Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley
Improving our wellbeing
We are a volunteer-based, not-for-profit community association with a mission to provide our community access to valuable data. These insights and indicators empower us to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing our collective wellbeing.
Ready to make a difference?
Participate in the “Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley” community survey and tell us what matters to you, it takes less than 10 minutes and is anonymous and confidential.
The survey is open to everyone and closes January 31 2024 and the results will be released to the public.

Latest News

Big News!
The Bega Valley Data Collective has launched the ‘Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley Community Survey’. Your voice matters and this survey is all

An exciting new chapter
The Bega Valley Data Collective is thrilled to share our vision as we kickstart the exciting “Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley” project. Our

Treasury measuring what matters.
The soon to be released Measuring What Matters statement will indicate a significant shift in how decisions on Government policy are to be made. The

Ballarat’s data-driven future vision
The Bega Valley Data Collective is excited to learn more about this project by the Ballarat Foundation as it aligns with our vision for a
Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley
We are building an accessible online place with wellbeing indicators based on the Measuring What Matters framework.
A place that will track our progress towards a more healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive and prosperous community.
A place to share our stories on community-led initiatives that reflect our community’s values and aspirations.
Our model for improving community wellbeing

Frequently asked questions
Measuring What Matters is Australia’s first national wellbeing framework that will track our progress towards a more healthy, secure, sustainable, cohesive and prosperous Australia.
The Measuring What Matters Framework has five wellbeing themes:
Healthy: A society in which people feel well and are in good physical and mental health, can access services when they need, and have the information they require to take action to improve their health.
Secure: A society where people live peacefully, feel safe, have financial security and access to housing.
Sustainable: A society that sustainably uses natural and financial resources, protects and repairs the environment and builds resilience to combat challenges.
Cohesive: A society that supports connections with family, friends and the community, values diversity, and promotes belonging and culture.
Prosperous: A society that has a dynamic, strong economy, invests in people’s skills and education, and provides broad opportunities for employment and well-paid, secure jobs.
The purpose of the Bega Valley Data Collective Incorporated is to provide equitable access to data that enhances community led decision making.
Our main objectives to achieve this are:
- Create and maintain an accessible online place of data insights and indicators specific to the Bega Valley using the Measuring What Matters wellbeing framework.
- Engage and inform our community of the advantages of using data to make evidence-based policy and program decisions that reflect our community’s values and aspirations.
- Publish an online place for storytelling that promotes community led initiatives that build a stronger more resilient community and enhance our quality of life.
Community-led decision making refers to a process in which local communities actively participate in shaping and influencing decisions that affect their lives. It is a bottom-up approach rather than a top-down one, it allows community members to identify issues, propose solutions, and make choices collectively. This approach captures local knowledge, values, and needs, ensuring that Government policies, programs, and initiatives align with the community’s aspirations.
Community-led decision making promotes social cohesion, and sustainable development by harnessing the collective wisdom and strengths of local residents. It ensures that policies and initiatives are not imposed externally but emerge from the genuine needs and aspirations of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and pride among its members.
Measuring What Matters can significantly support community-led decision making in several ways:
Informed Decision Making: Gathering data on key indicators provides communities with essential information about their well-being. This data informs decision-makers and community members about the areas that require attention and improvement.
Community Empowerment: Access to data empowers communities to advocate for their needs and priorities. It equips them with evidence to support their proposals, increasing their influence in the decision-making process.
Accountability: Measuring what matters holds decision-makers accountable for their choices. Communities can track progress on key indicators and assess whether policies and initiatives are delivering the expected results.
Resource Allocation: Data on well-being indicators helps communities allocate resources more effectively. It guides the allocation of funds, services, and programs to address the areas with the greatest need.
Collaboration: Measuring what matters encourages collaboration among community members, local organizations, and government agencies. It fosters collective efforts to address challenges and achieve common goals.
Long-Term Planning: Data-driven decision-making supports long-term planning. Communities can develop strategic plans based on their unique circumstances and the specific well-being indicators they prioritize.
Overall, measuring what matters provides communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to advocate for their well-being, shape policies, and lead the decision-making process. It strengthens community engagement, accountability, and the overall quality of life in the community.
The idea for a Data Space in the Bega Valley started early in 2022. A working group was formed of diverse, interested and passionate individuals, who know that better access to data will help our community thrive. The working group was established to set up the association and secure funding, and meets regularly. The inaugural AGM was held in October 2023 when office bearers and a committee were elected. To inquire about the working group or the committee you can contact us through this website.
The online dashboard for Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley will be launched in February 2024.
Seer have partnered with the Bega Valley Data Collective, they are our technology provider. They have the technology and expertise to capture data streams and provide data analysis, they will provide access to their innovative data platform. Seer will provide the technology and support to help build our Measuring What Matters online dashboard. You can find more information here https://seerdata.ai/
Access to Measuring What Matters in the Bega Valley is free. You can support this project and the Bega Valley Data Collective by becoming a member for $50 per annum.
Your membership fee will help with the basic operation expenses of our volunteer led association. More importantly a strong membership base will indicate support for the Bega Valley Measuring What Matters project and help with our applications for long term project funding.
What do the experts say
Data is essential for the collaboration component of a thriving community, it’s also beneficial for analysing, measuring and reporting on the sustainability and innovation components. Collaboration, facilitated by data sharing, allows people at all levels of a community to be able to participate in decision-making and is an essential in being able to design a strategy for the future.
Measuring What Matters is a living framework that will continue to evolve and improve over time to reflect ongoing feedback from the community, new research, improved data availability, and changing community views. The government has developed an important foundation on which we can build – to understand, measure, and improve on the things that matter to Australians.
The NSW Government is committed to using data to improve outcomes for the community. Collaborating on data use and sharing will ensure that data is used consistently and safely to inform decision-making. This will aim to accelerate actionable insights, treat data as an asset, strengthen transparency and trust, and foster culture, leadership, and capability.
Follow the Bega Valley Data Collective for free
We invite you to express your interest and follow this exciting and ground-breaking project that will make our community’s dreams, aspirations and initiatives come to life.