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In today's episode, Matt and Tenille talk with Jacinta Perry from Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership (TQKP) about what it means to view partnerships as systems, focusing on child-centered frameworks for systemic change. Jacinta explains the role of TQKP as a systems intermediary, aimed at creating conditions for kids to thrive in Queensland by connecting stakeholders from various sectors. She delves into the organisation's initiatives, including the Country Collaborative and Thriving Kids in Disasters, emphasising the significance of relationships and partnerships. Jacinta shares some of her insights on how systems thinking applies in her work, the role of ecological system-based metaphors, and the importance of going slowly with haste.

Below are some links to things discussed in the episode:

• Thriving Kids in Disasters Action and Investment Plan
• Thriving Kids in Disasters Report
• TQKP Draft Phase 3 Strategy
• Country Collaborative Social Network Analysis Webinar
• Human Learning Systems

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We've hit the 10-episode mark! To celebrate, we're unpacking food systems with the help of Dheepa Jeyapalan, Food Systems Lead Convenor at Regen Melbourne.

In this episode of The Systems Sandbox, Dheepa shares her journey from studying dietetics through to working with mothers and babies in the UK to her current role at Regen Melbourne. Dheepa, Tenille, and Matt delve into the complexities of what it's like to work in food systems, and some of the nuances that come with making progress from the current state of things to an optimistic future. The conversation covers the professional side - but also the role that personal connections to food can play in navigating complexity.

This episode has something for everyone - and even some recipe ideas for baked fish!

Links and resources:

• Dheepa's Substack 'Cornucopia' - read and signup for regular reading on food systems
• The Regen Melbourne website and the City Portrait
• Kate Raworth's TedTalk on Doughnut Economics
• An article on the Three Horizons Framework hosted on The Systems Thinker website

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In this episode Matt chats with Dr James Nobles from Leeds Beckett University about his journey into and use of systems thinking methodologies. They cover the ways in which we can and should think about the deeper layers to target, and where to start.

Spanning the use of techniques in design, delivery, and implementation this is a conversation that will be of value to everyone who grapples with complex problems. This includes deeper dives into the Action Scales Model and Ripple Effects Mapping - it promises to be a load of fun!

Resources mentioned or discussed in the episode:

• The Systems Thinker website
• Complex Systems Frameworks Collection hosted by Simon Fraser University
• Link to James' paper on the Action Scales Model
• Also, links to papers on Ripple Effects Mapping and some learning on implementation of a systems approach in Glouchestershire

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Stories are powerful levers for change and building shared understanding, but where do they fit within the context of systems work? But also, what is Thea Snow, Regional Director at the Centre for Public Impact's favourite story?

If those are the questions at the front of your mind today then you've come to the right place! In this episode, Tenille and Matt chat with Thea about her work and learning about the power of stories and storytelling. Listen for an insightful and thought provoking discussion that leaves you with a task - reflect on what your favourite story is, why, and share the answer with others.

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It's a new year - time for a new episode! We've put together this shorter bonus episode to ease you into the new year. In this episode, Matt delves into the role of questions - specifically 'powerful questions' and their ability to create a space for different types of conversations.

Matt talks about three types of powerful question:

• Diagnostic
• Reframing
• Generative

Hear Matt describe these applied to the hypothetical area of Meadowview and its food system. Whether you're a seasoned Sandbox enthusiast or just curious, this episode invites you to consider whether you're asking the right questions to invite the right conversations.

Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review! Your feedback helps us bring you more amazing content.

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.

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In this follow-up to Episode #5 on diagnosing complexity, Matt and Tenille get tangible with a conversation on ways to think and approach systems mapping. The big focus is on two foundational ways to frame a system:

• through the actors that are involved or interacting
• through the determinants (barriers or enablers) to a topic area or point of focus

They unpack some of the tricks and tips - including second layer questions, boundary setting, and lateral thinking - as well as the role and importance of different perspectives being involved.

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In this episode of The Systems Sandbox, Matt chats with author, educator, policy advisor and regenerative thinker Dominique Hes about her take on systems thinking. She offers insights into the importance of adaptability, the importance of designing with communities and place, and why she sees herself as mycelium in the forest.

Matt and Tenille then tackle a crucial question in the systems space - what are we seeing if we frame a problem as 'complex'? Shifting away from surface level analogies, they break down four things to look for to know if something is complex with the issue of vaping used as an example.

This thought provoking episode has something for everyone!

You can pick up a copy of Dominique's new book on the history and place of Newport Lakes in local bookstores in Yarraville and Williamstown, or online: https://www.amazon.com.au/STORIES-NEWPORT-LAKES-Creating-regeneration/dp/064670494X

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In this episode, Tenille speaks with Ruby Marshall, the Live 5210 coordinator at the University of British Columbia. Ruby shares her journey in health promotion, from her roots in Australia to her current role in Canada, where she collaborates with communities to promote healthy habits in children. They explore concepts essential to systems thinking, like leverage points and feedback loops, and Ruby offers insights into the challenges of cross-sector collaboration in health promotion. She discusses the 5210 initiative, which encourages children to enjoy 5 servings of fruits and veggies, limit recreational screen time to 2 hours, get 1 hour of physical activity, and avoid sugary drinks. Ruby explains how mental models and community champions play a crucial role in sustaining long-term change in complex health systems. Matt wraps up with a discussion on mental models, emphasizing the importance of making assumptions explicit in systems change work; and ideas on how to do so.

Learn more about Live5210 from their website: https://live5210.ca/pages/home.

For more about us and what we do check out our LinkedIn page.