Impact Strategist and Storytelling Specialist.
I collaborate with organisations to design, research, and measure the impact of their initiatives, crafting authentic narratives that drive meaningful change.
so, let’s
collaborate, imagine & create together
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About Me
I work alongside organisations, communities, and creatives to design, research, evaluate, and tell the real story of the work they do.
With two decades of experience in participatory community development and impact evaluation—both in Australia and across 40+ countries—I bring a mix of strategy, story, and systems thinking to help people reflect, learn, and communicate the change they’re creating. Whether you’re working in language revitalisation, social enterprise, children’s media, or community arts. I can help you sharpen your approach, amplify your story, and bring impact to life in ways that are ethical, collaborative, and grounded in community voice.
Services
My work spans six core areas:
Community Development - I’ve designed, supported, and evaluated community-led initiatives for over 20 years. My experience includes everything from grassroots projects to large-scale partnerships across sectors like education, gender, child rights, and Indigenous language revitalisation. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (Murdoch University), and my work is shaped by deep listening, relationship-building, and local leadership.
Research & Evaluation - I specialise in participatory research, qualitative methods, and developmental and culturally responsive evaluation. I’ve worked with Aboriginal organisations, NGOs, government, and philanthropy to surface community insights, guide decision-making, and document what works. I’m a professional member of the Australian Evaluation Society and The Research Society of Australia.
Impact Measurement & Reporting - From theories of change and strategic outcomes mapping to storytelling-based reporting, I help teams understand and articulate the difference they’re making. I’ve led the co-design of long-term impact frameworks, learning systems, and organisational reporting tools across government, philanthropic and community-based initiatives
Storytelling & Writing - I use storytelling as both a research method and a creative practice—supporting communities, programs, and creatives to share their work in compelling, values-led ways. I also write public reports, media pieces, memoir, and creative nonfiction that explore truth, identity, belief, and systems of change.
Community Arts - I facilitate expressive arts and drama-based programs for children and young people under “The Arts Garage,” a creative space I founded to support confidence, voice, and self-expression. My background includes youth arts, creative development, and cross-cultural theatre, and I love working with groups to co-create meaningful creative experiences.
Training & Capacity Building - I design and deliver training on participatory research, evaluation, ethical storytelling, and data sovereignty. I mentor Community-Based Researchers and support organisations to build local evaluation capacity in ways that are practical, culturally safe, and sustainable.
Recent Projects
Aboriginal Languages Trust Impact Measurement Framework (NSW)
“The Impact Measurement Framework (IMF) will support the Trust by measuring impact resulting from our investment into NSW Aboriginal Language Communities. Change will be identified through evidence-based reporting on the Trust’s activities, strategic outcomes and widespread Community impact as we progress towards a future where NSW Aboriginal Languages are healthy and visible. The completed document will be Community-informed, Culturally-safe and aligned with the Trust’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. The IMF was developed by Mel Harwin (Harwin Consulting Pty Ltd) following consultations in late 2023 early 2024, with key stakeholders in the Trust and across NSW Aboriginal organisations involved in Language revitalisation work”
“Local Languages Insights Project Pilot Helps Build Relationships with Languages Stakeholders and Communities - with Community-based researchers from six NSW Aboriginal organisations came together fin four workshops as part of the Local Language Insights Project (LLIP) and were run by impact measurement consultant, Ms Mel Harwin (Harwin Consulting Pty Ltd)”
Mel supported the development and fundraising strategy for language versions of this award-winning animated children’s series. Helping ensure that Aboriginal children hear and see their languages in everyday media, while shifting national narratives around culture, education, and belonging
Little J & Big Cuz
Academic Credentials
BA Community Development, Murdoch University 2013
MA Creative Writing, Macquarie University (not completed)
Cross-Cultural Communication Short Course, Australian National University
Data Analysis in Qualitative Research,University of Technology Sydney
Programs & Courses
Community Guide to Indigenous Data Sovereignty & Data Custodianship, Terri Janke and Company
Decolonisation Workshop w Garuwa, Genevieve Grieves
Inaugural Impact Producing Program, Documentary Australia
Impact Producing, Australian Film TV Radio School
Innovative Leadership Program, Hargraves Institute
Lean Approaches to Measure Social Impact, Acumen Academy
Most Significant Change Technique, Clear Horizons
Program Logic, Clear Horizons
Financial Management for NGOs, Mango Institute
Certificate of Creative & Arts Therapies, Courses Online
Other special bits & bobs
Australian Ambassador for Development, Cambodia 2010 - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia
Recipient of Australian Government Gratitude Award - 2010 & 2011 for “Contributions made to International Development”
Conferencer Speaker:
International Evaluation Conference, Brisbane, 2023, Australian Evaluation Society
Australian Council for International Development, Canberra, 2021, ACFID Members Annual Conference
Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit, Washington, 2014, Making Cents International
Australian Council for International Development, Melbourne, 2014, ACFID Members Annual Conference
Publications & Research:
ACFID Univeristy Network Case Study Series Academic and NGO Research Partnerships, 2015 Exploring the links between child and youth participation and development effectiveness: A joint-research and learning partnership.