Strategic & Advocacy Documents

Strategic Plan

Our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025 was launched at our Annual General Meeting held on 4th November 2021.

We exist for the enhancement of our members and the development of our communities. This Strategic Plan reflects our focus on our membership and our ambitions for a thriving sector and strong and connected communities.

The Plan’s development is underpinned by data and Results Based Accountability™ methodology.

Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

October 2018 – October 2020

Our vision for reconciliation is that our communities are strong and connected with a shared respect and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and a united commitment to fairness and justice for all Australians. Underpinned by our vision and values and focus on community development we will act on our commitment to advancing reconciliation through the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan launched by Uncle Mickey Kumatpi Marrutya O’Brien at our 2018 conference.

Keys to the Digital World paper

Community Centres SA endorses the SACOSS Keys to the Digital World paper, aligning with our focus on loneliness, connectedness, and inclusivity. We’re proud to have collaborated with SACOSS, representing our members.

Social isolation is a global issue, with solutions lying in meaningful connections. Our member centres in South Australia combat isolation through education, training, volunteer programs, and personal support. Digital inclusion reduces social isolation by nurturing face-to-face and online connections, providing security, support, belonging, meaning, and purpose.

The full report and a two-page summary are both available now.

Member Survey Report 2016

We were delighted to launch our Member Survey Report on 28 October 2016. The report presents the data from the 2016 Member Survey.

The report provides a snapshot of our sector and demonstrates the breadth of work Community and Neighbourhood Centres continue to offer across South Australia. As the information in this report belongs to the sector, the report is written from that perspective.

Economic & Social Impact Study

June 2019

The study explored community centre user outcomes resulting from their engagement with South
Australian community centres from their own perspectives. Six focus groups were conducted in May
and June 2019 at five community centres with 65 community centre users. Findings will contribute to
the future directions of South Australian government funded programs and activities operated by
community centres. The study set out to answer the following research questions:

What are clients’ perspectives on the appropriateness and effectiveness of community centres in South Australia?
What would enable community centres to optimise their contribution to positive user
outcomes?

Read the study here

Economic And Social Impact Study 2013

In 2013 we commissioned an economic and social impact study of the community and neighbourhood centres sector. The study was carried out by the SA Centre for Economic Studies of the Adelaide and Flinders Universities. You can find the full report here. Amongst other findings the study found that:

- Community and Neighbourhood Centres across South Australia have more than 2 million participant contacts each year
- there are over 35,000 participant contacts per week
- the contribution of volunteers in Centres and Neighbourhood Houses is more than 20,000 hours per week and is valued at over $29 million per year

Our Advocacy Submissions

We prepare submissions from time to time and contribute to broader sector submissions, usually in response to discussion papers or to proactively influence policy development.

2023