Spearhead Strategic Design Services

**GDLF PROJECT UPDATE** 🚀 AI for SMEs Program: Empowering Local Businesses with AI-Driven Growth 🚀 Imagine small and medium enterprises in Geelong's Construction 🏗️, Retail 🛍️, and Hospitality 🍽️ sectors proactively harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (#AI) to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive jobs and business growth! This initiative stems from the Geelong Design Leaders Forum 'Strategic Design for Community Leaders' event held during #GeelongDesignWeek (November 2024). Now, the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise Monkey, and industry stakeholders are launching a 12-month AI Activation Program to make this vision a reality: Why These Industries? They face unique challenges— labour shortages, supply chain inefficiencies, and service automation—that are perfectly suited for AI-driven solutions like predictive analytics and automation. Program Highlights: *AI Fundamentals 🤖 – Learn to leverage ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and more for daily tasks. *Strategy & Policy 📑 – Discover AI opportunities, craft tailored strategies, and implement responsible AI practices. *Automation & Implementation ⚙️ – Use off-the-shelf AI tools for cost savings, sales growth, and better decision-making. *Showcase & Insights 💡 – Track SME success stories, share best practices, and access an exclusive AI Resource Library. Ready to Get Started? If you’re an #SME in the #Construction 🏗️, #Retail 🛍️, or #Hospitality 🍽️ sector looking to learn about and leverage AI for growth (or know someone who is), submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Geelong Chamber of Commerce (via the link in the comments section below). This program also directly supports Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design designation by driving #innovation, #creativity, and #strategic growth across our local business community. So what are you waiting for, register your interest today! #strategicdesign #innovation #designthinking #cleverandcreative #AIforSMEs #Geelong #BusinessInnovation #AI #DigitalTransformation Jeremy Crawford Aamir Qutub City of Greater Geelong Committee for Geelong Geelong Chamber of Commerce Deakin University Spearhead Strategic Design Services Fruitful Communications Urbis Scaada Environmental & Sustainability Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Enterprise Monkey

David (Chair), Jane (CEO) and Karina (Program Coordinator) have met with local MPs, Christine Couzens MP, State Member for Geelong, and Alison Marchant MP, State Member for Bellarine, to share key achievements and program updates, and continue to voice our community's strong opposition to Viva Energy's proposed gas import terminal in Corio Bay. We are asking our MPs to prioritise renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, and demand management as appropriate and effective responses to our current climate emergency and potential gas shortages. We welcome these ongoing discussions as we work together towards a sustainable future for all. #climateadvocacy #sustainablefuture #climateaction #renewablefuture

In the lead up to the federal election, Geelong Sustainability is meeting with current MPs and local candidates to build strong commitments for bold climate action. Our Chair and CEO recently met with the Federal Member for Corio and Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles, to discuss our work and advocate for energy solutions and a just transition, aligned with the Renew Australia for All campaign, including: - Funding for solar and batteries, electrification and home energy upgrades to help households take control of their energy bills - including ongoing support for our Electric Homes Program. - Specific measures to help those most left behind - including support for our Climate Safe Rooms program. - Investment in groups like Geelong Sustainability to serve as 'local energy hubs', helping local communities navigate the transition to a renewables future.  We're looking forward to seeing strong local and national commitments to address both climate change and household financial pressure. #climateadvocacy

🌟 Reflecting on the Success of Design Thinking Geelong: Strategic Design for Community Leaders!🌟 🚀 We’re thrilled to share the 'headline' results and new initiatives emerging from our recent Geelong Design Week event, bringing together 100 community leaders, innovators, and partners to tackled some of Geelong’s most pressing challenges using Strategic Design. 🌟 Key initiatives include 🌟 1️⃣ Central Geelong Station Precinct Revitalisation: A bold vision for 'Density Done Well' 🌳🏙️, creating a vibrant, sustainable, and connected urban hub. 2️⃣ Safer School Zones: Innovative pilot projects for safer, more accessible school trips 🚸, reimagining crossings, traffic zones, and community spaces. 3️⃣ AI Activation for Geelong SMEs: Empowering local businesses to adopt AI, boost efficiency, and stay competitive 💼🚀. 4️⃣ North West Geelong Growth Zone: Applying best-practice Integrated Water Management (IWM) and water-sensitive design principles to create a globally recognised model for sustainable urban growth 🌱💧. 5️⃣ IWM Regulatory Sandbox Initiative: A 3-year pilot program focused on creating a circular water economy by enabling water reuse, trading, and offsetting, reducing costs for businesses while fostering innovation 🌏🚰. ✨ These emerging projects and collaborative partnerships showcase the power of strategic design to re-imagine what's possible in the face of challenges and opportunities, and to drive positive social, economic, and environmental change in Geelong. ✨ Over the coming weeks and months we will share more details on each of these emerging initiative, and continue to seed collaboration with partners and communities to help bring these new initiatives to life! 🙏 A huge thank you to our foundation partners and challenge sponsors: Spearhead Strategic Design Services, Fruitful Communications, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, Committee for Geelong, and Deakin University; the City of Greater Geelong; Scaada Environmental & Sustainability, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Urbis, and Enterprise Monkey. Your commitment to this movement and ongoing collaboration is key to our shared success in Geelong as a UNESCO City of Design, so thank you all for your continued support! 🌍 Together, we’re designing a better future for Geelong! Stay tuned for more on these initiatives soon, and follow Geelong Design Leaders Forum to get the latest news and inspiration on Strategic Design. #StrategicDesign #GeelongDesign #Collaboration #Innovation #Sustainability #AI #UrbanGrowth #DesignThinking

The Vital Role of Occupational Therapists in Dementia Care 🧠💙 Did you know that over 1.6 million Australians are involved in the care of someone living with dementia? 🤔 With dementia projected to affect 812,500 Australians by 2058, the role of Occupational Therapists (OTs) has never been more crucial. 🌟 Occupational Therapists bring a unique skillset to dementia care, focusing on the cognitive, physical, and psychosocial wellbeing of people living with dementia and their carers. By taking a strengths-based, person-centered approach, OTs empower individuals to maintain their independence and lead meaningful lives. 💡 Here’s how we make a difference: ✅ Daily Living Support: Tailoring strategies for personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks. ✅ Environmental Adaptations: From grab rails to accessible bathroom redesigns. ✅ Recreational Participation: Enabling hobbies and social engagement to enhance quality of life. ✅ Carer Support: Providing training, stress management, and tools to sustain caregiving roles. ✅ Early Intervention: Delaying symptom progression through proactive, evidence-based care. 💬 A quote from someone living with dementia captures this impact: "Reablement – that's what it's all about. Engaging with an OT supports me to maintain my independence, agency, and continue to do the things I enjoy." 💖 As we navigate the rising challenges of dementia care 🌏, let’s continue advocating for greater awareness, funding, and access to OT services. Together, we can support individuals and families to live well with dementia. 🤝 To dive deeper into the role of OTs in dementia care, check out the Joint Position Statement by Occupational Therapy Australia and Dementia Australia. This document highlights the critical contributions of OTs in supporting individuals living with dementia and their carers. 🖱️ Learn more: Occupational Therapy Australia or message me if you or your loved one need OT support. I offer home visits and telehealth assessments. Check out my website: https://lnkd.in/etzbZvUS #DementiaCare 💙 #OccupationalTherapy #HealthcareInnovation 🚀 #LivingWellWithDementia #PersonCenteredCare ❤️ #AgedCare #HealthProfessionals

Yesterday the Board and Team gathered to farewell our CEO Dan Cowdell. We're all going to miss him a lot, especially his laugh! Dan has had an impressive 11 years with Geelong Sustainability, initially starting as a volunteer, with the last three years as CEO. Dan and the team have many highlights from 2024; here are just a few: - Deepening our engagement with First Nations including hosting the ‘First Nations Voices on Climate Action’ Climate Connect event. - Increasing our climate advocacy work by meeting with local MPs and joining with other environmental groups in building stronger campaigns such as the opposition to the Viva Energy Gas Import Terminal. - Continuing to support not-for-profit organisations in accessing vital energy upgrades through the Community Energy Revolving Fund and Community Power Hub program. - Running the Electric Homes Program for a second year, including expanded products and services to help residents to get off gas, lower their energy bills and increase their home comfort. There are many more projects coming in 2025, and we look forward to having our new CEO Jane Spence at the helm. #geelongsustainability #highlights

🌊 Reimagining Cunningham Pier: A Bold Vision for Geelong's Waterfront 🌿 What if Cunningham Pier became a global icon of sustainable urban design, inspired by some of the world’s best waterfront developments? Imagine a space that honours Geelong's rich cultural heritage while showcasing cutting-edge architecture, circular economy principles, and climate resilience. ✨ Inspired by the world’s best: 🌏 Barangaroo, Sydney: A carbon-neutral waterfront blending green spaces, Indigenous heritage, and vibrant mixed-use development. 🗽 Pier 17, New York City: Resilient design with public rooftops, modular structures, and year-round activation. 🇳🇴 Aker Brygge, Oslo: A seamless mix of housing, commercial spaces, and vibrant promenades for a 24/7 urban experience. 🌍 Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town: A destination celebrating history, culture, and local business while revitalising the economy. ✨ What this could mean for Cunningham Pier: ♻️ Circular economy hub: Reclaimed materials, renewable energy systems, and marine biodiversity enhancements. 🏘️ Mixed-use spaces: Eco-conscious apartments, boutique retail, and creative studios, with rooftop gardens and vertical farms. 🎭 Terraced amphitheater: Hosting cultural events with panoramic views of Corio Bay . 🌸 Floating gardens and tidal wetlands: Bringing nature to the waterfront and supporting marine life. 🖤💛❤️ First Nations inspired public art: Honouring the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and their connection to Corio Bay. #Geelong has the opportunity to create a globally significant destination that reflects its identity as a UNESCO City of Design while setting new standards for #sustainability, #creativity, and #community engagement. 💡 How can we draw from these global examples to shape a future-ready Cunningham Pier? Let’s imagine a waterfront that’s as #innovative as it is #inclusive. 🌍 #UNESCODesignCity #CunninghamPier #CircularEconomy #SustainableDesign #UrbanInnovation #BestPractice #ClimateResilience #GeelongDesignLeadersForum #StrategicDesign #Innovation 🌿 Join the conversation and share your vision for Geelong's iconic waterfront! 💬

🎥 A Celebration of Strategic Design in Geelong! 🌟 Take a moment to relive highlights in this 2-minute showreel 🎥 Last week, the Design Thinking Geelong: Strategic Design for Community Leaders event brought together an incredible group of change makers, innovators, and community leaders from across our region. 💡✨ We explored how Strategic Design can tackle complex challenges, spark new ideas, and create meaningful impact in our communities. The energy, collaboration, and creativity in the room were nothing short of inspiring! 🙌 To everyone who participated, thank you for your enthusiasm and insights. To our wider network of Geelong Design Leaders Forum participants, this is just the beginning of what we can achieve together. 💬🌏 Let’s continue this journey of shaping Geelong’s future through bold, innovative, and strategic thinking. Together, we can drive real change. 💪🚀 🎉 A huge thank you to our Principal Sponsor, City of Greater Geelong. 💼 Special thanks to our Strategic Design Challenge Sponsors: Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Urbis, Scaada Environmental & Sustainability, and Enterprise Monkey for championing innovation and collaboration. 🤝 We also acknowledge the Geelong Design Leaders Foundation Partners: Spearhead Strategic Design Services Fruitful Communications Deakin University Geelong Chamber of Commerce Committee for Geelong This event was proudly part of Geelong Design Week 2024, an initiative of Geelong UNESCO City of Design and the City of Greater Geelong. 🌏✨ #StrategicDesign #DesignThinking #GeelongLeaders #Collaboration #Innovation #Geelong #GeelongDesignWeek #GeelongDesignLeadersForum

🌟 What a Day! 🌟 Yesterday's Geelong Design Leaders Forum event, Design Thinking Geelong – Strategic Design for Community Leaders, was an inspiring and energising success! 🙌✨ The morning kicked off with a thought-provoking session and panel discussion exploring the what, why, and how of strategic design. Together, we considered the importance of using a systematic approach to strategic design innovation, and unpacked the vital role of leadership in driving high-impact strategic design outcomes—essential for tackling the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Thanks go out to our facilitators David Spear, Lisa Bennetto, Lauren Carnegie, Gwen Coburn and panelists Tracey Slatter, David Halliwell, Ali Wastie, and Michael Johnston. In the afternoon, the dynamic energy ramped up as we delved into our four Strategic Design Challenges in focus, guided by our incredible Geelong Design Leaders Form facilitators and challenge sponsor leaders from Urbis, Scaada Environmental & Sustainability, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), and Enterprise Monkey. The collaborative spirit and innovative thinking on display were truly remarkable! 💡🤝 🎉 Highlights from the Day: Strong leadership & collaboration: Tackling real-world challenges with focus and ingenuity. Amazing energy: A fast-paced, interactive way of working that forms a powerful foundation for future strategic design initiatives. Exciting next steps: The strategic design solutions developed yesterday will evolve to address key opportunities and challenges in Geelong’s journey as a UNESCO City of Design. Watch this space—there’s more to come! A huge thank you to all participants, our Principal Sponsor City of Greater Geelong, and Foundation Partners: Spearhead Strategic Design Services Fruitful Communications Deakin University Geelong Chamber of Commerce Committee for Geelong 👏👏 We also want to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity that all participants brought to the table. Your growth as designers leading change and innovation is inspiring and critical to building a thriving community, sustainable environment, and future-ready economy. 🌍🏙️💼 📸 Check out some of the photos from the day below, and let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we’re shaping the future of Geelong. 🌟 #GeelongDesignLeadersForum #StrategicDesign #DesignThinkingGeelong #UNESCOCityOfDesign #Innovation #Collaboration #Leadership #CommunityImpact #GeelongDesignWeek #GeelongDesignCity This event was part of Geelong Design Week 2024, an initiative of Geelong UNESCO City of Design and the City of Greater Geelong. With over 60 events, this year’s program is the biggest and most exciting yet, featuring a diverse range of events and experiences that celebrate innovation, creativity, and community, showcasing why Geelong is Australia’s only City of Design.

🌟 Exciting news from the Design Thinking Geelong series! 🌟 We’re thrilled to announce that Enterprise Monkey has joined us as our AI Design Challenge Partner! 🙌 Their expertise will play a key role in shaping impactful solutions during the challenge. 🔥 Session One and Two tickets are SOLD OUT! 🔥 But don’t worry—you can still be part of the journey! Session Three is your chance to: ✅ Connect with all the event partners and participants ✅ Hear about the outcomes of our workshops ✅ Learn how to get involved in upcoming Geelong Design Leaders Forum activities 👉 Register now for Session Three - Link in chat below. A huge thank you to all our incredible partners: 🎖️ Principal Sponsor: City of Greater Geelong 🔹 Design Challenge Partners: Urbis, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Scaada Environmental & Sustainability, and Enterprise Monkey 🌱 Supported by foundation partners: Spearhead Strategic Design Services, Fruitful Communications, Deakin University, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, and Committee for Geelong. This event is part of Geelong Design Week 2024, an initiative of Geelong UNESCO City of Design and the City of Greater Geelong. 🎉 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and innovate as we shape Geelong’s future together! #DesignThinking #StrategicDesign #GeelongLeaders #Innovation #Collaboration #GeelongDesignWeek