Have an idea for bringing people together? We can help you make it happen.

Your community is full of ideas, interests, skills, knowledge and experience.

You might have an idea for a social group, activity, event or local project. Perhaps you have already spoken with friends or neighbours who are interested, or you might simply be wondering where to begin.

Whether you are an individual, a group of neighbours, a volunteer, a community group, a local organisation or a business in the Belconnen region, you can work with CRCS to explore your idea.

People of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, abilities and identities are welcome. We can help you connect with others, build on the strengths and resources already in your community, and take practical next steps.

What is community development?

Community development is about local people working together to create positive change in their community. It can help you meet others, share skills and knowledge, and create activities, groups, events or projects based on local interests and ideas.

CRCS uses an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. This means starting with what is already strong in your community, including people’s skills, knowledge, experiences and connections, as well as local organisations, businesses, spaces and other resources.

We can work with you as you develop your idea and get things up and running. As your group, activity or project becomes established, we gradually step back so you and other community members can continue to lead and manage it.

We can still be available when you need support, whether that is practical guidance, making connections, working through a challenge or helping you explore and apply for funding. Ultimately, the activity remains developed, led and managed by your community.

What we do

CRCS Community Development works with individuals, neighbours, volunteers, community groups, local organisations and businesses across the Belconnen region.

We can help you and others to:

• meet people and build social connections
• share your interests, knowledge and skills
• develop a community-led group, activity, event or project
• connect with people, organisations, businesses and local resources
• find welcoming and inclusive ways for people to participate
• turn a shared idea into practical action.

We will work with you as your idea develops and help you get things up and running. As it becomes established, we will gradually step back so you and other community members can continue to lead and manage it.

We can still provide guidance, help you make connections, work through challenges or explore funding opportunities when needed.

How your community idea can grow

There is no single way to start a community activity or project. Your idea might begin with one person, a conversation between neighbours or a group of people who share an interest.

You can contact CRCS at any stage. Your idea does not need to be fully developed before you speak with us.

The process might look something like this:

1. You have an idea
   You notice a shared interest, opportunity or something you would like to see in your community.
2. You talk with others
   You might speak with friends, neighbours, local groups or organisations to find out who else is interested.
3. You connect with CRCS
   We can help you explore the idea, connect with others and consider what you may need to get started.
4. You shape the idea together
   Everyone can contribute their skills, knowledge, experiences, connections and suggestions.
5. You try something small
   You might begin with one activity or event, learn from the experience and see what people think.
6. You decide what happens next
   Your activity might continue, change or grow—or remain a small, informal gathering. As it becomes established, your community can take the lead, with CRCS available for support when needed.

Get started

Have an idea? You do not need a detailed plan.

You might be approaching us as an individual, with a few interested friends or neighbours, or on behalf of a group, organisation or local business.

Tell us:

• what your idea is
• who is already involved or might be interested
• what skills, connections or resources you already have
• what you would like help with.

We can arrange an initial conversation to learn more, explore what is possible and discuss some practical next steps.