Community Connections and Investment

A new way to connect with community and invest in what matters

In June 2026, Council endorsed the Community Connection & Investment Framework (CCIF) and transitioned from the Community Assistance Scheme (CAS) to a new approach in community investment.

Instead of starting with grant applications, the new approach starts with community priorities.

Council will work with community to understand what matters, turn priorities into action, bring together the resources needed, and measure what difference is made.

The new approach

Connect
Hear from community and build relationships.

Plan
Turn priorities into clear actions.

Invest
Bring together funding, resources, partnerships and seed funding where they can make the greatest difference.

Learn
Measure what changed and use that learning to shape what happens next.

The Community Connections and Investment Framework (CCIF) is a connected cycle from community voice and local priorities, through planning, investment and delivery, to measuring what changed and using what we learn to shape what happens next.

1. More ways to have your say

There is no single way for people to connect with Council.

The new approach creates different ways for people to contribute through Place-based Networks, Strategic Action Networks and the Community Voice Register.

This means Council can connect with the right people, skills and experience for the work being undertaken, while building on existing community relationships and knowledge.

2. From community priorities to action

Council will start with what is already known about each community, including place profiles, existing engagement, local knowledge and evidence.

Community connection then helps test what is right, what is missing and what has changed.

Priorities are brought together through Place Action Plans and Strategic Action Plans, creating a clearer pathway from community priorities to practical action.

3. More than money

Investment is not just about funding.

The new model recognises the contribution of Council, community and partners, including funding, services, places, knowledge, skills, relationships, volunteer time and other resources.

By understanding the full picture, we can better see what is needed to make an action happen and recognise each partner's contribution.

4. Investing where it can make the biggest difference

When a community priority becomes an action, Council considers what is needed, who can contribute and where Council investment can have the greatest impact.

This may mean seed funding to test a new idea, bringing partners together, using Council resources differently, or investing in an agreed action through the Community Investment Model.

The focus is on creating wider community benefit and lasting impact, rather than simply funding individual projects.

5. See what changed and learn

The work doesn't stop when an action is delivered.

Council will look at what changed, what was learned and what difference the investment made.

A shared measurement approach helps Council understand outcomes across different projects and places, with learning feeding back into future planning and investment.

This approach is being built progressively. While new ways for the community to connect are established, Council is also developing the place profiles, planning processes, internal alignment and investment pathways needed to support the model.

The previous model relied heavily on individual grant applications. While grants remain useful in some circumstances, this approach can favour those with the time, experience or capacity to apply.

The new approach starts with the community priority — not the grant application.

Council will work with community to understand what matters, where opportunities or needs exist, and what could make the greatest difference. Priorities can then be considered using community voice, local knowledge and evidence.

What does this look like?

👥 Youth connection

Instead of funding one youth activity, Council can look at what young people are telling us they need, what is already happening and what could make the biggest difference, then use seed funding to test an approach and learn what works.

🤝 Community connection

Instead of funding separate activities, a Place Action Plan can identify a broader priority and bring together Council, community groups and partners to work towards the same outcome.

💡 Good ideas

Instead of relying on who can write the strongest grant application, priorities can be identified through community voice, evidence and local knowledge, creating opportunities for good ideas from across the community to be considered.

🌱 Investment

Instead of looking only at the funding requested, Council can consider what else is needed, including people, places, services, skills, partnerships and community contributions — to make the action successful.

The Community Assistance Scheme (CAS) has transitioned into the new Community Connection & Investment approach.

This does not mean community investment is stopping. It means Council is changing how priorities are identified and how investment is connected to action and impact.

We’re building this with community

Over the coming months, the Community Development Team will be connecting with community groups, organisations and local networks to discuss the new approach, hear what is important to you, and understand how you currently connect and work within your community.

You will have opportunities to help shape how the new approach works in practice including how people can connect with Council, how local priorities are identified, and how community action can be supported

Want to get involved?

There are different ways to connect with Council as the new Community Connection & Investment approach develops.

Wellbeing and Inclusion Plan
If you would like to be involved in the Wellbeing Network or action planning for the Wellbeing & Inclusion Plan, visit the Wellbeing & Inclusion Plan page for more information or email wellbeing@barossa.sa.gov.au

Place Action Planning and Networking
If you are a place-based group, community organisation or business and would like to stay connected with opportunities to contribute to local planning and networking, contact Council’s Community Development Team at community@barossa.sa.gov.au

We’ll keep this page updated with:

• key dates
• upcoming workshops
• community planning sessions
• networking opportunities
• other ways to get involved

Keep an eye on this page for updates as the new approach develops.