strategists for communities and organisations with complex histories
what we do
research
We carry out grounded historical and sociological research, analysis, reporting and presentations.
We can delve into messy, difficult, or ambiguous research and convey findings with nuance and relevance.
consult and engage
We help our clients to understand the needs, concerns and ideas of their constituents.
We are happy to engage in difficult spaces and work hard to broker lasting relationships.
facilitate collaboration
We help to facilitate group collaboration in face-to-face and online contexts. We employ a range of methods including human centred design, deliberative engagement processes, and creative facilitation techniques.
Every facilitation is designed carefully with our clients and their collaborators.
design strategy
We can support any part of a strategic design process; from needs analysis, visioning, and strategy design, through to implementation-planning and evaluation.
Our strategies are well-grounded and informed by research, engagement and collaboration.
our approach
historical
Ashtree helps organisations and communities learn from the past to build a better future.
We apply historical methods to explore institutional power and historical injustices. Our approach to history is always about finding the relevance of the past to the current time and context.
sociological
We apply sociological thinking to help clients and communities define and respond to systems, structures, and cultures that impact on the way that individuals, organisations and communities interact.
Our grounding in sociology helps us understand the role that social structures and systems play in affecting communities and individuals.
trauma-aware
We embed trauma-informed practices into all of our projects. We seek to ensure that the communities we are engaging with have the safest experience possible.
Since Ashtree was formed, we have been strengthening our trauma-informed approach. We are constantly listening and learning and growing in this space.
responsive
Ashtree has evolved through a bespoke approach to projects and inititatives.
We are not constrained by set frameworks but work closely with our clients and communities to develop responsive methodologies.
about us
Ashtree Projects is Ember Parkin and David McGinniss.
We met as PhD students at Federation University’s Collaborative Research Centre in Australian History. After years of thinking, writing and table tennis, we started AshTree Projects to keep working on the things we are passionate about, in ways that make sense to us and our clients.
We like to keep things simple, and to the point. As doctors of history and sociology, we have seen too much ink, paper and pixel wasted by unnecessary words.
Ember Parkin (she/her)
Ember is an expert community engagement specialist, with a knack for building deep and trusting relationships. Her PhD in sociology positions her as a leading expert in understanding the motivations and drivers of young people in regional communities. Ember designs and delivers public exhibitions, events and experiences, and likes nothing better than to bring meaning and joy to people’s worlds.
David McGinniss (he/him)
David is a historian with a natural talent for making sense of micro details and macro context. Following a career in strategy, planning, and program delivery in the community sector, David completed his PhD on the histories and complex legacies of children’s institutionalisation in Ballarat, Victoria. David is an excellent facilitator and presenter whose enthusiasm is infectious. David is also a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at ACU, focussing on histories of activism by care experienced people in Australia.
check out our projects by service type
get in touch
If you’re keen to hear more from us, please reach out using the form below.
