Consultancy
Monika holds a PhD exploring sewerage ghost towns in Australia and Europe and how community participatory practices can uncover and revitalise lost industrial communities. Such practices help to not only preserve industrial heritage but to better understand how these often segregated communities evolve into self-sustaining and socially cohesive communities. Learnings can contribute to more sustainable communities.
With more than 30 years experience working in issues rich and complex environments the corporate, government, community, waste, water and environment sectors, Monika works with these community participatory principles and practices to empower communities and organisations to connect for mutual benefit.
Monika presents internationally on her research and as an author.
Monika has a proven record in project management and conceptualising frameworks that guide policy, strategy, research, social impact assessments, stakeholder and partnership projects and management. As a respected project manager and strategic and critical thinker, Monika tailors requirements to address project issues and needs. She conceptualises frameworks to guide research, policy, engagement and change projects, particularly in the community, arts, education, non for profit, government, corporate, water and environment sectors.
Project development and management
Monika is an experienced project manager of complex and multiple projects in parallel, including in issues mitigation. She has a proven track record in project, relationship and team development, leadership and management for such organisations as Melbourne Airport Corporation, AECOM, Boral, the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP), the Docklands development and Melbourne Water.
Community participatory practices and change
Monika has established and led engagement, change and corporate communication programs to deliver multiple and complex projects, including in infrastructure and land development projects, bushfire emergency response, issues management, waste and water. She has worked for such organisations as DELWP, the EPA, Sustainability Victoria, Melbourne Water, the Homelessness Network, Department of Education and Training, and Let’s Read Expo. She has worked with The Royal Children’s Hospital to promote mental health through community empowerment programs, has taught for various universities and established, facilitated and chaired numerous reference groups, steering committees and workshops.
Monika often works in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that necessitates a proactive approach to respond to requirements in an ambiguity of change. She also develops and delivers training programs in communication, engagement and writing to the corporate sector.
Honorary roles
A community conscience and commitment to social equity and responsibility has led Monika to serving in an honorary capacity on various committees and panels, including chairperson of several.
These include the Hume Multiversity (Chair), Creative Victoria Advisory Panel, Western Melbourne Regional Development Australia, Deakin University Writers Group, Wyndham City Council Public Arts Advisory Committee, Werribee Football Club Board, and City West Water and Melbourne Water community liaison committees.