As a community member
There are many ways for you, as a community member, to get involved with your local council. In fact, you’re encouraged to!
After all, as councils play a huge part in shaping the places you live, work, or visit. It is only right that you take an active role in it.
Being a part of council as a community member means being a part of something bigger. Your contribution can make a lasting impact on the community and place you belong to.
On this page:
Volunteering
Volunteering is one of the most common ways to get involved with your council. Depending on your local council, you may find volunteering positions across community centres, libraries, tourism, and even customer service.
If you’ve recently moved to South Australia as an international student or new resident, becoming a volunteer is also a wonderful way to make new friends. You’ll create professional networks, gain work experience, and have fun doing it. You’ll also be able to share your culture and skills, all of which positively contributes to personal development and improved mental health.
Local council consultation
Councils ask for feedback from the community through consultation. Consultation allows you to get involved and give feedback on decisions that matter to you.
Councils consult with the community on different projects and initiatives throughout the year. This may include upgrading reserves, developing new policies or creating new programs. Councils also consult on local changes like playgrounds, roads and speed limits.
Each year, councils ask for feedback on their draft Annual Business Plan and Budget. This is an opportunity to let your council know what you think about the plans and projects in your local area. Councils use feedback they receive from community members to prioritise what gets funded.
Get involved in local consultation
Councils consult with communities in many ways. Consultation can include:
- sharing information
- holding workshops and forums
- surveys and polls
- town hall meetings.
How councils engage with the community all depends on the type of project and how complex it is. Check your council’s website for information about consultations happening in your area.
Voting in council elections
Council elections are held every 4 years in South Australia. There may be times that supplementary elections (also known as by-elections or special elections) are held. This happens when a position on council becomes vacant.
Council elections are your chance to vote for who you want to represent you and the issues that are important to your community.
Council elections in South Australia
Attending a council or committee meeting
Council and committee meetings are held regularly by all councils. Council members come together at council and committee meetings to make decisions that impact their communities.
While council and committee meetings are open to the public, there are times where closed sessions are held to discuss confidential matters. These sessions are closed to the public.
Anyone can attend council or community meetings. If you would like to attend, you must register before the meeting. You must also follow the rules and procedures when attending these meetings.
Some councils share an online broadcast (live stream) of their scheduled meetings for you to watch.
Visit your council's website to find out when their next meeting is. You can use find your council to locate your council and view their contact details.