Institute of Public Administration Australia (ACT) Limited

In episode 7 of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, we hear the success story of the Fitzroy Crossing service centre’s redevelopment from Ewa Griffiths and Zara Nehow, who were at the core of this initiative. Their innovative approach involved creating a co-designed space that respects local needs and incorporates elements reflecting cultural aspects and Indigenous arts. This earned them the 2023 IPAA ACT Spirit of Service Awards in the Community Engagement category.

Ewa, the director of face-to-face service transformation at Services Australia, discusses the broader vision and strategic approach behind the redesign of the Fitzroy Crossing service centre. She talks us through how the plan for the redesign came about and highlights lessons for future service centre redesigns.

Meanwhile, Zara, who is the service centre manager at Fitzroy Crossing with Services Australia hones in on community connection and takes us on a virtual walkthrough of the service centre. She also talks candidly about the impact of the 2023 floods on the newly opened centre and how it has affected the redesign and the community.

This episode’s unearthed wisdom: Empathy, collaboration, and a deep respect for cultural heritage are the cornerstones of creating spaces where communities can truly connect.

Please note that the recording currently mentions ‘Department of Social Services’ instead of ‘Services Australia’. A corrected recording will be provided in the coming days.