Adelaide University Internship - Charmi Divecha

Welcome Charmi!

Charmi Divecha has joined our Data Analytics Team for her Adelaide University SET (Sciences, Engineering and Technology) Internship for Data Science for Trimester 2, 2025, 27 May 2025 - 22 August 2025.

She is completing a 280 hour internship onsite with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up Office, Infoxchange 22.5 hours a week for 12 weeks over 3 days around her university classes. 

Total Hours 222 Joined 27 May 2025 Last Check-in 1 August 2025

Personal Biography

Charmi is currently pursuing a Master of Data Science, having previously completed a Bachelor’s degree in the same field. Her academic journey has been marked by a strong foundation in data-driven methodologies, supported by university projects and a hands-on internship. These experiences have allowed her to deepen her expertise in key areas such as Machine Learning, Data Analysis, and Artificial Intelligence. She has also gained proficiency in industry-relevant tools and programming languages, including Python, R, SQL, and Tableau. She is the first author of a research paper on AI-based news summarization and classification, published in Springer as part of the 23rd International Conference on Hybrid Intelligent Systems (HIS 2023).

At Connecting Up, she is eager to further refine her analytical skills, particularly through practical applications of Power BI. She is also enthusiastic about developing new competencies in Google Analytics, recognising its growing importance in data-driven decision-making. Through this internship, she aims to broaden her exposure to real-world datasets and challenges, which will not only enhance her technical capabilities but also allow her to grow her professional network within the industry.

Looking ahead, she is keen to build a career as a Data Analyst, Data Scientist, or Financial Analyst, particularly within the finance sector. Her long-term goal is to leverage her technical knowledge and data science skills to extract meaningful insights from financial data, thereby contributing to data-informed strategic decisions. She is passionate about bridging the gap between data and business outcomes and sees the finance industry as an ideal environment to achieve this.

Community Services in Councils Project

Charmi has selected the largest dataset in SAcommunity Onkaparinga Council (City of Onkaparinga) for her Power BI council report, the dataset is approximately 1165 community services operating in the area for the financial years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. Her reports followed previous visualisation report work by Putri Kamaluddin, and her completed report can be found>>here.

There are a number of steps involved in the creation of community service information data presentations. A summary of data trends prepared, using information from Google Analytics and SAcommunity with subsequent Power BI and Canva reports revealing data anomalies and corrections required, the database is updated and reports re-created with improved information. Final data reports are published to the website, and introduced by Charmi to Onkaparinga council stakeholders for information and/or feedback on 30 July 2025.

Insights from Power BI Report

As part of a data-driven review of the Onkaparinga Council's community services, a detailed analysis was conducted on Power BI dashboards from two financial years (FY 2023–24 and FY 2024–25). The analysis highlighted a moderate decline in overall engagement, with sessions dropping from 64,000 to 57,000 and total user count falling from 56,000 to 50,000. Despite this reduction, several organisations experienced significant growth, most notably South Adelaide Snake Catchers, which rose to become the top organisation by session volume. Long-standing services such as Justices of the Peace and Housing SA recorded notable decreases in activity, while other local organisations like Willunga Glass Studio and Seaford Christian Churches gained traction.

At the category level, recreation continued to lead with the highest share of sessions, followed by community development and health-related services. However, shifts were observed in emerging categories such as “Animals, Birds” and “Religions & Philosophies,” which gained significant session volume compared to the previous year. These changes suggest evolving community interests, with increased participation in wellbeing, wildlife, and spiritually aligned services. The findings provided a clear year-over-year comparison and supported recommendations for strategic reallocation of focus towards areas showing growing demand.

Enhancing the Accuracy of Playgroup Listings in the City of Onkaparinga

As part of her internship with the City of Onkaparinga, she undertook a data validation and enhancement project focused on improving the quality and reliability of playgroup listings on the SA Community platform. The initiative was prompted by insights drawn from Power BI reports, which revealed unusually high engagement with the listing titled All About Playgroups in the City of Onkaparinga. Upon closer examination, it became evident that this listing served as an aggregate reference rather than representing a single organisation, prompting a thorough investigation.

She began by comparing the playgroups listed under this entry with the official register maintained by Playgroup SA. This comparison revealed notable inconsistencies—many playgroups listed on SA Community were not reflected on Playgroup SA’s website, and vice versa. To address this, she verified the details of each organisation through their official websites and, when required, contacted them directly via email or phone to confirm the current status of their playgroup services. She then removed outdated listings, updated organisational names where changes had occurred, and added missing entries to ensure comprehensive coverage.

As a result, several new organisation profiles were created, and all relevant details were reviewed and updated to ensure clarity and consistency across the platform. The outcome of this work is a more accurate and accessible resource for families and caregivers in the Onkaparinga region. By improving the integrity of this data, Charmi has helped strengthen community engagement and ensured that reliable, up-to-date information is readily available for those seeking early childhood programs in the area.

Charmi Divecha with Tomer Ginel, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Infoxchange

Mentor Meeting 23 July 2025

Meeting Tomer Ginel was an insightful and encouraging experience that broadened my understanding of how data science is shaping the future of finance. As a CFO, Tomer brought a valuable strategic perspective, bridging financial leadership with data-driven innovation. His ability to connect core financial concepts with practical applications of data analysis and predictive modelling gave me a clearer view of how these tools drive decisions in budgeting, forecasting, and risk management.

What stood out most was his emphasis on building strong data foundations before applying advanced analytics. He shared how many organisations are shifting toward automation and real-time reporting, but warned that without structured data and clear governance, even the best tools can lead to flawed insights. His openness about the changing nature of forecasting from static models to more adaptive, scenario-based thinking and highlighted how finance is becoming more forward-looking and integrated with business strategy.

Tomer also offered thoughtful advice on how I could position myself for a strategic role in finance. He stressed the importance of pairing technical skills with a strong grasp of business fundamentals and communication. His encouragement to seek out learning opportunities beyond the classroom and stay aligned with real-world business challenges was especially motivating. Overall, the session left me with a deeper understanding of how to apply my data science background in meaningful ways and helped shape my thinking around future career opportunities in finance and analytics.

Infoxchange All Staff Town Hall 27 May 2025

The All Staff Town Hall offered a meaningful glimpse into an organisation that’s balancing appreciation for its people with a forward-looking mindset. The session opened with a strong focus on purpose and inclusivity, while also celebrating team contributions and leadership across different areas. A standout moment was the update on the evolving approach to AI emphasising hands-on exploration, ethical use, and the importance of staff-led innovation. What really stood out was the encouragement of curiosity, open dialogue, and cross-team collaboration. Overall, the meeting reflected a culture that values recognition, transparency, and thoughtful progress. 

Connecting Up Staff Meeting 8 July 2025

Looking forward to know about the next Connecting Up Staff Meeting.

Data Catalyst Network | Social Scope Sector-led Benchmarking Tool 28 May 2025

Key Speaker: Dr Bengianni Halil-Pizzirani

At the Data Catalyst Network meeting, attendees were introduced to Social Scope a new, sector-owned benchmarking platform created to better support early intervention services. What stood out was how grounded and practical the platform is. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all model, it builds on the data organisations are already collecting, respecting the realities of frontline work. The platform also places a strong focus on data sovereignty, aiming to give smaller and Indigenous-led organisations greater control and access to their own data. With support from the Department of Treasury and Finance, Social Scope is a promising example of how data can be used not just to measure, but to empower helping reframe narratives around disadvantage through a lens of resilience and community-led insight.

DCN June Webinar | Data-Driven Collaborations: Using Population Data to Showcase Outcomes 25 June 2025

Dr. Jan Kabátek: Senior Research Fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne

Key Speaker: Dr. Jan Kabátek

At the Data Catalyst Network session, participants were introduced to two AI tools, HILDA Helper and BDB Chatbot, which ardesigned to improve access to and use of population-level data like HILDA. A live demo showed how the BDB Chatbot helps users navigate data sources and statistical terms in plain language, making complex information more accessible. The HILDA Helper supports statistical analysis by generating code and extracting insights, with human experts reviewing outputs to ensure accuracy. The session also outlined a three-layer data system: access, analysis, and communication—where the chatbot aids discovery and the Helper manages analysis. Statistics were highlighted as central to this process, with AI enhancing usability while expert oversight ensures rigour. The tools reflect a balanced approach to innovation, aiming to make data use both easier and more trustworthy.

Let's Talk Webinar | Conference Recap & Tech Report 28 May 2025

The "Let’s Talk" session, what really stood out was Infoxchange’s focus on staying true to its purpose while continuing to grow. The announcement of a new brand positioning project created specifically for the not-for-profit sector and supported by a Melbourne branding agency offering pro bono help felt like a smart and values-driven move. It showed that the organisation is thinking long-term, but still grounded in its mission. There was also a meaningful reminder of where it all started: a small team in a garage with nothing but an idea and determination. That spirit clearly still lives on. The team’s call to support the 2025 Digital Technology Survey also highlighted how much Infoxchange values sector-wide impact. The session reinforced a strong message progress doesn’t mean losing your roots, and real impact comes from staying collaborative, focused, and people-first.

Let's Talk Webinar | The Future of Care - A Roadmap for Smarter, More Compassionate Case Management 24 June 2025

The "Let’s Talk" session offered a focused update on improving client and case management systems. Key highlights included a secure file viewer to reduce data risks, extended access to insights through the Data Warehouse pilot, and more flexible user permissions. Plans for app-based multi-factor authentication and better system integration showed a strong focus on security and usability. The session also acknowledged the importance of technical maintenance, reinforcing a practical and people-centred approach to long-term system improvement.

Infoxchange's Biggest Morning Tea - Cancer Council 17 June 2025

Help Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.

Website Re-development Meeting 27 June 2025

In discussion with Kristen Moeller-Saxone, Data Capability Lead, the conversation focused on web development challenges, particularly the difficulty of transitioning from open-ended data fields to more structured formats without excluding niche or unique service entries. A key concern was how to effectively clean and standardise existing free-text data to align with closed selection systems. The exchange also highlighted the importance of thoughtful data architecture and backend support to ensure systems remain flexible, scalable, and user-friendly. Overall, the discussion reflected a practical and collaborative effort to improve data quality and platform usability while respecting the diverse needs of service users.

Digital Training & Development

Volunteers and interns have access to the Connecting Up Digital Learning Platform, which offers live and recorded webinars, workshops, and webcons led by subject-matter experts on various technology topics relevant to the not-for-profit sector. Charmi selected, attended, summarized, and evaluated relevant training sessions to explore how they could enhance her internship experience:

CU webinar: Getting Started with Data: Essential Data Analysis Techniques for NFPs

The webinar was presented by Shakeel Lala, Director of People and Culture at the Good Data Institute (GDI), offered a practical and engaging introduction to foundational data analysis tailored for not-for-profit organisations. He walked participants through the key stages of the data project lifecycle—defining objectives, understanding available data, performing analysis, and taking action. Using a real-world dataset from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), he demonstrated step-by-step how to clean and prepare data in Excel, calculate metrics such as donation reliance, and use pivot tables for summarising financial information.

A significant part of the session focused on interpreting income sources across different charity sizes, helping organisations identify patterns in funding diversity and financial stability. He emphasized the importance of thoughtful categorisation when segmenting data, noting that poorly chosen thresholds could misrepresent underlying trends. His use of simple visual tools, such as 100% stacked column charts, made complex datasets easier to understand. The webinar provided valuable insights for NFP professionals looking to strengthen their data literacy and apply practical techniques to drive informed decision-making.

This webinar helped me understand how to approach data analysis in a structured way, especially for not-for-profit organisations. I learned how to clean and format data in Excel, use pivot tables, and interpret key insights through visualizations. The practical examples boosted my confidence in analysing financial data and applying it to real-world decision-making.

CU webinar: Getting started with data: Microsoft Power BI for data analysis

The webinar was presented by Chris Olsen, offered a clear introduction to Power BI as a leading tool for business intelligence and data visualization. Chris explained how Power BI connects with a wide range of data sources from cloud platforms and databases to Excel files and outlined the key components of the ecosystem, including Power BI Desktop, the Power BI Service, and the newer Microsoft Fabric platform. He also discussed Power BI’s regular updates and strong integration with other Microsoft tools.

Chris walked through the full Power BI workflow: connecting to data, transforming it using Power Query, building data models, and creating interactive visuals. He explained the differences between import, direct query, and composite models, along with the benefits of the new DirectLake mode. A live demo showed how to connect to an Azure SQL database, clean and shape data, and build relationships across tables. The session also covered using DAX for custom measures and bookmarks for storytelling within reports.

This webinar helped me understand how to approach data analysis using Power BI in a structured, practical way. I learned how to clean data, build models, and create clear visual insights. The examples and explanations gave me the confidence to start using Power BI in real projects.