Onkaparinga-backed study estimates community centres’ statewide value

A study prompted by a City of Onkaparinga motion estimates that South Australia’s community and neighbourhood centres generate almost $100 million in value each year. Council publication Onkaparinga Now reported the findings on 13 October 2026.

LGA South Australia commissioned the research following the council’s 2025 motion. It found that each dollar invested delivers more than $2.50 in community returns. The findings cover centres across South Australia, not Onkaparinga alone.

The research examined benefits including food relief, childcare support, venue hire and opportunities to reduce isolation. A statewide survey of council-run and independent centres was supported by individual case studies, with Community Centres SA participating as a project partner. Around 45 per cent of South Australian centres are managed by local government. For southern Adelaide residents, the report highlights Onkaparinga’s role in initiating the research and points to information about community centres in the council area.