Spark Information Session (Gumeracha): Creating belonging in the Adelaide Hills
Description
Spark Information Session: Create belonging in the Adelaide Hills
Gumeracha, Lobethal, Woodside, Birdwood
Adelaide Hills Council (AHC) and Spark are teaming up to create new solutions to loneliness.
Would you like to be part of a volunteer team dedicated to creating a culture of belonging in the community? At the heart of Spark are volunteers who are skilled at creating welcoming and inclusive environments and are passionate about ending loneliness. Sparkies are registered volunteers who are provided with training to better understand the importance of social health. They learn how to create spaces of belonging, are tooled to spark connection between others, and help to reduce the stigma of loneliness by sharing meaningful conversations.
Come along to this information session to find out more about Spark and becoming a Sparkie!
Sparkies are at the heart of Spark and their purpose is to create a culture of belonging within Spark initiatives and out in the wider community.
We’re seeking volunteers in Birdwood, Gumeracha, Lobethal, Woodside, Ashton, Uraidla, Norton Summit and Lenswood to host welcoming, community-led initiatives.
Our aim is to spark a new cafe conversation group and a walking group as a collaboration between AHC and Spark.
We’re also open to the energy of the community for other groups or ideas inspired and led by you.
About Spark
Spark evolved from ‘The Loneliness Project’ which was a community co-design collaboration between the University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre tasked with creating solutions to loneliness. In 2024 more than 40 women and men contributed ideas, experiences and perspectives through co-design workshops and interviews, as well as more than 80 people completing an online survey. Together we created Spark! Spark works in collaboration with community partners to inspire, activate and empower community-led solutions to end loneliness. Our volunteer team of ‘Sparkies’ are at the heart of Spark, hosting a variety of Spark initiatives and creating a culture of belonging in their community. You can find out more about the program by visiting the Spark website.
Community Centre Contact Details
Torrens Valley Community Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (closed on Fridays and public holidays). For any enquiries, please contact us on 8389 1711 or email tvcc@ahc.sa.gov.au during opening times.
Extreme and Catastrophic Fire Danger Ratings
When an 'Extreme 75+' or Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating is declared for the Mt Lofty Ranges, the Adelaide Hills Council Community Centres will be closed, and all classes and programs will be cancelled without notice. Any monies paid will either be reimbursed or the course will be rescheduled for a later date.
Current fire danger ratings can be checked here: http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/fire-danger-ratings.shtml
FAQs
- Where can I park?
Parking is easy at any of the 3 areas parking around the community hub, with 1 disabled parking space at the rear and also at the front libraries entrance. Plenty of parking near the Gumeracha sporting oval for any buses or mini vans. Refer to the map below.
During larger events, set areas for parking will be indicated.
- If the event is at night, what do I need to know?
We are in the Adelaide Hills and always encourage a torch or phone with a light in case you can't see. Clothing for cooler weather and an umbrella in winter would be encouraged. Parking at the rear or skatepark side of the community centre has best lighting to safely enter the community centre. (See parking map under 'where can I park?')
- What facilities are on site?
Toilets (including disabled), baby change table, wide double door entrance into centre, function room, foyer, small meeting room and fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher. The community centre is located within the Community Hub which includes the Gumeracha Town Hall and Gumeracha library.
- Is there disabled access?
Yes, the disabled car park at the rear has a ramp down to the main entrance of the community centre. If you use the disabled park located at the library, you will need to be able to use the stairs to get down. Wheelchair access to the community centre is outside (oval side) for access to the main entrance. There is a disabled toilet located both inside the centre and in the outside toilet block.
- Is the community centre inclusive?
Yes, everyone is welcome. Our centre is LGBTQI+ friendly, dementia friendly and breastfeeding is welcome.
- Can I warm a baby bottle, heat my meal up or make a coffee/tea/hot chocolate?
Yes, there is a kettle, microwave and fridge. Water and and hot drinks are available.
- Do you have a hidden disability? [We are proud to support the sunflower]
We have joined the Sunflower, recognising the need to support hidden disability.
Our Sunflower lanyards are available at the entrance of our community centres and libraries.
Specific off-site events will have lanyards available upon request with staff.
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