The MAVlab Innovation Associates (MIA) Network has gathered for the first time to share knowledge and experience to enable greater collaboration and innovation.
With over 100 members and 42 per cent of Victorian councils represented so far, the network has enormous potential to scale impact through these sessions, which are an opportunity to connect with each other and co-design how to work together to enable better solutions to issues faced across the state.
The Municipal Association of Victoria’s (MAV) Chief Innovator in Residence and MAVlab Lead, Bonnie Shaw, said that the MIAs hold so much wisdom learned from their experiences leading innovative work in councils across the state.
“Our MAVlab team was led by their insights to explore how to foster innovation, reciprocity, connection and resourcefulness,” Ms Shaw said.
“Together we will co-design and mobilise a new impact focused community of practice across our local council network.”
City of Darebin Coordinator – Place and Behavioural Economics, Cam Perkins, said, “Within a few minutes there was a rolling conversation happening, and individuals were starting to theme the post-its collaboratively.”
City of Boroondara Coordinator – Partnerships and Innovation, Tavis Vallance, said, “There was heaps of enthusiasm in the virtual room. MIAs are excited to leverage the wealth of wisdom in the network, especially from rural councils, who have been innovating out of necessity for a long time.”
City of Melbourne Senior Program Coordinator, Emma Forster, “The power of the collective cannot be underestimated. The MIA Network feels like a safe space to rally around each other, our challenges, opportunities and projects regardless of job title or position in a traditional council hierarchy.”
MAV Innovation Associate, Gemma Baxter, said, “You could feel the optimism as colleagues from across the state joined us to share their bold and creative ideas for collaboration.”
