About Us: Team, Values and Our Journey


Empowering Communities Through Data, Innovation, and Collaboration 💡🌏

At CommunitiesThrive®, we are dedicated to one core mission: helping communities, councils, and organisations thrive. We harness the latest in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and co-design engagement to drive evidence-based change and deliver lasting, meaningful outcomes—wherever you are.


Who We Are 🏆

Founded in Sydney (carbon-neutral HQ!) and serving clients across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada, CommunitiesThrive® is a multi-award-winning GovTech consultancy and SaaS innovator. Our story is built on years of hands-on leadership in public sector strategy, digital transformation, and community development.

What sets us apart?

  • World-Class Expertise: Decades of international experience across councils, non-profits, and the education sector.
  • Innovation Leadership: Creators of PlacePulse.AI and AgileFlow.AI—platforms setting new standards in community analytics, compliance, and digital engagement.
  • Ethical, Sustainable Approach: We’re carbon-neutral by design and committed to data privacy, digital inclusion, and real-world impact.

Meet Our Founder: Dr Chris Budhan 🎓🌟

Dr Chris Budhan is the driving spirit behind CommunitiesThrive®. With a dual citizenship in Australia and Canada, Chris embodies a truly global outlook—drawing on academic achievement and sector experience from McGill University, New York University, and the University of Texas at Austin.

Chris’s leadership career spans:

  • Senior management and consulting across 100+ council areas.
  • Academic roles (postgraduate lecturer and associate at UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance).
  • Development of AI-driven SaaS solutions trusted nationwide.

Recognition & Awards: 🥇

  • IAP2 Australasia Core Values Awards (twice)
  • United Nations LivCom Award
  • Heart Foundation Award
  • Parks & Leisure Australia Award

Recent Projects Include:

  • Bega Valley Shire Council – Community Water Engagement
  • Gladstone Regional Council – Community Survey
  • Federation Council – Community Strategic Plan
  • City of Kwinana – Multicultural Action & Engagement
  • State Library of NSW & Hornsby Shire Council – Major Funding Wins
[Read more about Chris and see his CV]

Our Values: What Drives Us 🌱

Inclusion: Ensuring every community voice is heard, especially the seldom-heard.
Evidence: Making the complex simple, and supporting decisions with robust, actionable data.
Collaboration: Genuine partnership, with clients and community.
Sustainability: Climate-aware consultancy, digital-first practices, and transparent data ethics.


Why Choose CommunitiesThrive®? ✨

  • Award-winning platforms and consulting
  • Global knowledge, locally tailored
  • Proven track record of measurable results
  • Integrated innovation: consulting + powerful technology
  • Human-first, community outcomes focus

Join Our Journey 🚀

Whether you’re a council, non-profit, educational provider, or impact-driven enterprise, your goals are our goals. Let’s shape the future—together.

📧 Contact us today
📞 +61 0416 001 982
[Book an introduction call] 🗓️


CommunitiesThrive®—Leading the way in data-driven decision making, public participation, and digital transformation for communities, councils, and the public good. 🌍