FAQs

Community development emphasises the value of people working together: not just the end result, but the benefits people gain in the process. It can be defined as collective activity for the common good.

This seems simple, people helping each other and feeling good. However, life pressures and challenges can make this more difficult, so we need to actively plan for more opportunities for social and community connection.

Community development is making sure everyone has an equal opportunity to be involved in collective activity, addressing barriers to their participation such as transport, cost, accessibility, language, and health. Community development supports vulnerable people in our community to make sure they can access opportunities to improve their wellbeing.

Strategies and actions in a Community Development Plan could open up opportunities to:

• Meet new people and strengthen existing relationships

By providing well-designed places and reasons for people to meet and gather.

• Be healthy and happy

Improve health and wellness, reduce loneliness and increase happiness through building social connections.

• Help others 

Promote opportunities to participate in community life, e.g. through volunteering, neighbourhood activities and networks and simple daily interactions.

• Find important information and access support services

Help people experiencing challenges, for example with cost of living, through connections to dedicated professional services and by promoting peer support networks.

• Provide affordable (or free) social opportunities and activities

Provide activities that meet an identified community need, targeted to people who may otherwise miss out because of cost or accessibility challenges.

• Boost learning and creativity

Learn new skills, a new hobby or even just something new about someone.

• Enjoy less screen time  

Providing ways to balance digital and face to face interactions.

• Foster a positive outlook and sense of belonging 

We know that many people are doing it tough right now, and being involved in inspiring things happening in our local communities can help us feel cared for and hopeful for the future.

The Community Development Plan will be for all people of Wollondilly, existing and new residents, and will cover all areas of the Shire. Strategies and actions in a Community Development Plan could cover:

• More spaces to socialise

Planning for social infrastructure like parks, libraries, halls and sports facilities.

• Well-designed places

Promoting people-focused place and street design to maximise opportunities for social interactions.

• New experiences

Leveraging growth which will bring people with new skills, experiences and cultures and attract more activity, entertainment and business options to Wollondilly.

• Increase feelings of safety and belonging

Building community connectedness to build trust and promoting good design to make places feel safer and more welcoming for all people.

• Support movement

Making neighbourhoods easier and cheaper to move around, especially for short trips and walking.

• Build resilience 

Fostering community sufficiency, the sharing of skills and resources, responding to local challenges together and supporting grassroots initiatives.

• Reduce inequality

Where communities are more equal in terms of wealth and opportunity, everyone benefits from better health, increased social cohesion and less crime. Community development provides targeted support and programs for people experiencing life challenges, aiming to provide a fair go for everyone.

• Empowering community leaders

Advocating for changes and encouraging participation in programs which improve our lives, including inspiring the new generation of emerging leaders.

A Community Development Plan could assist your community group or organisation in the following areas:

• Networking and learning

Find out what is out there, what is working well for others, how to attract a new audience or new members or build on existing programs and activities.

• Sharing of resources, ideas and skills

Save money and time by sharing with other groups and people.

• Grant and funding opportunities 

Assistance with grant funding by providing strategic justification and support for projects that will deliver on the aims and actions of the Plan.

• Collaboration and partnership opportunities 

Partnership opportunities for projects that meet an identified community need and deliver on the aims and actions of the Plan.

When Council invests in community development, it invests in local people and local ideas.

• Community development is intended to empower community members to work together on issues that affect their lives and create stronger, healthier, and more connected communities.
• Community development creates more resilient communities, equipped with skills and relationships to help us better prepare for, and respond to, everyday stressors and emergencies.
• The Community Development Plan process is focused on positive change. However, it can be useful to understand the consequences of not doing community development. Underinvestment in community development and social infrastructure has negative consequences, including:  increased disengagement and social isolation, increased loneliness, poorer physical and mental health, brain drain (loss of talent and skills), economic stagnation or decline and increased inequality and crime.
• Community development is a proactive and preventative service that helps improve health, reduce crime and stimulates local creativity and economic activity. Community development harnesses people power and creates partnerships and collaborative relationships which help uplift everyone in society.

• A Community Development Plan will guide how Council’s community development services are delivered over the next four years. 
• The Plan will clarify Council’s priorities relating to community development and offer transparency and accountability for the community and Council.
• The Plan will advocate for investment in social infrastructure (such as parks, libraries, health services, community centres, youth facilities etc) and community programs.
• Importantly, the Plan will support community groups in providing opportunities for social connections among residents across Wollondilly.