Whether you’re about to make the tree-change to the hills, or you’re a longstanding resident, getting involved in local community groups, volunteering or joining a local sports team is a great way to get to know your neighbours, meet like-minded individuals and make an impact.
Embrace what it means to be a part of a community and make the most of the thriving Hills social environment. Get involved in the heart of your hometown by joining one of the many community groups in the Hills either by volunteering, or participating in their regular meet-ups or activities. Get to know neighbours, local store owners, community activists and everyone in between – it’s a great way to appreciate the community and make a difference, whether it’s a conversation with a stranger or a girl guide cookie run.
Whatever you fancy, there’s a collection of incredible groups, clubs and volunteering organisations ready to welcome people of all ages and demographics.
We’ve put together a list of community groups and organisations who are ready and waiting to welcome you with open arms (but don’t stop here, there’s a whole lot more going on in the beautiful Hills if you look for it.)
Apex Club of Mount Barker
Apex is a community group helping young Australians aged 18 to 45 make a real difference in their community. There are over 140 Apex clubs around Australia, and the Mount Barker group usually focuses on organising fun local events and fundraisers for everyone to enjoy – Bunnings snag, anyone? The proceeds feed back into other local charity groups, volunteer groups and community organisations. Being a part of Apex is a way to ensure you’re helping to make your community the best it can be, encouraging others in their work, and making incredible friendships. Find out more here: Apex Club of Mount Barker
Hills Volunteering / The Hut Community Centre
Located on Euston Rd in Aldgate, Hills Volunteering connects eager volunteers to causes they are passionate about. The group is based at the Hut Community Centre, the Volunteer Resource Centre for the Adelaide Hills Region. From tutoring to participating in garden clubs, or even driving senior community members to appointments, there’s an endless list of ways you could help someone in need in your community. Find out more here: The Hut Volunteering or find them on facebook.
Mount Barker Rotary Club
Meeting every Monday night at Auchendarroch Tavern, Mount Barker Rotary Club undertake a number of volunteering initiatives within the community. Previously, they’ve completed ‘Operation Flinders’, a program providing disadvantaged youth with an opportunity to take part in skill-building and self-esteem building in the Flinders Ranges. With community service at the forefront, this one is for all of you wanting to make a difference in your little pocket of the planet. Check them out here – Rotary Club
Community Library
Libraries have traditionally always been associated with books but not anymore! Join the Mount Barker library for free and participate in the various babies and children activities running weekly and extra activities during school holidays. It’s a chance to unleash your inner bookworm while the kids are thoroughly entertained. For more information, visit Mount Barker Library
Duck Flat Community Garden, Mount Barker
An initiative of the Adelaide Hills Community Health Service, the beautiful Duck Flat Garden offers spacious garden grounds for everyone to enjoy. Volunteering positions are always available for those wanting to exercise their green thumb. They also have all sorts of goodies to discover throughout the grounds including a pizza oven, artworks, veggie gardens and an exercise circuit. A great space for talks, classes, or demonstrations – the benefits of this community garden are endless. Find out more at the Mount Barker Community Centre website here or by following them on facebook
Mount Barker Community Centre
Embrace the humble community centre and make sure this beautiful concept isn’t lost to modern technological networking. They’re a great point of call when you’re new to town, with activities, courses and classes to suit everyone. Get your zen on with hatha yoga and Tai Chi Qigong, or discover photography through photo-editing classes. Computer and social media courses are also available. The centre also makes sure to give back to the community – their volunteer group regularly cooks for people with disabilities. For more information visit Mount Barker Community Centre
Mount Barker District Council
With a number of different volunteering positions available from library programs to crime prevention and even justice of the peace, the District Council advertises vacancies on their website regularly. It’s well worth a gander if you’re looking to get involved in unique areas of the community. They also offer a Social Options program for seniors, with activities including cinema outings, morning teas, coffee clubs and more. Explore the website here – Mount Barker District Council
Chat ‘n’ Du
Women unite! This initiative from the Mount Barker Baptist Church is a great way to meet a collective of women in your community and get crafty. Women of all ages are invited to get involved in craft and conversation once a week during the school term. Crafts include card making, knitting, beading, painting and cross stitching. Morning tea is also available, because who doesn’t love a cuppa with your craft. Find out more about Chat’n’Du
Ink Pot Arts Inc.
Embrace your inner creativity at Ink Pot Arts. Created in 2004, the community arts initiative has a firm belief in the holistic philosophy of transformation and growth through engagement. The group has seen nearly 5000 children, teenagers and adults take part in workshops and productions from drama to dance, and from a circus to beginner’s ukulele. Discover them for yourself: Ink Pot Arts
Girl Guides and Scouts for kids
The Adelaide Hills is home to a variety of girl guide and scout troops with Girl Guides available in Hahndorf and Mount Barker, and co-ed Scouts also in Mount Barker. It’s not all biscuit runs (although we’re a fan of these) – both groups focus on a range of personal qualities and life skills including charity and community efforts, survival skills, leadership, personal self-esteem and confidence. It’s also a great way for your littlies to make friends, particularly if you’re new to the Hills. To learn more about them visit Girl Guides or Scouts SA
Friends of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves Inc. (Formally of Stirling Linear Park)
One for all the avid birdwatchers and nature-lovers out there. The Friends of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves is a volunteer group focused on caring for their beloved bushland. They conduct general bush-care and environmental workshops, including bird and plant identification, committed to the preservation of the reserves. Check out one of their Working Bee days to experience a taste of what to expect. Find our more here: Woorabinda
Mount Barker Mums Group
The Mount Barker Mums Group is a private Facebook made for Mount Barker parents to share advice, all moderated by a group of admins. Boasting nearly 3000 members, the page is a safe space for parents-to-be, new mums and dads, and even those with an empty nest to chat and ask any burning questions. To find out how to be involved, ask to join their private facebook group on Facebook
University of the Third Age // Adelaide Hills
Adelaide Hills U3A is run by its own committee and draws on the knowledge, skills and experiences of over 300 members to create interest groups. U3A has courses held weekly during daylight hours, regular interesting outings and guest speakers. Find them here… u3aadelaidehills
If you’re interested in joining any of the thriving Hills community groups, then click on the links above, give them a call or pop in and make some new friends.
If you’re keen to make your home in this beautiful pocket of the Adelaide Hills, then talk to us about living at Newenham, a place where wellbeing starts with bigger blocks and beautiful, natural surroundings, giving you room to relax, spread your wings and enjoy the things that matter most. With our own community events, markets and activities, we can’t wait to welcome you.
Visit our Sales and Information Centre at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker – check our contact page for open times – or click here to book a private site tour at a time that suits you.
