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:

1. Create and maintain an accessible online place of data insights and indicators specific to the Bega Valley using the Measuring What Matters 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.

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.