About Iron Talisman Civic Lab
We are a civic-minded team helping residents test solutions that make streets fairer, safer, and more connected.
Explore Our ProcessWho We Are
Mission: Equip neighbours to design and deliver community projects with the right mix of funding, mentoring, and transparent evaluation.
Vision: Every suburb has the skills and resources to improve public life — and can show results that decision-makers trust.
- Equity and inclusion in every program
- Evidence that is understandable and useful
- Open collaboration with councils and community groups
- Care for Country and future generations
Founded in Melbourne, Iron Talisman Civic Lab brings together program designers, urbanists, and community organisers. We cut red tape, share practical templates, and stand alongside residents from idea to impact. Our approach is humble, data-informed, and relentlessly action-oriented.
Impact & Transparency
215+ funded projects
68% first-time applicants
93% projects completed within scope
- Published open criteria and scoring guide
- Launched quarterly impact briefings for partners
- Introduced equity metrics across all programs
Our Capabilities
Program Design
We develop fair, accessible programs with clear eligibility, lightweight reporting, and strong governance. Templates, checklists, and training are included.
Community Engagement
Street-level outreach, multi-lingual materials, and inclusive workshops that welcome first-time participants.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Outcome mapping, rapid feedback cycles, and plain-language reporting that builds trust and informs policy.
Partnerships
We convene councils, schools, traders, and residents to co-deliver meaningful, measurable projects.
Governance & Team
Our programs are guided by an independent advisory panel and delivered by a multidisciplinary team. We publish funding decisions and conflict-of-interest declarations.
Advisory Panel
- Dr. Amina Rahman — Urban Safety
- Gareth McLean — Community Finance
- Sofia Nguyen — Youth Participation
- Claudia Vella — Place Management
Delivery Team
- Program Lead — coordinates grants and mentoring
- Partnerships Manager — councils and institutional partners
- Evaluator — data, dashboards, and reporting
- Community Organiser — outreach and inclusion
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we work across Melbourne. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.
Trust & Endorsements
“Iron Talisman brought practical know-how and respectful engagement to our municipality. Residents felt heard — and projects got delivered.”
Elise Pagano, Community Development, VIC
“Their evaluation summaries made it simple to brief councillors and secure ongoing support.”
Michael Tran, City Partnerships, VIC
Program collaboration highlights with neighbourhood houses, schools, and traders associations across greater Melbourne.
Contact & Media
For interviews, data requests, or program information, our team is available during business hours.
Email: [email protected] · Phone: +61 3 7034 8120
Press kit: Logos (SVG) · Brand Notes (PDF) · Image Permissions