Creative Thinking - Positive Solutions

31/07/2025

An update on what Positive Solutions has been working on in the arts and not-for-profit sectors. Alongside continuing our work with organisations committed to effective leadership and positive social and cultural impacts, we are excited to launch the fourth edition of ‘The Book of the Board’, Australia’s essential guide to not-for-profit governance. To celebrate the launch, we’ll be hosting a special free webinar in August, ‘Do we need a board?’ featuring leading governance experts Heather Watson and Steven Bowman.

Looking back at the last year we were delighted to work once again with Queensland South Native Title Services, undertaking a board review to help QSNTS maintain high standards of governance. We also worked on two projects for Janet Clarke Hall, The University of Melbourne – a governance review and support for a mid-term review for the College’s Principal. For the New South Wales Government’s Create NSW we undertook a review of a major visual arts client to assist with future funding decisions. We completed an Arts and Cultural Plan for Hornsby Shire Council (Sydney) and a Heritage Plan for Ipswich City Council. As part of a UK-led team we helped with operational planning for the Schwarzman Centre – a new home for the humanities at the University of Oxford scheduled to open in late 2025. A rich and varied range of projects!

You can read more about our project work, upcoming webinar, and the latest edition of ‘The Book of the Board’ here: https://www.positive-solutions.com.au/portfolio-items/newsletter-july-2025/

29/04/2025

A job opportunity at Positive Solutions !

31/03/2025

The Wangun Amphitheatre by Equity Office is a standout example of community-led design. Developed through deep engagement with Wurundjeri Elders, this process ensured the space is not just built for the community, but by it. A great reminder that genuine collaboration leads to places that resonate far beyond their physical form.

A peaceful gathering place on the edge of Victoria's East Gippsland forest stitches together the ideals of a diverse community group.

24/03/2025

After a long road to recovery, Leeton’s Roxy Community Theatre is officially back, and it’s great to see this much loved venue reopen its doors.
The Council is committed to its redevelopment and there are exciting opportunities ahead to shape its future. Positive Solutions is pleased to have been part of the journey, reviewing the financial modelling and future governance arrangements for this historic space.

Looking forward to seeing The Roxy thrive once again!

The town of Leeton in the NSW Riverina has welcomed the reopening of one of its treasured buildings, the Roxy Theatre, following a renovation that was delayed when a driver crashed into the building.

17/03/2025

Great to see Kerstin Thompson Architects (KTA) unveiling their latest project at TarraWarra Museum of Art, the Eva and Marc Besen Centre. Having worked with KTA before, we’ve seen their thoughtful approach first-hand. This new cultural hub is another strong addition to their portfolio. We're looking forward to seeing how it shapes the visitor experience!

The new Eva and Marc Besen Centre in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley provides art storage for over 300 artworks and flexible event spaces for up to 200 attendees.

17/02/2025

The Art House Wyong has become the Central Coast’s creative hub, fostering vibrant artistic experiences for the community.
We’re proud to have been involved from the early stages of the Art House's journey - including the initial feasibility study prior to the amalgamation of Wyong Shire Council into Central Coast Council.
Click the link to see our more recent work on theatre development on the Central Coast: https://www.positive-solutions.com.au/portfolio-items/gosford-regional-performing-arts-centre-business-

https://shorturl.at/kFIHt

An independent not-for-profit arts organisation, The Art House champions Central Coast artists by providing creative and professional support.

12/02/2025

Delighted to see that Creative Scotland has announced its multi-year funding decisions, marking a new direction to supporting the country's creative community. The approach aims to broaden and diversify opportunities, foster innovation and bring new ideas and voices to the forefront.
As the sector adapts to this shift, the spotlight will be on how these changes will shape Scotland's cultural landscape.

Scotland's arts body has more than doubled the number of organisations it regularly funds, thanks to an increase in Scottish Government funding for which thousands of CFTA supporters campaigned.

13/01/2025

2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for architecture! Exciting new projects reaching their finalisation include additional facilities at Tarrawarra Museum of Art and The Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre – known as QUAMPI – an Indigenous cultural centre in construction on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Queensland, close to our home at Meanjin, Brisbane.

These upcoming projects blend innovation, sustainability and striking design, promising to transform the way we live and interact with our spaces.
https://architectureau.com/articles/five-eagerly-anticipated-projects-due-for-completion-in-2025/?utm_source=ArchitectureAu&utm_campaign=e0ea7a41df-AAU_2024_12_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e3604e2a4a-e0ea7a41df-42742493&mc_cid=e0ea7a41df&mc_eid=2e28ee3e5a

06/01/2025

As we enter 2025, it’s an ideal time for non-profit boards to reflect, set and focus on goals for the year ahead.

Consider starting with some New Year's Resolutions:

1. "We will refresh our strategic plans to ensure they align with the latest trends and the evolving needs of the communities we serve."

2. "We will diversify our funding streams and strengthen financial reserves to secure our future."

3. "We will embrace digital transformation, leveraging technology to enhance our operations and protect our data."

4. "We will measure and share the impact of our programs more effectively to demonstrate accountability and build trust."

5. "We will collaborate more with other organisations to maximise our collective impact."

6. "We will invest in the well-being and development of our staff and volunteers to sustain a motivated and capable team."

7. "We will uphold the highest standards of governance and stay ahead of compliance requirements."

8. "We will strengthen relationships with our stakeholders by engaging more deeply and transparently with our community."

9. "We will adopt sustainable practices and prepare for the challenges posed by climate change."

10. "We will amplify the voices of those we serve through proactive advocacy and engagement with policymakers."

27/08/2024

"***Project Profile***
At Positive Solutions, we're proud to reflect on our journey of collaboration with Bunjil Place and the City of Casey. Our involvement began in 2014 with a Demand Assessment for the New City of Casey Theatre, responding to the area's burgeoning growth. In 2016 we conducted a Governance Model Review to lay the foundation for the precinct's sustainability and success. Fast forward to 2019, we collaborated with The Maytrix Group to craft a comprehensive Business and Financial Plan for Bunjil Place – a clear future roadmap for the cultural hub. Today, our partnership continues as we work alongside the City of Casey to explore establishment of a charitable vehicle for the precinct, paving the way for increased philanthropic and other financial support.
Our ongoing relationship with Bunjil Place underscores the value of cumulative expertise and strong partnerships. Learn more about our work at Bunjil Place here: https://www.positive-solutions.com.au/portfolio-items/a-10-year-business-plan-for-bunjil-place-city-of-caseys-award-winning-civic-precinct/

"

A 10-year business plan for Bunjil Place, City of Casey's award-winning Civic Precinct > THE CONTEXT Bunjil Place is an Australian first – a $125m local government cultural precinct that unites creativity, community and entertainment in a single iconic building. Envisioned as the heart of