Maria Simonelli
Creative Catalyst
Artist & Author
Facilitator & Trainer
Environmental Educator
Sustainability Advocate
Community Builder
'My vision is to create vibrant and sustainable communities through facilitating partnerships.
I provide creative and energising approaches to build individual and organisational capacity'.
Experience
"My first experience with intersections was while undertaking an undergraduate degree that combined studies in education and environmental science. This inter-disciplinary qualification lay the foundation for what was to become many years of working in public advocacy on environmental education. This led to further post graduate studies in education, visuals arts, neuroscience and research, combined with a guiding principle for diverse and cross disciplinary approaches to program implementation.
With years of experience working across sectors in various roles, themes have emerged that explain my approach.
I've has spent many years playing at the intersection of sustainability, capacity building and creative problem solving and I now combine creativity, the arts and sciences to provide vibrant and energising approaches to social change.
My latest venture, The Creative Catalyst, was borne from these parallel interests and has led to my mission of seeking to support others to achieve their best creative self. What happens at intersections is a rich creative vein that encourages a curious, experimental and human centered approach to problem solving.
But I’m not alone in this realisation, large corporations have also come to the conclusion that creativity is a means to achieve innovation to deal with the complexity of modern and competitive global environments.
It’s now time for government, business and community sectors to deep dive into the intersection of creativity and science to discover how to build the capacity of both their staff and organisations, breaking down barriers between disciplines and using human centered design led creative tools to both problem find and problem solve.
As a sustainability advocate, program facilitator, artist and educator I’m deeply committed to building capacity to solve the difficult problems that confront us. The end game is to bring our best creative capacity to solve the social, environmental and equity problems plaguing this world… starting with our own sphere of influence".
To join in the Creativity Without Borders revolution, visit the Facebook site
Or go to the website at www.thecreativecatalyst.com.au
To explore my art practice, visit www.projectreclaim.com.au or www.mariasimonelli.com.au
To create a new career, visit www.careerredesign.com.au
Author
The Creative Advantage: How the intersection of science and creativity reveals life’s ultimate advantage
Three book series launched 2021
The Creative Advantage is as much about my own journey as it is a reader’s guide to living a creative life. My ‘why’ is to facilitate creative problem solving approaches with individuals, within organisations and across community, to achieve a more sustainable world. I combine creativity, education, the arts and sciences to provide vibrant and energising approaches to social change.
Climate change, the declining health of the environment and its relevance to all aspects of sustaining life has given me a greater sense of urgency. The world needs imaginative solutions driven by creatives and supported by teams of innovators to solve our economic, environmental and social challenges to create viable, equitable and sustainable communities. This book is my contribution to reach a broad audience to build the creative capacity and focus on the task at hand to affect that change.
Founder, Manager & Facilitator
The Creative Catalyst
Jan 2017-Present
The Creative Catalyst supports individuals and organisations to explore their creativity and discover new approaches to problem solving, build creative core competencies, integrate these into our lives and workplaces to facilitate positive social and cultural change.
A suite of products and services are now available including an online program, a three book series and workshops in various online and in person formats, all catering to individuals and teams.
Facilitator & Program Manager
2014- Present
Be Collective (2021- 2022)
Be Collective is an innovative technology platform delivering social and community benefit. It supports communities, businesses, government, educational institutions and non-profits, by connecting those providing volunteer opportunities with those that want to help.
Telco Together Foundation (2015-2019)
The Foundation provides a means for non profit and corporate sectors to create meaningful and effective partnerships to make a significant social contribution.
I supported this Foundation by providing strategic and project management expertise to facilitate partnerships for social impact. I worked closely with Vocus, Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and Aussie Broadband to enable engagement opportunities that resulted in positive social change. I also undertook research and facilitation to establish the Industry Impact Hub, a collaborative telecommunications industry initiative to action industry-wide approaches to issues confronting our community. The first two initiatives undertaken focused on supporting members on Domestic and Family Violence and Modern Slavery.
Greenfleet (2015)
A non profit environmental organisation, focused on climate protection through restorative planting and biodiverse carbon offsets. I supported this organisation by facilitating a campaign development process to engage individuals, businesses, NGOs, councils and universities.
Toombak Indigenous Production (2014)
Toombak, a majority owned indigenous media company, produce television, radio and digital media content from an indigenous perspective for the Australian audience. I assisted by undertaking a strategic facilitation process to support the next phase of their growth phase.
Melbourne Based Artist
Sculptor - Ongoing
I’m influenced by urban trends and contemporary issues and interested in questioning everyday patterns by intervening and provoking alternative forms of discourse. I hope that my artworks assist to transition a viewer to make connections between disparate ideas and give a different perspective on something they are already aware of. Above all I value the awake, curious and creative mind that cross pollinates ideas to join the dots and build new ideas.
YouTube Channel
Founder and Creator
Project Reclaim 2013 - Ongoing
Director and Artist of The Project Reclaim. This is an organic sculpture series made from antique fabrics and organic materials to create unique sculptural pieces.
Project Reclaim draws attention to what and how we consume and provides an opportunity to rethink what is waste. This art practices shows how materials can be reused and ultimately diverted from the waste stream.
Random Acts of Kindness: Some pieces available for auction with funds donated to charity.
Melbourne Based Sculptor
Project manager and sculptor of Make Light Not War Series 2017-present
The Make Light Not War project creates sculptural pieces that challenge perpetuating myths surrounding the acceptance and integration of renewable energy technology into our daily lives. Given the clear science on climate change, I connect people through my sculptural works, to the potential and the optimism that this technology provides.
Digital Change Maker
Digital Change Maker 2013 - 2017
Technology is becoming a key tool in creating substantial positive change in the world. There is a huge range of groups and diversity of approaches, all playing their important part. Digital change makers play a key role in supporting these groups and approaches, helping them think and learn about systems thinking, utilising networks, facilitation and working with people to co-create and engage on a larger scale.
This project enabled me to support community organisations and provide practical advice to enable them to strategically use these social and digital mediums for maximum campaign exposure for greater benefit. My focus is to facilitate the creative community and arts practitioners to use social media in a positive way to manage their profile.
This project was originally inspired by receiving a Digital Change Maker Apprenticeship.
Creator, Author & Facilitator
Sweet Spot Careers 2013 - 2017
Utilising the unique Career Redesign Program that had at its core, a human centered design method that supports participants to make a successful career move, particularly in the second half of life. The program provides the inspiration, tools and a process to take action. It identifies enablers, addresses challenges and risks and helps find the clarity needed through a focused and practical process.
Resources currently available include both the online program: " Find Your Career Sweet Spot & Redesign Your Career", the ebook "Sweet Spot Careers-A Practical and Creative Guide to a Successful Midlife or Mid Career Transition" and the Facebook Community support site.
General Manager
Climate Positive Foundation 2012
Climate Positive was a non-profit environmental organisation working with businesses and households to achieve measurable and long-term global warming solutions.
As General Manager my role was primarily in business planning to successfully increase participation and funding from a number of non-traditional sectors in carbon offsetting. (Maternity leave role)
Education Director
Green Building Council 2011
The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) is a non-profit organisation committed to a sustainable property industry by encouraging the adoption of green building practices through the Green Rating tools, advocacy, membership services and education programs.
As Education Director I was responsible for the redesign of the education strategy, facilitation of stakeholder input and the management of the Education Unit during a transitional phase for the organisation.
Community Engagement Advisor
Utility Services 2010
Utility Services, was a for profit alliance made up of South East Water, Thiess Services, Siemens and MWH Designers, to deliver integrated urban development, engineering and construction services.
This role provided me an opportunity, in the organisation's establishment set up phase, to facilitate community engagement in the delivery of environmental infrastructure to their regions.
Winston Churchill Fellowship Recipient
2001
During this period I undertook a Churchill Fellowship to USA, Canada and Europe and studied the motivational factors for organisations integrating environmental principles into business plans.
As a Winston-Churchill Memorial Fellow I continue to assist and mentor further applicants on this amazing initiative.
Executive Manager
The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives 1999 - 2009
ICLEI_ is a non-profit international association of local governments and the community sector that have made a commitment to sustainable development.
I was a key player in ICLEI Oceania’s start up since its Australian incorporation in Sept 1999. This entrepreneurial organisation maintained a niche market of capacity building services in their areas of social and environmental development during my 10-year tenure. As part of the executive team, my role was to manage, problem-solve, co-facilitate and scenario plan for effective program development, organisational stability and growth. I was specifically tasked to secure new funding, relationship management and program development.
Climate Change Advisor
BP 1999
As part of a Federal Government Scholarship Program and located in the Government Relations and Communication Dept. I assisted with a number of projects including providing advice on relationship management with the Commonwealth. I also undertook two self initiated research reports including “Lessons in Leadership” and “The Business of the Environment: Factors motivating industry to take up environmental initiatives”.
Environment Advisor
United Nations Environment Programme 1998
Located in UNEP’s Paris Oil and Petroleum Unit managing projects that explored best practice in the regulatory and voluntary approaches of the leading oil exploring and exporting countries. The experience provided a great exposure to the working of international diplomacy and cooperative policy making.
Assistant Director
Federal Government Environment Department 1991 - 1998
Program Management, Policy Development and Training Coordinator for the Federal Government. A formative time in personal development of program management, facilitation skills and understanding options to build engagement and capacity across sectors. It was also a role that enabled me to apply my environmental education and community building experience into the formation of government policy.
Awards & Scholarships
Global Governance Initiative IWD Scholarship 2019
Digital Change Maker Program, 2013
Melbourne Award Community Organisation & Contribution to Environment, 2008
Winston Churchill Fellowship, 2001
Senior Women in Management, Federal Govt Award 1999
Achievements
Facilitation & Training
Designing and facilitating a range of workshop training formats
Partnership Management
Enabling and facilitating partnerships for social impact between
Author & Researcher
Program Development
Sustainability Program Delivery
Climate Mitigation Program Delivery
Securing Stable Funding
Entrepreneurial &
Creative Start Ups
Board & Committee Experience
Community & Voluntary Experience
Cross Sector Experience
Government Sector
Cross Sector Experience
Non Profit Sector
Communications
The Creative Catalyst
Be curious, be inspired, be more
The Creative Catalyst provides a range of unique programs that build creative competences, skill sets and collaborative workplace cultures.
The Creative Advantage launched 2020
7 Steps to Enhanced Creativity
The Creative Advantage- Find out more about the science that’s revealing how we can establish the foundations of the creative advantage.
Skills Exchange 2018
with the Telco Together Foundation
Bringing together non profits and telco and IT specialists to problem solve.
Sweet Spot Careers 2014
with Sweet Spot Careers: A Practical and Creative Guide to a Successful Midlife Career Transition
Check out the book and online program to support your successful career transition.
Accredited Study and Professional Development
Tertiary Qualifications
Monash University
Graduate Certificate Education Research 2016
Victorian College
of the Arts
Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts 2011-2012
Studio Art 2008 -2014
Melbourne College of Advanced Education, Melbourne University
Graduate Diploma in Education /Drama
Monash University
Indigenous Studies
Victoria College, Deakin
Bachelor in Environmental Science;
double degree with a Diploma in Education