Strengthening Local Communities Strategy

The Strengthening Local Communities Strategy (SLCS) is one of the Government's commitments outlined in the Social Justice Budget Statement (2003/04) to develop community capacity and promote active participation.

Strengthening Local Communities Strategy (SLCS)

How it came about

The Supporting Families and Strengthening Communities election platform (1999) and Social Justice Directions Statement (2000) committed the Government to assisting disadvantaged communities by deploying whole-of-government responses to local issues and by expanding the use of the place management approach.

How it works

The Strategy emphasises sustainability by aiming to develop skills in the communities so projects can continue.

What it does

The SLCS focuses on local community renewal and capacity-building projects, community financing initiatives, corporate social responsibility initiatives, research on social exclusion and project evaluation.

The SLCS contributes assistance to innovative, high priority initiatives which do not fit within existing community development grants programs.

Who is involved

The SLCS is managed by the Communities Division of the NSW Department of Community Services.

The NSW Governemnt established the Communities Division in July 2004 to coordinate programs involving multiple government agencies and the non-government sector to build resilient, safe and healthy communities.

Which projects it is linked to

The SLCS is linked to Working Together for NSW, Canterbury-Bankstown Project, Patnership with Pacific communities, Partnership with Arabic Speaking Communities, The Premier's Department Regional Coordination Program and other local initiatives.

For further information

Contact	:	John Macmillan, Manager, Communities Strategy
Address	:	Communities Division, Department of Community Services
Phone	:	02 9716 2849
Email	:	john.macmillan@community.nsw.gov.au