Two Fleurieu community centres are among more than 60 across South Australia will share in state government funding of $43 million over the next nine years.

Milang Old School House Community Centre and Goolwa Community Centre will benefit from the funding pool, which has almost doubled to reach up to $6 million a year.

Five community centres associated with the City of Onkaparinga will also be funded, including Neporendi Aboriginal Centre, Woodcroft Morphett Vale, Hackham, Hackham West and Christie Downs.

The injection of funds into community centres aims to combat social isolation, promote a stronger sense of belonging among disadvantaged people, and foster inclusive, equitable, and resilient local communities.

Today’s announcement follows a competitive tender process and will provide long-term security and stability for the community sector.

The new program incorporates comprehensive research and service development improvements to ensure that community centre funding and services in South Australia are evidence-based, better aligned with the particular needs of each community and are more transparent and equitable across the sector.

Minister for Human Services Nat Cook says Community centres hold immense value for South Australians.

“Whether it's through supporting social and economic engagement, or the act of volunteering and helping others, the impact of these centres cannot be overstated.

“This funding boost for community centres is a forward-thinking investment in the long-term wellbeing and resilience of South Australians. 

“Community centres help break down isolation and create meaningful connections for people taking part in programs or volunteering.

“We took great care to ensure that the funding is fairly distributed across the state so that it goes to where it is needed and will make the difference to people’s lives that it should.” 

The state government says the community centres funded all showed a strong connection to their local communities as well as capacity to deliver appropriate and quality services.

Apart from where centres have agreed to share the funding across multiple sites, each centre will receive a minimum of $99,000 each year – a substantial increase compared to the previous average funding of approximately $70,000 per centre. 

There is additional loading for rural and remote centres and annual indexation over the nine-year period.

Contracts are currently being finalised with some additional community centres as part of this rejuvenated Community and Neighbourhood Development Program. 

There will be some additional centres in the CBD, northern and western Adelaide, and some regional centres, to be announced in coming months.