Strong communities begin with local leadership
Local governments help shape places where people live, connect and belong. They play an important role in building communities that support people through ageing, caregiving, serious illness, dying and grief.
Compassionate Communities Australia works with councils and communities to strengthen local leadership, encourage collaboration and build places where connection, inclusion and community support are recognised as essential to wellbeing.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Community wellbeing starts where people live
Councils already play a significant role in creating healthy, connected and resilient communities. Parks, libraries, community centres, neighbourhood programmes and local partnerships all contribute to the wellbeing of residents.
By recognising community connection as essential civic infrastructure, local governments can help reduce isolation, strengthen neighbourhood networks and support people through some of life’s most challenging experiences.
Communities that are connected are better equipped to respond to ageing, caregiving, serious illness, dying and grief.
OUR ADVOCACY STATEMENT
Supporting local governments to build stronger communities
The Challenge
Local governments understand the importance of community wellbeing but often face competing priorities and limited policy frameworks that recognise caring, dying and grief as part of community development.
Without clear support, many councils struggle to invest in initiatives that strengthen community connection during life’s most challenging times.
Our Vision
Local governments that recognise community connection as essential civic infrastructure and actively support neighbourhoods where people feel connected, included and supported throughout every stage of life.
What Needs to Change
We believe local governments can strengthen community wellbeing by:
✔ Embedding Compassionate Communities principles into community wellbeing and strategic planning.
✔ Supporting community development initiatives that build local capability.
✔ Partnering with community groups and local organisations.
✔ Recognising grief, remembrance and community connection as important aspects of civic life.
✔ Creating welcoming public spaces that encourage social connection.
✔ Supporting local directories, volunteer programmes and community networks.
✔ Celebrating communities that demonstrate leadership in building connection and belonging.
Working Together
Building stronger communities requires collaboration between:
- Local governments
- Community organisations
- Residents
- Volunteers
- Health and aged care providers
- First Nations communities
- Cultural organisations
- Schools
- Businesses
- Community leaders
Together we can create communities where people feel connected, valued and supported.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN ACTION
Small actions create stronger communities
Councils have many opportunities to strengthen community capability through everyday initiatives.
These may include:
- Community connector programmes
- Intergenerational activities
- Neighbourhood events
- Volunteer programmes
- Memorial gardens and remembrance spaces
- Community directories
- Public education initiatives
- Partnerships with local organisations
These practical actions help create places where people feel they belong and know where to turn when support is needed.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPABILITY
Investing in people and relationships
Community capability grows when local governments invest in relationships, participation and collaboration.
By bringing people together and supporting local leadership, councils can strengthen community resilience while complementing the work of health and social care services.
Every connection made today helps create stronger communities for tomorrow.
TAKE ACTION
Every council can make a difference
Whether you’re an elected member, executive leader, community development officer or local resident, there are practical ways to strengthen community connection.
You can:
- Build partnerships across your community.
- Support local leaders and volunteers.
- Encourage community participation.
- Include Compassionate Communities principles in planning.
- Promote local resources and services.
- Share this advocacy statement.
Together we can create communities where everyone feels connected, valued and supported.
WATCH THE PRESENTATION
Hear from local government leaders who are exploring practical ways councils can strengthen community wellbeing through Compassionate Communities approaches.
RELATED RESOURCES
Looking for practical ideas to strengthen community connection?
Explore Australia’s Community Resource Hub for guides, research, community initiatives and practical resources supporting local government and community development.
Compassionate Communities Australia is the national organisation building community capability through advocacy, practical resources, partnerships and community-led action.
