In September 2025, during the annual Community Expo, Community Connect South Shoalhaven (CCSS) invited local community groups and not-for-profit organisations to share their insights through a community listening activity. We asked what’s working well in their groups, what helps them succeed, and where extra support would help.
We heard from 63 participants representing 49 groups across the South Shoalhaven. The findings highlight the strengths that keep our community groups thriving: strong collaboration, growing participation, positive team culture, youth engagement, expanding programs, and local support.
Key factors that help groups succeed include shared purpose, committed volunteers, strong connections, engaging events, and access to resources.
Groups also shared what they need to thrive — more volunteers, sustainable funding, stronger community connections, practical resources, training, and greater visibility for their work.
We’re using what we’ve learned to shape CCSS’s capacity-building initiatives, community catch-ups, and focus areas for 2026.
However, these insights aren’t just for us — they belong to the whole South Shoalhaven community. Local groups and organisations can use the findings to spark new ideas, strengthen connections, support funding applications and explore ways to grow and thrive. We invite you to read the full report, reflect on what’s shared, and use the insights to guide your group’s growth, sustainability and next steps.