New Roots Democracy

Team Name

Hello Australia

Team Members

Project Description

New Roots Democracy is a digital companion designed to help new citizens plant strong roots in Australian civic life. More than just information, it provides pathways to belonging, cultural connection, and active participation in democracy.

Our vision is to transform the newcomer journey from guest → participant → community builder, empowering people to feel at home in Australia while learning how to navigate and contribute to its democratic systems.

Data Story

Objective:
To help new citizens navigate Australia’s democratic systems, feel a sense of belonging, and actively participate in their communities.

1. Data Sources Used

ABS Census Data – demographics, migration patterns, and household information to understand where new citizens live and what support they may need.

data.gov.au civic & community datasets – volunteering opportunities, community events, local government services, and cultural programs.

Property & Housing Datasets (e.g., data.vic.gov.au) – identify accessible neighborhoods, housing stress areas, and proximity to services.

AEC Data – electoral divisions, voting information, and civic engagement statistics.

1. Insights Derived

Community Mapping: Combining census and civic datasets allows us to map where new citizens live, nearby volunteering opportunities, and community events.

Service Accessibility: Identify gaps in access to healthcare, transport, schooling, and civic services for newcomers.

Engagement Patterns: Understand which neighborhoods have high civic participation and which may need targeted outreach.

Cultural Integration Opportunities: Highlight events, organizations, and programs that foster deeper cultural understanding and social connections.

1. How the Data Informs the Project

Personalized Recommendations: Based on location, interests, and demographics, the platform suggests volunteering, local events, and civic programs.

Gamification & Milestones: Data on participation allows the system to award badges (Koala → Kangaroo → Emu → Wattle) as users complete tasks and engage with their communities.

Visual Storytelling: Maps and dashboards show new citizens how they are integrating and contributing, reinforcing empowerment.

Decision Support: Enables informed decisions about where to focus community programs or outreach efforts to improve newcomer engagement.

1. Why It Matters

Data is not just numbers—it is the backbone of making democracy tangible and actionable for new citizens. By using real government datasets, New Roots Democracy ensures:

Newcomers get accurate, up-to-date information.

Engagement is equitable and accessible, regardless of background.

Communities grow stronger by connecting residents to each other and to civic opportunities.