Better ways of working together: Mapping co-design in CVE initiatives in Victoria

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Co-design is the most powerful approach available to government agencies that aim to create sustainable programs, policies, and services that genuinely reflect the needs and experiences of communities. This project explores how co-design is understood and practised between the Victorian State Government and multicultural communities—what enables it, what constrains it, and how current approaches can be strengthened to create more equitable, enduring, and community-led partnerships. Led by the Centre for Resilient and Inclusive Societies in partnership with the Australian Multicultural Foundation, the study focuses on the experiences of Community Support Groups funded by the Victorian Government. The study illustrates how co-design is experienced at the community level and how government can better support this work.

Trust emerged as central to effective co-design, but trust cannot be assumed. It can be built through long-term relationships, cultural responsiveness, and a genuine shift in power. The study’s findings show that co-design works best when communities lead, when trusted local organisations are resourced to act, and when governments commit to flexible, sustained partnerships. When co-design is rushed or controlled from outside communities, it risks reinforcing the very gaps it aims to close. To support better policy and program outcomes, especially in areas of social cohesion, P/CVE, and community resilience, government agencies can embed co-design and co-ownership together from the outset. This report includes a detailed Practice Guide and a case study to inform and support stronger partnerships between governments and communities.