The importance of place-based approaches for governments

Why do this online course?

The need to better understand the way cities and human settlements work is becoming increasingly important. Interest is growing in 'Place' as a concept and place-based approaches are being trialed around the world.

Governments are beginning to understand that they can play important coordinating and enabling roles to foster the success of cities and society at both the strategic level and at the neighbourhood level. ‘Place’ can provide a valuable focus point for all levels of government and an adaptable process for different agencies, levels of government and local communities to better work together.

This course aims to provide some context and rigour to this interest.

Who is it for?

Whilst it is primarily written for an Australian context, it may be relevant for higher levels of government around the world, including central, Federal, State, provincial or regional governments. Whilst State, provincial or regional and central or Federal governments are usually quite different in their priorities and resources, from a placemaking perspective, they are similar as they sit at the strategic level, distanced from individual places, but having responsibilities for many places, cities and regions.


What will it help you with?

This course will enable you to:

  • Identify the potential roles for higher levels of government and the opportunities for place-based approaches
  • Deliver on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
  • Learn the 8 powerful questions to guide the set up and management of your project

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Assess the options and methods for implementing place-based approaches
  • See the importance differences between masterplanning vs place enabling
  • Structure and manage a place-based project based on 8 powerful questions


Student feedback 1

"Great course with lots of relevant content!"

Student feedback 2

"Super beneficial because it was so practical! I am new to State Government (and fairly new to the public sector) and so I had only a vague idea of what placemaking is or could be from our agency's perspective. I thought placemaking was tactical urbanism or activation. I knew it had strategic merit but I didn't have the words to articulate what that meant or how I can participate in placemaking. Before this course I would not have called myself a placemaker but now I think I can call myself one!"

What you will learn

Learn the key principles

Including, but not limited to:


What placemaking is and is not


Collaboration and relationships


Fostering a positive, 'yes' culture


Focusing on the whole (the place) rather than the parts (the detailed elements)

How to implement

Including, but not limited to:


Traditional masterplanning compared with place enabling


Common challenges and how you might solve them


How to structure a place-based process that is right for your circumstances based on your answers to 8 powerful questions the course poses and leads you through


The skills you need to know to help you be successful

Price to complete the course in Australian dollars


Learn from some of the

best placemakers


This course features ideas and insights from some of the leaders of the placemaking movement in Australasia:


  • Ethan Kent - PlacemakingX
  • Lucinda Hartley - Neighbourlytics
  • David Engwicht - Creative Communities International
  • Joanne Taylor - WSP
  • Brooke Williams - Fourfold Studio
  • Mike Fisher - Christchurch NZ
  • Dean Cracknell at Town Team Movement


They collectively have decades of experiences in placemaking and working with government agencies to achieve results.

Satisfaction guaranteed!


We think that you will enjoy and benefit from completing this course.

If you are not satisfied with it within 30 days from date of purchase, we will refund the purchase price.


"This course did well in emphasising a permissions based, people led approach. That's where I think I got the most benefit from the course."


Price to complete the course in Australian dollars


Get the price in your currency


The price for this course is listed in Australian dollars. You can convert the price into your currency by using the currency converter tool below.

Example Curriculum

Purchase courses for multiple students in one transaction

If you would prefer to purchase access for multiple students in one transaction and/or pay via tax invoice, please email your request to [email protected] and we can arrange it.


Contact Us

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