Resource centre

The Civic Centre

A resource hub to activate civics in local government - designed for communities, councils & councillors

Rebuilding civics in local government

Local democracy only works when people know how to participate in it.

For too long, civics has been treated as something reserved for education in schools and election time. Thriving local communities depend on something deeper: people understanding how local decisions are made, how to engage constructively, and how local government shapes everyday life. This should happen across the whole election cycle and continue well after people leave school.

The Civic Centre is a place to explore civics within local government and learn how you can strengthen participation, trust, and democratic confidence at the local level.


It is designed for councils, councillors and communities to rebuild and revitalise a civic culture in their local community.

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What is civics

Civics is the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours that help people take part in local democratic decision-making and contribute to their local community.

It is about both rights and responsibilities of community members, councillors and councils. 

At a local government level, it is how residents:
  • interact with their local council
  • understand how local government works
  • contribute to local council decisions
  • participate by voting at election time
  • be an active community member

Why it matters in local government

Today, councils, communities and civic leaders face growing challenges. One of the solutions to address these challenges is stronger civic capability within local communities.

Declining trust in institutions including local government

Increasing polarisation & insularity in our communities

Increasing digital threats such as mis + disinformation 

Rising disconnection and loneliness in our communities

Increasing complexity & uncertainty in decision making

Growing community expectations for participation

Declining civic knowledge and literacy

Declining volunteerism in local communities 

“As trust in institutions declines and public debate becomes more polarised, strengthening civic understanding at the local level is critical to Australia's democratic future.”

Local civics starter guide

A practical and accessible resource designed for communities, councillors, and councils wanting to strengthen civic capability at a local level.

This stater guide provides an introduction to our civic framework for local government and our civic leadership spectrum in local communities. 

Download the free starter guide to identify what you can do to build your community's civic capacity today.

Civics glossary

Civics is a collection of connected capabilities that help local communities thrive. Below we explain some of the common terms in civics.

Knowledge

Civic knowledge

Understanding how local government works & how this differs from state and federal government

Civic education

Learning about local democracy, citizenship, rights and responsibilities.

Civic literacy

The ability to interpret civic information and navigate local democratic systems.

Participation

Civic belonging

Understanding local issues and feeling like your voice is important

Civic confidence

Feeling capable of sharing your opinion and making a contribution.

Civic participation

Taking part in democratic processes like voting in the local government election.

Contribution

Civic responsibility

Recognising obligations to community and democratic institutions.

Civic engagement

Actively contributing to the local community and local council decision-making processes

Civic leadership

Mobilising others to strengthen communities for the common good.

Culture

Civic culture

The shared values and behaviours that support a healthy local democracy.

Civic pride

A sense of connection and belonging to the place you call home.

Civic trust

Confidence in your local council, councillors and fellow citizens.
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Civic journey hackathon

The civic journey hackathon will bring together councils, councillors, community leaders, educators, and changemakers to rethink how people experience local democracy.

This collaborative experience is designed to generate practical ideas, partnerships, and prototypes that strengthen civic participation across local communities.

To be held in late 2026.

Listen to the podcast

Locale Leadership is a podcast about leadership in the places we call home.

It explores the realities of civic leadership through thoughtful conversations with people working at its centre.

Each episode dives into the practical, emotional, and strategic dimensions of civic leadership - leaving you with inspiration and an instant knowledge boost. 
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The civic series

In this six part series, we explore what civics means in local government. We dive deep into civic leadership, the state of civic health, civic eco-system mapping and how to build the civic capability of your local community.

Share the Civic Centre with others 

This resource hub is any for anyone who cares about their local community,  wants to learn more about local government or increase civic capability in their community. 

Local councillors

Councillors passionate about improving civic literacy in their communities.

Civic leaders

Changemakers who want to participate more actively in civic life.

Community members

People who want to have a voice in the decisions that impact the places where they live

Local councils

Local councils who want to strengthen local democracy and civic participation.

Community leaders

People who are leading local change beyond formal positions of authority within local government.

Community engagement practitioners

People who sit at the frontline of local democracy & are looking for new engagement ideas.
"Healthy local democracies depend on communities that understand how decisions are made, how to participate constructively, and how to shape the places where they live."

Emerging civic leaders program

Supporting the next generation of civic leadership: launching in 2027

The Emerging Civic Leaders Program will support the next generation of local leaders in advance ofo the next local government elections. Designed as a safe and encouraging place to learn more about local government and how to activate the civic eco-system in your community.

This program is for emerging and future leaders in local communities. It creates pathways for people to step up into formal and informal positions of civic leadership including civic office.

Build civic literacy and  understanding of how local government works

Foster civic education and participation in local council decisions

Cultivate a flourishing civic culture and activate emerging civic leaders

We are looking for three councils in New South Wales to pilot this initiative in 2027.

Who we are and why we care

At Locale Learning, we believe healthy local democracies are built when:

  • People understand how decisions are made
  • Communities know how to participate
  • Leaders foster trust and inclusion
  • Councils invest in civic capability
  • Participation becomes part of community culture

We are an Australian-based non-partisan political leadership accelerator working with local government councillors and councils across Australia. We bring decades of proven experience in working in the local government sector to drive local change.

Feeling inspired?

Are you feeling inspired to improve the civic culture in your local community? Or are you a local council wanting to explore new ways to foster your civic eco-system? Contact us to talk about how we can support you improve the civic capability in your community.

Better civic leadership starts here

Join our growing community of civic leaders who use our newsletter to access practical insights, tools, and training each month.
Thank you!

Stay connected

  • contact@localelearning.com.au
  • 0421 180 881

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