Lived Experience is Human Intelligence
A sustainable world depends on more than systems, policy and data. It depends on communities that understand relationship, accountability, dignity and repair.
Lived Experience Matters exists to translate real-life experience into evidence, policy insight and social sustainability solutions — so the people most affected by systems are no longer spoken about, but finally heard.
Professionals intellectualise issues, resulting in theory.
People live the reality, resulting in knowledge.
Holly Czinke - Founder Lived Experience Matters
It is lived experience which informs where corruption exists. Lived Experience sees bad actors that others don’t. Lived Experience isn’t just what happens to others, its is what will happen to everyone if we allow it t happen to them. The only reason lived experience isn’t leading the way is because it threatens every harm producing system in the world.
Finally where lived experiences are shared, this is mirroring a social justice that requires invetigation.
Our Projects
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Lived Experience Matters Pty Ltd established The Social Sustainability Project to design bottom up socially sustainable community development solutions which seek to end the commoditisation of the people “down here” and enable them to rise to enjoy a better quality of life and in turn enhancing the financial wellbeing of all and the walkability of the local community. Our vision is to Return the Village to the Community.
We will return the village by empowering the people in our social housing communities with industry which fits their cultural needs and enables all the benefits we feel from being self sustaining. -
Culturally appropriate care means choosing the familiar hand that understands your life — the aunty with lived experience of addiction — over a well-meaning stranger who barely speaks English. At Lived Experience Matters we advocate for honesty and choice: we clearly disclose who we are, how systems have labelled us, and the strengths those labels hide. Care should centre trust, shared history and cultural understanding. Ultimately it’s the client’s decision who cares for them — informed, respectful, and led by the community.
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To our knowledge there is no other concept like nurture. Nurture stores are a solid example of sustainable development in action. Fruit Veg and Flowers with old stock repurposed into fresh bab foods, smoothie mixes Jam’s spreads and pies. Subscriptions models will enable smart subscribers to reduce their cost of living significantly with around a 40% reduction in their weekly food budget. We see these stores as being a community hub and will have a community area on site where with much lobbying we intend to have social work services available for by from a lived experience workforce. All families suffer systemic failings, the ndis and my aged care are examples of social issues almost everyone needs support with at times.
We intend to be a certified indigenous business and our flag ship store will be in Redfern / Waterloo NSW Australia.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.Nurture stays are attached to the nurture stores enabling hosted stays which do not impact residential housing stock. These are also an innovation in Airbnb stays and management. People want sustainability. These stays enable us to showcase Sydney for its social sustainability by enabling people to stay and experience our vision for the return of the village to the community.
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Cleaning Airbnb’s are perfect for those “down here’. who are also house proud (contrary to a current affair type stories which smear public housing tenants). By providing laundry and cleaning services for other Airbnb operators they too can support local social sustainability and proudly use that as a buy in for their guests. All while using LOCAL people improving our LOCAL economy for all of us.
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Urban Commercial Farming on Public Housing land. Same day sign on sam day pay. Community owned and indigenous operated. Returning the men to land to enable them to support their mob.
When a lived experience is a shared one, its likely a sign of a social justice issue…
“LivedIt”
Lived it works to share our experiences in part to heal but primarily because sharing our truth is our greatest weapon for change. When social Justice issues are known, the process to correcting the wrong is possible. Voices of lived experience tell us so much about our world, our politicians, institutions and more.. Let’s help keep them honest or at least heal the trauma by being a part of the solution by simply being aware of what is happening for others….
Our Campaigns
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![Close-up of a person's eye with long eyelashes, partially covered by a white fabric.]()
Misidentification of Women (Domestic Violence)
The Social Sustainability Project’s latest campaign powerfully exposes the alarming trend of women being arrested in disproportionately high numbers on domestic violence charges, challenging prevailing narratives that often overlook the complex contexts behind these instances. By amplifying lived experiences and presenting data-driven insights, the campaign seeks to unravel systemic biases within the justice system that penalise women who are frequently acting in self-defence or under coercive circumstances. This innovative approach not only calls for urgent policy reforms but also emphasises the need for community support structures that address the root causes of domestic violence rather than perpetuating cycles of criminalisation and marginalisation.
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![A woman wearing a face mask and backpack holding a protest sign that reads, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,' amid other protesters in an urban setting.]()
Abuse of Power ( Coercive Governing)
Coercive government practices in Australia undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens, often operating under the guise of national security or public order. These practices include surveillance without due process, unjustified detention, and the suppression of dissenting voices, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. Our campaign at Lived Experience Matters is dedicated to exposing these abuses, amplifying the voices of those impacted, and advocating for transparent, accountable governance. By shedding light on these issues, we aim to foster a society where power is exercised responsibly and citizens are empowered rather than controlled.
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![Person holding an empty brown leather wallet with no cash or cards inside.]()
Down Here
Our campaign aims to dismantle long-standing misconceptions surrounding those on the margins—those living "Down Here"—by sharing authentic stories and significant insights drawn directly from lived experiences. We challenge outdated stereotypes by highlighting the diverse abilities and contributions of individuals often overlooked, fostering a deeper understanding and acceptance within the community. Through innovative storytelling and evidence-based information, we seek to create a more inclusive society where people are recognised for their unique strengths rather than defined by misconceptions.
“Down Here” is an innovative community-led project based in Sydney that focuses on creating inclusive and accessible public spaces for people whose experiences have been marginalised. Rather than viewing difference through a deficit or medical lens, “Down Here” centres lived experience to foster social sustainability by promoting engagement, participation, and empowerment within local communities. The initiative prioritises collaboration with those directly affected, ensuring their voices shape the environment and programming. By embedding inclusive design principles and fostering a culture of mutual respect, “Down Here” contributes to thriving communities where diversity is genuinely valued and embraced.
