The Neighbourhood Development Program (NDP) sits within the Community Connections team that uses and implements a community development approach to empower and strengthen communities, encourage collaborative practices and celebrate the diversity of our communities. NDP consists of a team of seven Community Development Officers who work within targeted suburbs and communities using a strengths-based philosophy of connectivity, collaboration partnerships and capacity building.

Our focus is with local groups and organisations to address the social, economic, political and environmental issues which affect them.

We support networks and develop initiatives that support community capacity and identify and build on the strengths and leadership within our communities. We aim to create sustainable outcomes that contribute to the quality of life and wellbeing of individuals and diverse groups. The program is framed by five goals including:

1. Promoting Resilient Communities
2. Food and Community Wellbeing
3. Strengthen Diverse Communities
4. Connection Communication and Good Practice
5. Placemaking

Some of the key projects we are currently working on include:

• Connect Christie Downs
• People Matters Hackham West
• Children & Families Support Programs
• Annual Rural Family Initiative
• Reconciliation Week annual event
• NAIDOC week Mayor’s reception
• Our Big Back Yard (OBBY) Aldinga and Christie Downs
• Non- Violence Initiatives and events
• Community Food Growing initiatives
• Boarding House projects
• Nature Play Working Group
• Cultural Diversity Working Group and multicultural family gatherings
• Harmony Day and Refugee Week community events
• Mosaic River Project- Ramsay Place
• Aldinga/Sellicks Alliance
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander community development initiatives
• Community Development Workers Network

For more information please contact Chris Martin, Community Connections Coordinator, on 8384 0634 or email chris.martin@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au