a
highly versatile team within Rural Solutions SA
We can tailor a team to suit your needs with access
to more than 260 diversely skilled consultants
across South Australia.
Our mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between
government, business and communities who are
looking to achieve healthier environments, stronger
livelihoods and mutually supportive relationships for
the future.
Our approach
Our approach is to build value and maintain
relationships with individuals, communities and
organisations. We believe that our abilities are
strengthened by our lasting partnerships and
networks helping us to provide knowledge and
expertise that is current and relevant to your needs.
Where we have worked
Who we work with
• Local, State and Federal Government agencies
• NRM Boards
• Industry Associations and Primary Producers
• Regional Bodies
• Communities
• Service Providers
Our strengths;
• Strong relationships with rural and Indigenous
communities;
• Knowledge and understanding of social and
economic issues in urban, rural and regional
communities;
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous
issues, in cultural, social, political and economic
aspects;
• Understanding of relationships, networks and
political issues within communities and agencies;
• Strong links to government;
• Specialist research skills;
• A dedicated team of experienced and qualified
consultants;
• Local and National networks;
• Multidisciplinary team;
• Access to more than 260 specialist consultants
across Rural Solutions SA.
Preferred business agents
We are registered as the preferred delivery agent of
the following agencies:
• Indigenous Lands Corporation, ILC (for Property
Management Planning)
• Indigenous Business Australia, IBA (for Business
Planning & Economic Development)
• Office for Indigenous Policy Coordination, OIPC
(for Facilitation and Mediation)
• Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Corporations, ORATSIC
(for Incorporation and support services)

Rural Solutions SA
Rural Solutions SA is a multi-faceted consultancy business combining economic,
environmental and social dimensions. We are a consultancy business with a mix
of expertise in a wide range of disciplines, associated with the environment and
natural resources management (NRM) as well as regional, community and industry
development. We have a reputation for quality services, delivered on-time and to
specification. We operate in urban as well as rural environments. We provide services
throughout South Australia, Australia and the World. Our regional connections are
ingrained and highly valued in communities. Likewise we value our people as the key
assets of our business. We can offer our customers an extensive range of services
and combinations of expertise and skills, delivered by people who care.
Our Regional Centres
Our Recent Experience
• Business plan development for
Flinders Island Aboriginal Association
Incorporated *
• Implementation of a Natural
Resources Management (NRM)
Research Alliance *
Port Augusta
• Evaluation of Community Engagement
and Governance within the Branched
Broomrape Eradication Program *
• Fire Management Strategy
development for the Alinytjara Wilurara
NRM region
Streaky Bay
Jamestown
Cleve
Clare
Kadina
Roseworthy Nuriootpa
Virginia Lenswood Loxton
Port Lincoln
Adelaide
Mount Barker
Murray Bridge
Victor Harbor
Kingscote
Keith
• Strategic Partnerships for Growth
and Eco Tourism plan for Wauraltee
Island (Wardang Island) *
• Delivery of the South Australian
Aboriginal Natural Resources
Management (NRM) Transition Project
including Website Development for the
Alinytjara Wilurara NRM Board (www.
aboriginalnrm.com.au) *
• Evaluation of mechanical harvesting
options for the bush tomato for Desert
Knowledge CRC*
• Research into Aboriginal access to
water to measure Australias progress
against the National Water Initiative
• Governance Training for regional
and remote communities
• Cultural Awareness training to state
and local bodies
• Community capacity assessment
report development for the SA
Arid Lands Natural Resources
Management Board
Struan
Mount Gambier
• Business Plan development for the
Mualgal Corporation on Moa Island,
Torres Strait *
• Community Capacity Audit for the
Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources
Management (NRM) Board *
• Indigenous engagement and
executive support for the Four Nations
Natural Resources Management
Governance Group, Adelaide Mt Lofty
NRM Region (AMLR) *
• Communication Plan development
for the Lower Eyre Peninsula Bushfire
Re-Establishment Program *
• South Australian E-Learning pilot
project for Farmbis SA
• Analysis of attitudes to conservation
farming for the South Australian
Farmers Federation *
• Socio economic analysis for the
Eyre Peninsula Natural Resources
Management Board *
• Connecting communities to NRM*
*A case study with further info on
this project is available on request
or download from
www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au