The Ready Communities Readiness Index helps regional communities understand their strengths, gaps, and opportunities — not by focusing on what’s missing, but by shining a light on the space between.

That’s where real change happens.

The space between people and ideas. Between services and outcomes. Between intention and action. That’s what we measure — and that’s where we work.

The Index is a practical tool that helps communities see what’s already working, where things could be better connected, and what needs to happen next. It’s not a report card. It’s a roadmap.

We explore five areas that shape community readiness:

• Clarity and Understanding – A shared sense of direction, good information, and trust in the process.

• Connection and Connectivity – Strong links across people, places, and systems — and the tools to stay connected.

• Capability and Capacity – Local leaders, organisations and networks with the skills and support to act.

• Collaboration for Purpose – Working together with intention, fairness and impact.

• Advocacy and Promotion – A strong, unified voice that tells the story and attracts the right support.

This isn’t a quick fix. It’s a way of understanding the conditions that help communities move from ideas to action — by focusing on what lies in the space between.