Mara Consulting

04/02/2026

Most projects don’t slow down because people aren’t capable. They slow down because conversations aren’t designed.

We’ve shared a short piece for International Facilitation Week on why facilitation isn’t about chairing meetings well and why good planning is what turns discussion into decisions.

💡 We’ve pulled together our practical tips on:
- designing conversations with intent
- using methods that actually engage people
- navigating tension without it derailing progress
- making sure workshops lead to action.

Have a read of our latest blog and let us know what resonates, or what you’ve seen work (or not work) in your own projects.

READ IT HERE 👉👉 www.maraconsulting.com.au/post/it-s-international-facilitation-week

Need help with your next workshop? and get in touch!

04/02/2026

Most projects don’t slow down because people aren’t capable. They slow down because conversations aren’t designed.

We’ve shared a short piece for International Facilitation Week on why facilitation isn’t about chairing meetings well and why good planning is what turns discussion into decisions.

💡 We’ve pulled together our practical tips on:
- designing conversations with intent
- using methods that actually engage people
- navigating tension without it derailing progress
- making sure workshops lead to action.

Have a read of our latest blog and let us know what resonates, or what you’ve seen work (or not work) in your own projects.

READ IT HERE 👉👉 www.maraconsulting.com.au/post/it-s-international-facilitation-week

Need help with your next workshop? and get in touch!

Most projects don’t stall because people lack expertise. They stall because conversations aren’t designed. This post shares practical insights on how good facilitation helps teams move from discussion to decisions, navigate tension and create alignment that actually sticks.

29/01/2026

For Global Community Engagement Day, we spoke with Dr Mark Sargent about what strength in numbers really looks like in practice.

There was a key lesson for engagement practitioners:

You don’t get good decisions from a narrow set of voices. You get them by hearing a wide range of perspectives, especially when those views differ or challenge the project narrative.

Hear Mark reflect on the value of shared voices in engagement. Not just between project teams and consultants, but across communities themselves. When more people are heard, no single voice dominates and the conversation becomes more balanced, informed and constructive.

Mark’s key takeaways for effective community engagement?

>> Strong engagement creates space for multiple perspectives, helping projects better understand community concerns and identify pathways forward that don’t compromise outcomes.

>> Strength in numbers isn’t about silencing strong views. It’s about balance, context and avoiding decisions being shaped by only the loudest voices.

As part of Global Community Engagement Day, we’re sharing reflections from Hunter leaders on why collective voices matter and how they lead to better decisions for communities.

Add your voice.

What does strength in numbers look like where you live or work?

27/01/2026

For Global Community Engagement Day, we spoke with Dan Repacholi MP about what strength in numbers means to his constituents.

One idea came through clearly.

Good decisions don’t come from a single viewpoint. They come from hearing many voices, even when those views are different challenging.

Dan spoke about the responsibility that comes with representing a large and diverse electorate like the Hunter. Listening across communities takes time and effort, bit it’s essential if decisions are going to reflect what people need, not just what’s easiest or loudest.

Dan’s key takeaways for effective community engagement?

>> Strong engagement starts with constructive conversations. That’s what allows leaders to advocate effectively, whether it’s for infrastructure, services, legislation or long-term regional growth.

>> Strength in numbers isn’t about agreement. It’s about balance, perspective and being willing to listen before acting.

As part of Global Community Engagement Day, we’re sharing reflections from Hunter leaders on why collective voices matter and how they lead to better outcomes for communities.

Add your voice.

What does strength in numbers look like where you live or work?

Stay tuned. Tomorrow, we talk with

Business Hunter CEO Bob Hawes.

👉 For more information, visit bit.ly/mara-gced-2026

21/01/2026

Next Wednesday 28 January, practitioners, organisations and communities around the world will recognise Global Community Engagement Day.

The theme this year is “Strength in numbers”. This isn’t about how many people you talk to. It’s about whether the right voices are in the room and genuinely heard.

This Global Community Engagement Day, we’re focusing on why collective input leads to better decisions, especially in regional communities where the impacts of decisions are felt most directly.

To mark the day, we’ll be sitting down with 3 leaders from the Hunter region to talk about what strength in numbers really looks like in practice:

Dan Repacholi MP, on representation and accountability
Dr Mark Sargent, on social impact, evidence and planning participation
Bob Hawes, on business collaboration, economic resilience and regional confidence.

Because when engagement is done well, it builds shared understanding, reduces risk and leads to outcomes that communities can stand behind.

Be part of it.

Read, listen and add your perspective on how collective voices can lead to better decisions, in your organisation, project or region.

We’ll be sharing the conversations starting on 28 January.

👉 Read more here >> bit.ly/mara-gced-2026

31/01/2025

🚀 We're Hiring! Join our team at Mara Consulting and help us create real impact through strategic communications and community engagement!

We're looking for multiple roles:
🔹 Communications Specialist (12-18 month contract x 1)
🔹 Engagement Specialists (Full-time, ongoing, other options considered - multiple)

If you're passionate about shaping outcomes on infrastructure, renewable energy, approval projects (and more), we want to hear from you!

✅ Flexible working arrangements
✅ Opportunities to be part of complex projects
✅ Be part of a supportive, dynamic team

📍 Based in Newcastle, NSW. We’re open to part-time and flexible hours.

👉 Apply now or learn more: https://www.seek.com.au/job/81705464?ref=direct-share-cm-ui

12/09/2024

💛 Today is R U OK? Day 2024 💛

At Mara Consulting, we believe meaningful conversations are the foundation of building strong relationships. But sometimes, the most important conversations are the tough ones.

Starting a conversation can change a life. There are some great resources on the R U OK? website with simple strategies to help you recognise the signs and know when to ask the question. [https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask]

Today, we're encouraging you to take a moment and check in on your teammates, friends and family. 🌻

08/01/2024

So 2024 is here, and we've got big things planned!

We look forward to a fantastic year filled with exciting projects, quality collaboration, dynamic new offerings and achieving great outcomes.

And not to mention significant celebrations - Mara turns 1️⃣ 0️⃣ in 2024 - a huge milestone that we can't wait to celebrate together 🎉

Need help? Think pink!

08/12/2023

🤔Taking the time to listen and engage in meaningful conversations with stakeholders is how we roll at Mara Consulting – as you can see from these pics.

They were snapped by NSW EnergyCo at one of 6 drop-in sessions in 3 communities we facilitated this week about the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP), one of NSW’s most important energy infrastructure projects.

PS You might be surprised how often our chats conclude with a genuine smile and thank-you from community members even when it’s a complex subject like the HTP ☺️ 👍