I'm Dr Kat Sandbach, a researcher, strategist, and designer. I currently lead innovation at Life Ed Australia, one of the country's most recognised children's health education providers.
Across all of it, my approach is grounded in participatory design: the best outcomes happen when people are genuine partners in shaping the things that affect them.
My experience spans higher education, the creative sector, and community organisations, and I bring research rigour, policy fluency, and design thinking to the problems I take on. My work has directly informed government strategy, shaped curriculum and program design across multiple institutions, and delivered community engagement frameworks adopted by councils and cultural organisations.
I'm focused on my work at Life Ed and not taking on new projects at this time.
areas of expertise
Participatory Methods & Community Engagement
Research, Policy & Evaluation
Strategy, Communication & Program Design
Education & Creative Industries
recent projects
A book chapter on teaching creative practice in culturally diverse communities.
A policy report that shaped NSW Government creative industries strategy.
A digital platform giving marginalised communities a voice in decisions that affect them.
A community design studio that developed 800+ emerging creative professionals across Western Sydney.
A participatory project preserving the untold creative histories of Western Sydney.
Every project is different, and I've learned to be sceptical of anyone who applies the same process regardless of context. What works for a government agency won't necessarily work for a grassroots community organisation, and ignoring that reality is how good intentions produce bad outcomes.
My starting point is always the people and the problem, not the methodology. I bring rigour, genuine curiosity, and a bias toward listening before acting. I work iteratively, check in regularly, and I'm not precious about changing course when the evidence suggests we should.
What stays consistent is my commitment to doing it properly. With integrity, care, and respect for everyone in the room.
how I work