Seftons was appointed by the NSW Department of Education to engage with the Armidale community around the merger of two public high schools – Armidale High School and Duval High School – to create a new institution. We advised on and managed communication and engagement with the local Armidale community regarding the merger to ensure they were aware of and understood the Government’s announcement, had plenty of opportunity to ask questions and voice opinions, and could easily seek more information. Engagement tools included community workshops, information stalls, newsletters, direct letters, brochures and a website, all based on a powerful set of key messages which established the tone and values, not only of the engagement process, but of the new school itself. Seftons introduced the Department of Education to the Bang the Table online platform, which was integrated into the project. Two reports – during the process and at its conclusion – advised the Department about issues and concerns being raised. The engagement process helped build support and understanding about a significant change to education in the city of Armidale.