In April 2026, Wyatt convened its first combined partner workshop, bringing together 30 representatives from Financial Wellbeing partners and Linker Network partners across the state, all of whom work closely with South Australians experiencing financial hardship.
It was the first time different partner programs were brought together in a single forum for both frontline practitioners and their managers, enabling the sharing of dual perspectives and experiences from within and across partner organisations.
The request to have both frontline staff and managers present was made in advance by participants who foresaw the value of being able to hear the perspectives of frontline staff from other organisations. To broaden learning opportunities, the seating plan for the day ensured frontline staff and managers from each organisation did not sit together.
Acknowledging the time, preparation and expertise of two representatives attending from each partner organisation, Wyatt provided a participation payment to each organisation.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- find ways to collaborate more effectively
- leverage resources across programs
- embed practices that support client empowerment and long-term independence.
“The workshop was intentionally designed to create space for open discussion, learning, and connection,” explains Wyatt Relationship Manager, Angela Meegan.
“It grew out of conversations with partners about gaps in understanding, opportunities for collaboration and impact, and a desire to move beyond day-to-day interactions into something more purposeful and reflective.”
By sharing, learning and deepening cross-program understanding, Wyatt’s goal was to support partners to work together more strategically to improve outcomes for clients.
Content development and delivery of the workshop was shared between Wyatt and partners including UnitingCare Wesley Bowden (UCWB), Zahra Foundation and Centacare Catholic Country.
The day included conversations that explored the strategic use of tools, partner-led practice, and sessions on ‘Do no harm’ principles, single session thinking, and collaborative learning activities.
Participants worked in cross-organisational groups on a case study and action-planning exercise, applying the principles discussed throughout the day. Groups shared their approaches, highlighting diverse perspectives and identifying opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing across programs.
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“Opportunities like these are important because they create space to listen, learn, share perspectives, and build stronger connections - something that doesn’t always happen in the busy-ness of the day-to-days,” Angela explains.
“The atmosphere in the room was open, respectful, and genuinely engaged. One surprising aspect was the level of honesty and openness people brought to the discussion - participants were willing to share both challenges and ideas in a constructive way.”
Simon Talanskas, Service Manager at Tiraapendi Wodli Justice Reinvestment, (who attended with Joelene Walker, Aboriginal Support Officer) who participated in the workshop, agreed.
“Workshops like this are important because they bring people together from different organisations and perspectives who are all working towards similar outcomes,” he says.
“They create opportunities to build relationships, share resources, and learn about available training. It is easy to become focused on the day-to-day demands of your own role or organisation, so these events provide valuable opportunities to step outside your usual work bubble, learn from others, and consider new approaches.”
Simon says the most valuable takeaways were “gaining a better understanding of the financial counselling approach and building long-term capacity and developing stronger partnerships with financial counsellors, which sparked ideas around potential co-location opportunities to improve access community.”
Work is underway to build on the momentum of the workshop and turn insights into action, with Wyatt continuing to engage with partners about their needs and priorities.
“A dynamic and evolving partner‑led Community of Practice is emerging and strengthening,” Angela says, adding that engagement, commitment and collaboration are high.
“Our partner organisations are increasingly and collectively shaping priorities, sharing practice insights and learnings.”
