Project Evaluation The following is a brief evaluation summary of the • This project consultation period (including project for future reference and consideration. surveys) was just after completion of the Shire of Esperance’s Community Perceptions Survey which caused some confusion and a number of What worked? people thought they had already contributed. • Specifically covering each of the eight themes • Some potential participants advised that the (and referring to associated prompts) separately qualitative survey approach was too complicated as was able to attain relevant information to and deterred responses. address each in the key findings. • Most unfortunately, severe fatal bush fires • Workshop model was reasonably flexible to had significantly impacted on the Esperance suit varying time frames and times of day and community and as such may have reduced attendees enjoyed the format and activities. people’s contributions as priorities were • Offering and providing presentations and/or understandably elsewhere (occurring three club-based workshop sessions to community quarters of the way through the survey period). groups to promote the project and support contribution (follow up phone call beneficial). Suggestions for Improvement • Promotion and support through key • Recognising there was some free time stakeholders including library, Senior Citizens between the scheduled engagement activities Centre and Homecare the coordinators looked at the potential of a • Having a longer period in Esperance to be shopping centre booth and display just prior available, flexible and engage all stakeholders. to the engagement period. As this option took some coordination including risk management What didn’t? planning and Centre Manager approval, it was not possible in the time available. This may have • Attempts to engage plus 55 reference group contributed to wider promotion of the project. members prior to the engagement activities through the Senior Citizen’s Centre and other known contacts of the Shire were unsuccessful, however a few individuals did test the Survey and provided feedback. Once the engagement activities were underway and the project explained in person, several people came forward to provide feedback as a reference group. Challenges • There was often a sense of cynicism that nothing would come from the project, outcomes and/or report and as a result many people did not see any value in participating.
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