The purpose of the Bega Valley Data Collective Incorporated is to provide equitable access to valuable data that enhances community led decision making.

Our main objectives to achieve this are:

1. Create and maintain an accessible online place of data insights and indicators specific to the Bega Valley that can be used in a wellbeing framework.
2. 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.

2. 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.

Data 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: Data can hold 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: Data can encourage 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, access to refined data can provide 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.

A wellbeing framework is much more than just data, it is a practical tool for designing and delivering better places for people and planet.

A wellbeing framework can provide our community with many advantages including:

• A framework for community involvement in better policymaking, budgeting, planning, procurement, commissioning, monitoring and collaborative placemaking.
• Powerful communication tool to engage our community and diverse stakeholders in a sustainable wellbeing approach to change.
• The framework itself can be used every day by our community, organisations large and small, funders and local governments to help guide policy, decision making, learning and action at all levels.
• Define a shared set of goals for cross-sector, joined up, multi-disciplinary working.

Developing a successful wellbeing framework here in the Bega Valley will help build a thriving place that elevates our collective wellbeing.

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 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.

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. We have access to their innovative data platform so that we can analyse and refine data that is relevant to the Bega Valley.  Seer are providing the technology and support to help build our data directory that is available to members of Bega Valley Data Collective.

You can find more information here https://seerdata.ai/

Access to data and other exclusive content on this website is highly subsidised and its free for members.

You can become a members of the Bega Valley Data Collective $50 per annum.

Your membership fee will help with the basic operation expenses of our volunteer led association, it will also help pay for access to data.

More importantly a strong membership base will indicate support for the Bega Valley Bega Valley Data Collectives mission to provide equitable access to valuable data for our community that will enhance local decision making..