Our vision is a world transformed by conscious collaboration

We dream of a life-nourishing world for all.

We believe groups have the capacity to change the world for the better.

We are inspired by the systems of collaboration in the natural world.

We are alive to the challenges of the times we are in, defined by unprecedented change, upheaval and uncertainty.

We commit to open our hearts and minds to meet these challenges with honesty, hope and creativity.

…Our role is to help groups thrive.

Who Are We?

Groupwork Centre is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation under the custodianship of dedicated alumni.

Since 1984, we have supported groups of all kinds to learn how to truly make a difference and discover how they can be the change they want to see in the world.

Our Values

  • Awareness & Compassion

    We consciously choose to be aware of the impact of our own actions, take responsibility for them and change direction where we need to. It will be our self-awareness that helps us to take care of ourselves, each other and the world around us.

  • Love & Connection

    Our actions are informed by love and connection. Our capacity to be touched by another person’s story makes it possible to work through difference and conflict. We consciously choose love and connection in everything we do. We are inspired by the deep wisdom of First Nations people and their powerful connection to Country, self and each other.

  • Equity

    We place… equity at the centre of everything we do. Inequality is systemic. We therefore consciously choose to value diversity, to work with difference, and strive to share and equalise power in the work we do in the world.

Our Strategic Priorities

  • Direct Climate Action

    To develop and delivery high impact training programs and facilitation services that equip individuals and organisations with the skills, knowledge, self awareness and capacity to drive systemic change in response to the climate crisis.

  • Working with New & Emerging Leaders

    To nurture a diverse, compassionate, cohort of emerging leaders who champion sustainable, inclusive, and equitable solutions to global challenges.

  • Advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI)

    To foster a culture of equity, justice, and belonging by integrating inclusive practices into every facet of our work, strengthening our collective capacity to address systemic barriers and create inclusive spaces.

Our Theories of Change

  • Collaborative leaders

    Because cultivating self-awareness, emotional resilience and belonging are foundational for creating meaningful change in the world.

    We believe true personal transformation happens when learning together.

    So we invite people to embark on learning journeys with us.

    This leads to more resilient, self-aware and skilled collaborative leaders.

    And results in readiness to make a positive impact in the world around them.

  • Resilient communities

    Because more than ever we need to find local solutions to respond to the times we are in.

    We believe empowering communities to take charge of their unique challenges and opportunities is critical to building resilience and adaptability.

    So we partner strengthen communities by cultivating skills, fostering collaborative mindsets, and creating inclusive spaces for dialogue and action.

    This leads to more resilient communities, capable of co-creating solutions, tackling complex challenges and building trust across diverse groups.

    And results in new pathways, rooted in shared purpose, collective capacity and the strength to navigate an uncertain future.

  • Cultures of conscious collaboration

    Because organisations have the potential to harness human creativity, resilience and collaboration to drive meaningful change.

    We believe organisations can make a positive impact on the world.

    So we partner with organisations to build cultures of conscious collaboration through our facilitation and education services

    This leads to organisations where people, purpose and planetary goals align, embedding practices that support human creativity and resilience.

    And results in empowering organisations to navigate complexity, respond to evolving challenges, and contribute

  • Islands of cohesion

    Because many of our systems are collapsing, resulting in persistent challenges and fragmentation.

    We believe in bringing people together across systems to find new ways forward.

    So we offer facilitation services and educational experiences to build the capacity of networks.

    This leads to strengthened networks, deeper partnerships, and an increased ability for individuals, communities and organisations to co-create adaptive strategies.

    And results in new ways forward, rooted in collective wisdom, regenerative practices and resilient futures.

Our story began in 1984

Originally working in the community sector, our founders asked themselves: What is our best contribution towards a just and sustainable world?

The answer was: go behind the scenes and help groups work well together.

So in 1984, we started Commonground Training Resources with two key aims:

  • To provide support for organisations to work well together to maximise their impact

  • To create a retreat venue in the bush for community-based groups to get away for training and support

We identified three key areas:

  1. Facilitating for others

  2. Collaborative management/leadership

  3. Collaborative workplace training

This focus is based on our belief in the transformational capacity of groupwork – when people can work well together in groups, it is good for the individual, the group and the broader community

Today, decades later, we are still helping people and groups work well together, based on principles of self-awareness and compassion, to give you skills to achieve your goals.

Read about our co-founder Glen Ochre’s life story:

Interested in learning more about how Groupwork can support your organisation?