Reflecting on 2024: Growth, Challenges, and Our Commitment to Impact
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By Pino Demaio
As we close out another year, it’s a moment to reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved, the challenges we’ve faced and the journey ahead.
At Local Peoples, 2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and deepened commitment to meaningful design.
One of our proudest achievements this year has been the finalisation and provisional approval of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
This marks a significant step in our reconciliation journey, acknowledging and honouring the rich culture and history of First Nations peoples – custodians of the world’s oldest living culture.
We’ve also expanded our footprint, growing our Canberra team from one to six. It’s been incredible to see this new team thrive, helping us better serve clients across Australia.
This year, we’ve partnered with an array of federal organisations, including DEWR, AFMA, ACIC, ADHA, FWC, NCA, and AEC.
We’re also thrilled to have been selected as the CX/HCD partner supporting DHAC, Health, and TGA. It’s a privilege to collaborate on initiatives that impact so many lives.
Additionally, we’ve joined forces with the Australian Digital Delivery Alliance (ADDA) as founding members, pushing forward our collective vision for better digital outcomes.
Our inclusive design community continues to be a cornerstone of what we do. This year, we hosted six events, exploring crucial topics like designing for neurodiversity, policy co-design, and making capability uplift stick.
These conversations are vital as we work toward more equitable, impactful design.
But it hasn’t been without its challenges. The landscape for strategic design has been tough.
We’ve noticed a shift in focus toward “just doing” rather than asking, “Is this the right thing to do?”
This trend has taken a toll, with some of our most admired contemporaries – Meld and Paper Giant in particular – closing their doors this year.
Their absence is deeply felt in the design for social impact sector, and it’s a sobering reminder of the importance of supporting this work.
As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to design that questions, challenges, and creates meaningful change.
To our clients, partners, and community: thank you for being part of this journey. Let’s keep building, together.
Here’s to a 2025 that is bold, inclusive, and impactful.
