Community Connection
Challenge Theme

Building Stronger Communities, Together

Social connections are essential for everyone’s health and wellbeing. Yet, for many in our community, staying connected can be difficult. On the Central Coast, some of our older community members face unique challenges, such as limited mobility, difficulty accessing transport, and uncertainty about where to find opportunities to participate.

At the Central Coast Health & Wellbeing Living Lab, we believe in creating a future where everyone feels connected, valued, and supported. By strengthening community bonds, we can help people overcome these barriers and build meaningful, fulfilling connections that enrich all of our lives.

Together, we can tackle these challenges and support positive ageing.

What We’ve Been Doing

To address these challenges, we’ve engaged deeply with the Central Coast community:

1. Listening to the Community (Commenced July 2024)
Starting in July, we met with individuals and groups, including the Country Women’s Association (CWA), to hear their thoughts on social isolation and community connection. These conversations provided valuable local insights into the unique challenges faced by older adults.

3. Expressions of Interest (EOI) To Collaborate (November 2024)
In November, we issued a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to collaborate on innovative projects addressing social isolation. We received a wide range of thoughtful and creative submissions, reflecting a strong interest in working together to strengthen social bonds and foster community connections.

2. Community Connection Workshop (September 2024)
In September, we held the Community Connection Workshop brought together 50 participants from diverse sectors, including healthcare, local organisations, and community members. Through collaborative discussions, the workshop explored key challenges and identified actionable solutions to foster stronger connections.

📄 Read the Community Connection Workshop Report

4. Project Selection (December 2024)
After a thoughtful review process, we’ve chosen several promising projects that align closely with our mission. These initiatives, set to begin next year, aim to address key challenges and contribute positively to the Central Coast community.

Our Vision

The Community Connection Challenge is about creating opportunities for people to participate, connect, and thrive. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging across generations, supporting people to build meaningful relationships, and working collaboratively with the community to create innovative solutions.

This initiative is guided by the belief that everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive and connected future.

Spotlight: What We’ve Learned

Through our conversations and workshops, we’ve gained valuable insights into the key areas for fostering stronger community connections:

Prioritising Human Connection

Genuine human connection and face-to-face interactions should remain central in fostering connection, with technology serving as a support tool while addressing health, mobility and other barriers to social engagement.
Empowering Older People

Meaningful community roles, and active involvement in decision-making, recognising the valuable wisdom older people bring.
Intergenerational Connection

Creating opportunities for meaningful connection across age groups through shared learning and mentoring builds understanding while enriching communities.
Accessible Information and Confidence-Building

Building pathways to community participation through clear information, trusted support people, and welcoming spaces helps overcome barriers to social engagement.
Accessible Transport for Social Participation and Independence

Reliable and supportive transport solutions remove key barriers to independence and social participation, keeping communities connected and engaged.
Empowering Digital Access and Usability

Designing intuitive, affordable technology alongside continuous learning support creates pathways to digital confidence and enhanced connection.
Person-Centred Care and Carer Support

Supporting independence and connection requires simplified healthcare navigation, personalised care approaches, and comprehensive resources to prevent carer burnout and isolation.