Designing inclusive communication and participation processes: Interim findings from the trial of a participatory evaluation process involving diverse rural communities and organisations

This paper discusses some problematic issues that were raised in the trial of a participatory planning and evaluation process involving diverse participants, organisations, and communities, and the use of diverse communication and interaction strategies. The LEARNERS process (Learning, Evaluation, Action & Reflection for New technologies, Empowerment & Rural Sustainability) is being trialled as part of an innovative three-year research project that is using participatory action research, participatory evaluation, and feminist research methodologies. This project is being conducted by a Queensland University of Technology research team in collaboration with people in two Queensland rural communities (Tara and Stanthorpe Shires), and five government and industry partners.