Our promise
We recognise that communities are made up of diverse sectors, organisations, rights holders, interest groups, influencers, families and individuals. We will work collaboratively with you to deliver services and create opportunities that support thriving, productive, and sustainable communities, environments and industries.
In all aspects of our work we will:
| Issues and place-based focus | Connect with you where you live, work and play on issues that matter to your communities | |
| Accessibility | Make sure we are easy to contact and our information is straightforward and available in a variety of ways | |
| Flexibility | Recognise and respect the way you want to work with us and adapt our approach according to needs of individuals, organisations and industries | |
| Active listening and understanding | Listen to and understand your views and needs, actively seek and respect different opinions | |
| Honesty and transparency | Be honest about what’s driving our priorities, what we can and can’t promise to do, our timelines and why decisions have been made | |
| Clarity and purposefulness | Be clear about why and how we are engaging, making sure we give you real opportunities to participate, shape decisions and make a difference | |
| Timely and proactive | Engage with communities as early as we can. Identify opportunities and be responsive to issues and feedback | |
| Consistency | Ensure we are consistent in the way we approach decisions | |
| Closing the loop | Share outcomes with communities and report back on what we heard, and how we adapted |
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Aboriginal self-determination
Our charter reflects our unique relationship with First Peoples as rights holders and embodies our commitment to self-determination. This requires us to be culturally capable and safe and that we recognise and embrace Aboriginal decision-making.
Our promise is articulated in Pupangarli Marnmarnepu / Owning our Future – Aboriginal Self Determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025.
Delivering on our promise
The community charter is the beginning of our work, not the end – and is only as good as its implementation on the ground. We will work with you to make this work at a practical level throughout Victoria.
When the charter is working:
- you feel included and that you are part of the decision-making process
- you will tell us we have communicated openly and honestly
- you will be clear about what we do, who your local contacts are and how we can help
- you will be open with us and tell us about your issues and aspirations
- you trust us to do our jobs and to work with you.
Your feedback
We want your feedback on how we are doing, so we know if we are delivering on our promise. It helps us understand your experience and better meet your needs.
Contact us to tell us how we're doing.
Download the DEECA community charter. (PDF, 442.9 KB)
Page last updated: 18/03/25