Welcome to South Australia!

Moving to a new place to live is exciting, and it can be challenging. One of the best ways to settle into a new home is to get to know your local community. And your local council is a great place to start.

Not sure who your council is? Visit find your council.

Here are some tips to get you feeling at home right away.

Local information at your fingertips

The My Local Services app is a free smartphone app that delivers information from your local council straight to you.

With My Local Services, you can:

• personalise the app to only show information of your local council
• check which waste bin is due each week
• receive weekly waste collection reminders the night before
• find out what’s on in your local area
• locate places in your council including community centres, libraries, playgrounds, toilets, and council buildings
• report an issue like a broken bin or damaged council infrastructure to the council.

Download the app

Downloading and installing the My Local Services app onto your smartphone is easy. It's available on Apple App Store or Google Play.

Rubbish and recycling

Wherever you live, your household will have a rubbish and recycling collection service provided by your local council. This is sometimes known as waste collection.

This service takes care of the three coloured bins you may have seen around your home.

In South Australia, waste is categorised into several different types.

1. General waste (Red or blue lid bin)

   This is rubbish that will get emptied into landfill. Your general waste bin typically gets collected every week.

2. Green or organic waste (Green lid bin)

   This is any waste that can be composted and broken down naturally. This can include grass clippings, food scraps or compostable food packaging. Green waste collections typically occur every two weeks.

3. Recycling (Yellow lid bin)

   This bin is to dispose of any material that can be recycled. Look out for the recycling symbol on the item packaging to determine if it can be recycled.

4. Hard waste

   This is any form of large waste materials such as old white goods, mattresses, or sofas. Hard waste collections must be booked in advance with your local council. Don't leave items on your kerb without booking a kerbside collection as you will be fined!

Unsure of which bin to use? Ask Vin!

Free facilities

Some councils provide free services and facilities for their residents to use. This could be a community bus to popular shopping areas, or barbeque and sporting facilities in parks for gatherings. Check your local council’s website for more information.

Local communities

Libraries

South Australian libraries are great spaces to connect with others, discover new things, and get inspired. Attend any of the free events, or workshops to learn new skills. Some libraries in metropolitan areas also provide computer stations, printing and copying facilities, and even 3D printing services. You can even browse, request, and borrow a book online with a digital library.

All libraries in South Australia are part of the OneCard network. This means that you can borrow items from any library in South Australia with just one membership.

Becoming a library member is free. Sign up for a library membership online or with your local council.

Community centres

Community centres often host smaller scale community events, workshops, and meet-ups. These centres are friendly, welcoming places so feel free to swing by to say hi to the centre coordinators. You can discover what events and programs are available at your community centres at your local council website.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, learn new skills and make friends. Volunteering types and roles may vary from council to council but there is a role for everyone to play regardless of age, ability, and experience.

You can learn more about becoming a volunteer at your local council’s website.

Out and about

Parks and recreation

South Australia is blessed with an abundance of parks. The parks usually provide a variety of sporting and recreational facilities such as barbecues, basketball and tennis courts, walking and cycling trails, running loops, and even fitness equipment. These are free for everyone to use.

Check your local council’s website for location and facilities available.

Events and experiences

Councils play host to many community and major events across South Australia. These events, big and small, bring communities together for a shared, memorable experience.

Explore what’s on in your community on your council’s website. You can use find your council to locate your council and view their contact details.

For major events, visit South Australia’s What’s On calendar.