Welcome to South Australia! We are excited to have you join our diverse community and explore all that this great state has to offer. As a new resident of South Australia, we encourage you to explore all that this great state has to offer.

Whether it's visiting our beautiful beaches, enjoying our world-renowned wine regions, or exploring our stunning natural landscapes, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Settling into a new environment can be challenging. One of the best ways to feel at home is to engage with your council to connect with your local community.

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

Here are some ways to make your transition as smooth as possible.

Local information at your fingertips

Depending on where you live, you may be able to get local council information delivered directly to your smartphone with the free My Local Services app.

Over half of South Australian councils' information is available on the My Local Services app.

With My Local Services, you can:

• personalise app content to only show information from your local council
• check which waste bin is due each week
• receive weekly waste collection reminders
• find out what’s on in your local area
• locate your nearest council facilities including community centres, libraries, playgrounds, toilets, and council buildings
• report issues such as broken bins or damaged council infrastructure.

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.

Get to know the locals

Libraries

Joining a library is an excellent way to access resources and connect with the community. Libraries in South Australia offer a range of services and programs. These include language classes, cultural events, and book clubs. You can also access computers, printing services, and even enjoy art exhibitions.

Libraries in South Australia are part of the OneCard network. This means you only need one membership to access any resource from any library in South Australia.

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

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, gain valuable skills, and give back to the community. It is also a wonderful way to experience working with council. Different councils offer different volunteering roles. Contact your council to find out more about volunteering opportunities in your area.

You can find more volunteering roles across South Australia at Go Volunteer.

Community groups and programs

There are many community groups that you can join, such as sporting clubs, cultural organisations, and social groups. These groups provide an opportunity to connect with people who share your interests and make new friends.

Visit your council's website to find a community group.

Be involved with your council

Participate in community consultations

As a community member, you can be an active participant in your council’s decision making process. Having your say on matters you’re passionate about is one way you can help affect change in the community you live in.

You can find proposed council projects open for community consultation on your council’s website.

Attend a council or committee meeting

Council and committee meetings are open to the public unless confidential matters are being discussed. There are several ways you can be involved at these meetings:

• watching the meeting being live streamed online
• speaking at a meeting regarding a matter you’re passionate about
• presenting a petition to a council meeting.

Out and about

Sports and recreation

A variety of sporting and recreational facilities such as barbecues, basketball and tennis courts, walking and cycling trails, running loops, and even fitness equipment are available in many of the parks in and around the state. These facilities are free for everyone to use. Refer to your local council’s website for location and available facilities.

Parks and playgrounds

Step outside and enjoy a day out in one of the many parks and playgrounds in South Australia. If you have a pet dog, you can also take it to a dog park. Be sure to pay attention to the local on and off-leash laws of the parks you go to.

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 or international events, visit South Australia’s What’s On calendar.

Grow your career

Are you considering working for council? A career in council can be fulfilling and rewarding, with many employment benefits. It also offers great work-life balance. South Australian councils are constantly on the lookout for great talent.

Search for a job to find your next role in local government.