Community Centres SA Inc.

13/10/2026

This report is important for our sector. It’s been 13 years since we last measured the impact of our work in this way and much has happened in those years.

Despite these changes, community centres remain places of safety, inclusion, and belonging.

Community centres are enabling critically important connections for people every day in every community.

Community and neighbourhood centres help people know that they are not alone.  

In a world where there is much that seeks to divide us, community centres absolutely do the opposite. They bring people together in ways that lean into each person’s unique strengths, meet people where they are at and empower them to learn, to connect, to participate and experience belonging.

This is why I was proud to launch the report of the Social and Economic Impacts of the Community and Neighbourhood Centres in SA study, commissioned through a LGA South Australia and Community Centres SA partnership and showing the importance of these centres to our community and our economy.

Thank you to all who contributed to this report and thank you to the excellent staff and volunteers who keep centres across our state running and there for people year after year.

13/10/2026

Community Centres SA is offering free online governance training for community centres!

Session 4 covers Managing Risk and Compliance and is recommended for Board/Committee Members, Managers and Coordinators, Staff and Volunteers and will run on Monday, 30 November from 12.00pm - 2.30pm.

Please register to reserve your spot!

Scan the QR code or register here: https://events.humanitix.com/best-practise-policies-and-procedures

08/10/2026

The social and economic impacts of community centres in South Australia have been articulated in a report launched today by the Local Government Association SA (LGA), showing that for every $1 invested in community centres, $2.59 is returned in value to the community.

Community centres across South Australia generated a whopping $99.31m in economic and social benefits and welcomed 2.57 million visits in one year.

Providing social connection and a sense of belonging, community centres are more than meets the eye!

Community Centres SA was proud to support and partner with LGA SA in the delivery of this report.

Read the full report here:https://communitycentressa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Socioeconomic-impact-of-community-centres-in-SA-Report.pdf

Local Government Association of South Australia

06/10/2026

Encounter Community Centre has newly joined the family of City of Victor Harbor, and what a joyful experience visiting was. The community here have an incredible workshop where they design, build and paint the most beautiful high quality and lovingly crafted children’s toys (which they sell at the centre, and also in their own shop on Ocean St, Victor Harbour).

Onsite there is a thriving plant nursery, a complete pottery studio, Encounter Cafe (which is open every weekday), Nunga youth space meet here, Lego club, and so many other groups gather in and work from this amazing centre. Livit Disability are also a core part of this inclusive community.

As if all that wasn’t enough, out the back in the garden, there is a work in progress that can only be described as magical…an entire fairy garden to walk through with sculptures, installations and art pieces built by community members for all to enjoy! Pop in for a visit or come and join the community and lend your skills. Thanks for having us Encounter Centre!

05/10/2026

Pasadena Community Centre is holding a series of free parenting and carer seminars for parents and caregivers of 0 to 5-year-olds.

Sleep and Settling – Healthy Sleep Habits
Thursday 22 October | 10:00am–12:00pm

Staying Calm While Providing Boundaries and Consequences
Thursday 29 October | 10:00am–12:00pm

Managing ‘Big Feelings’ – Communication, Emotional Regulation and Validation
Thursday 5 November | 1:00pm–3:00pm

Fussy Eating
Friday 20 November | 10:00am–12:00pm

More info and bookings at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/cc/pasadena-community-centre-4804745/

29/09/2026

Nestled in one of the most beautiful towns in South Australia, you’ll find the Strath Neighbourhood Centre quietly going about the business of bringing people together for learning, fun, and friendship.

They have a gorgeous new community-designed and planted garden and relaxation area, coffee and cake time, a community lunch every Tuesday (hot tip: there’s a trained chef on the team!), a repair shed that are already getting into the Christmas spirit and making ornaments to sell, jam and preserving classes, intergenerational table tennis, a partnership with headspace hosting the Strath Hangout for local young people, a community pantry and so many other initiatives humming along!

We hear they are on the hunt for new committee members, and they are always ready to welcome locals into their community.

29/09/2026

10/09/2026

For a free introduction to graphic harvesting, check out Jeder Institute's online one hour lunch box session on Tuesday, 29 September from 11.30am - 12.30pm.

More info and tickets at https://events.humanitix.com/graphic-harvesting-lunch-box-conversation-session-43wuwj2b

08/09/2026

Jeder Institute have a free, online one hour lunch box session on Q***r Community Building coming up on Tuesday, 15 September from 11:30am - 12:30pm.

More info and tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/queer-community-building-lunch-box-conversation-session-k436gjxv?c=jederwebsite&occurrence=2026-09-15

03/09/2026

All aboard! Last week, a busload of staff and volunteers from 18 community centres across SA went on the road to explore five centres across Adelaide's Inner South and North.

Along the way we shared lunch with a playgroup and choir, poked our heads into some men's sheds, chatted passionately about adult community education, grabbed coffee with a walking group, spotted community art in every shape and form, marvelled at a frog-shaped pizza oven hiding in a community garden, munched on scones, and fuelled up on lollies along the way, all to the soundtrack of a playlist everyone on the bus had created.

A huge thank you to the wonderful staff at Glandore Community Centre
Communitylife SA, Pasadena Community Centre, Pooraka Farm Community Centre and Holden Hill Community Centre for hosting us, with special appearances from Surrey Downs Community Centre and Jubilee Community Centre too!

Marion Community Centres, Milang Old School House Community (MOSHCC), ac.care, Coromandel Community Centre Inc, Goolwa Community Centre, Centacare Catholic Community Services, Port Pirie Community Centre, Uniting Country SA, Tailem Bend Community Centre Inc, Uniting SA, Aberfoyle Community Centre, Aldinga Community Centre, Seaford Community Centre, Robertstown War Memorial Community Centre, Fulham Community Centre, Adelaide Hills Council Community Centres, City of Tea Tree Gully.