Connected and Active Communities
Developed with locals, for locals
The Connected and Active Communities (CAC) Project focuses on the unique and exciting strengths of South Australian communities - viewing these strengths as assets.
CAC is a place-based approach that builds cross-sector relationships and supports sustainable, community-driven solutions.
The project strengthens local and regional capacity to increase physical activity participation and grow community connectedness through initiatives developed with locals, for locals.
What CAC aims to achieve
Connected and Active Communities works to:
- Increase physical activity participation
- Grow community and social connectedness
- Create equitable access and reduced social isolation
- Improve mental health and wellbeing
- Develop young leaders
CAC Initiatives
Champions of Change
Identifies young people who positively influence their peers and provides opportunities for them to grow into leadership roles.
Club Health Check
Works with local clubs to understand what support they need and provides targeted training and development.
Facility Coordination
Encourages collaboration and shared use of facilities to maximise access and community benefit.
Heart of the Community
Removes barriers to participation and uses sport as a tool to address broader social challenges, including domestic violence, mental health, support for First Nations communities, and assistance for families in need.
Growing for Gold is coming these school holidays
Children and young people across Port Lincoln will have the opportunity to get active, try new sports and make new friends these school holidays through the Growing for Gold program.
Delivered as part of a South Australian Government initiative, Growing for Gold offers free come-and-try sport sessions for children and young people aged 3 to 16 years, helping them discover new interests, build confidence and enjoy the benefits of being active.
Local participants will have the opportunity to experience a variety of sports, with sessions delivered by local clubs and sporting organisations.
All Growing for Gold sessions are free, however registrations are essential as places are limited. Learn more or register on the Growing for Gold website: orsr.sa.gov.au/get-active/growing-for-gold.
Program Schedule
Tennis
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5-8 years | Saturday 26 September 2026, 9:00am - 9:45am | Port Lincoln Tennis Association |
| 8-16 years | Saturday 26 September 2026, 9:45am - 10:30am | Port Lincoln Tennis Association |
Little Athletics
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3-16 years | Sunday 27 September 2026, 10:00am - 11:30am | Ravendale Oval |
Squash
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-16 years | Sunday 27 September 2026, 11:45am - 12:45pm | Port Lincoln Leisure Centre (YMCA) |
Volleyball
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 10-16 years | Sunday 27 September 2026, 12:45pm - 2:45pm | Navigator College Stadium |
| 10-16 years | Wednesday 30 September 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm | Navigator College Stadium |
Table Tennis
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8-12 years | Tuesday 29 September 2026, 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Port Lincoln Table Tennis Association |
Cricket
| Ages | Date & Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5-8 years | Wednesday 30 September 2026, 2:30pm - 3:30pm | Ravendale Oval |
| 12-16 years | Wednesday 30 September 2026, 3:30pm - 5:00pm | Navigator College Cricket Nets |
The Strengths Report outlines the strengths identified through regional engagement and community consultation conducted in partnership with the City of Port Lincoln and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR).
The report captures community-identified strengths and local assets to help inform future planning and program development.
Download: Strength Report [PDF 9.3MB]
The Future Sport Leaders Program supports young people aged 15-17 in Port Lincoln to develop leadership skills through sport and community involvement.
Delivered in partnership with Council's Connected and Active Communities Program and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, the program provides a structured pathway for young people to grow in confidence, build skills and contribute to their local club.
What the program includes
Participation complete a combination of:
- Physical Activity - 1 hour per week for 3 months
- Volunteering - 1 hour per week for 3 months at a local club or organisation
- Skills development - including coaching and officiating essentials
- A Duke of Edinburgh-aligned framework, with most participants completing the program within 6-9 months
Participants can:
- Earn a minimum of 10 SACE points
- Complete requirements flexibly (up to age 25)
- Build leadership skills, confidence and community connections
- Gain recognised experience within their sporting club
The program is designed to fit around school and seasonal sporting commitments.
If you would like to be notified about future program opportunities, or would like more information about how your club can be involved, please contact:
Council's Connected & Active Communities Project Officer
Georgina Shirley
Email: Georgina Shirley@plcc.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8621 2319
The Future Sport Leaders Program is delivered in partnership with Connected and Active Communities Program - Port Lincoln and Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.
Local community clubs attended the 2026 Club Level Up Day, a full-day, free conference hosted by the City of Port Lincoln in partnership with Sport SA and the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing as part of the Connected & Active Communities Program.
Date: Sunday 15 March 2026
Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm
Location: Port Lincoln Hotel
This practical event was designed to help clubs strengthen governance, leadership, participation, inclusion, and overall sustainability through multiple expert-led sessions. Clubs were encouraged to send at least two representatives to make the most of the program.
View the full program:
Download: 2026 Port Lincoln Club Development Conference Full Program [PDF 508KB]
Download: 2026 Port Lincoln Club Development Conference Program [PDF 328KB]
Enquiries:
Council's Connected & Active Communities Project Officer
Georgina Shirley
Email: Georgina Shirley@plcc.sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8621 2319
Need more information
If you have any questions regarding the Connected and Active Communities, or need assistance with your application please contact:
City of Port Lincoln
Connected and Active Communities Project Officer, Georgina Shirley
Office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday to Friday
Phone: 8621 2319
Email: Georgina Shirley@plcc.sa.gov.au