Integrated community development through dialogue, capacity-building and partnership in an Australian town

Abstract

This article discusses the process of mobilising the four sectors -community, government, non-government organisations and business -towards developing dialogical relationships, building community capacity and creating opportunities to meet the felt needs of youth in a rural town in Australia. Drawing on Paulo Freire's thoughts, the qualitative data, field education records, community workers actions and the authors' reflections, it critically analyses several key factors that facilitated and hindered participation of a range of agencies and people in initiating and maintaining community projects. The article argues that, although challenging, the four sectors can develop partnerships and work together, and similar integrated communitybased projects can be replicated elsewhere.

A McLaughlin, World change-maker: Build skills in international development and social work. Toplight Books, McFarland, NC, 2022, 235 pages, $19.99, ISBN 978147668711 (print); 9781476644745 (ebook).

“…At the outset, I should declare that I am positively prejudiced in favour of the book because it is written by a practitioner. I often support practitioners to reflect on their practice, write and publish it (e.g., Pawar & Nixon, 2020; Pawar & Torres, 2011; Pawar et al, 2004; Rafael, 2018). I encouraged Ann to do the same.…”