Ideas Incubator: Session 1, The Validator

About this workshop:

Session 1 – The Validator is a guided, hands‑on workshop where a creative facilitator supports participants to bring early‑stage ideas into the open. Through practical tools and peer‑based exploration, you’ll test your idea, clarify its purpose and direction, and gain confidence to take the next step.

This session is ideal for creatives at the “spark” stage — those who know they have something but want help shaping it into a clearer direction.

About your facilitator

DMP is a creative consultancy committed to supporting individuals, businesses and organisations to realise their vision and goals. Debby Maziarz (lead facilitator) supports the quality and viability of the arts, not for profit and local business sectors through the provision of business development and fundraising advice, strategic planning, leadership development, facilitation and capacity building training. Debby comes to consulting with significant experience as an educator, youth worker, business mentor and founder of the not-for-profit organisation Westside Circus.

About the program:

Ideas Incubator is a free and in-person, well-rounded creative development journey designed to help creatives bring their project ideas to life. It offers practical tools, peer exchange and guidance to support artists from early ideas through project delivery and longer‑term sustainability – while recognising that every project takes its own path. You’re welcome to travel through the whole journey or join us midway, choosing whichever sessions best support your creative practice.

For more information, contact skillsbuilding@yarraranges.vic.gov.au or culturaldevelopment@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

Accessibility and Transport:

• Closest bus stops

  Maroondah Hwy/Anderson St: Serviced by various routes including the 685 and 683 and others traveling along the highway.

  Lilydale Station/West William St: Major hub (routes 683, 685, 686, 687, 688)

• Closest train station is Lilydale Train Station, with a 10–15-minute walk to the civic centre
• Unrestricted and accessible parking is available onsite to the back of the civic centre. Please be mindful of parking signs.
• Bour-deet and Karawun meeting rooms are located behind the front desk of the main entrance of the civic centre, opposite the toilets

Light refreshments provided.

Register today by clicking on the “Register” button!

If you are no longer available to attend, please cancel your registration or email us at skillsbuilding@yarraranges.vic.gov.au

This workshop is delivered as part of the Ideas Incubator program by Yarra Ranges Council, in partnership with ‘Creative Communities’ and ‘Partnerships & Community Building’.

Yarra Ranges Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and other Kulin Nation peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of these lands and waterways. We pay our respects to all Elders, past, present, and emerging, who have been, and always will be, integral to the story of our region. We proudly share custodianship to care for Country together.