Who we are

HOPE Whyalla is a group of passionate people with a heart for our community. HOPE Whyalla listens to, walks alongside of, and serves our community, finding ways to build connection, belonging, and safety for all.

Our journey

Ten years ago, a group of passionate people from different services, organisations and community came together to support young people and their families living in the Whyalla Stuart area. Initially titled the “Whyalla Stuart Collective Impact Project” before community deciding that the HOPE Collective was our way forward.

Over the years, we’ve had many community conversations and held free events in public spaces every few months. While this changed during COVID, we’re now planning to bring events back to hear from the community. It was through these conversations that the community chose the name HOPE—Healthy, Optimistic, Pride in our community, and Empowered.

In 2023-2024 HOPE Whyalla was approached to partner with Mission Australia in one of its ‘Community of Focus’ initiatives. This sees us funded for up to 10 years to continue the work we do with our community.
We are now exploring potential activities and priorities at the street or local neighbourhood level and will seek input from the community on what they’d like to see.

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Download our Strategic Plan

Our people

Leadership group

HOPE Whyalla is a vibrant collective of diverse partners, supported by an extended network. At the helm of this collaborative effort is our Leadership Group, comprised of 6 to 10 members drawn from our partner organisations.

This Leadership Group plays a vital role in guiding HOPE Whyalla by providing strategic direction, making key decisions, offering practical support, and overseeing the initiative’s overall progress. Their work is guided by a clear Terms of Reference, ensuring focused and effective leadership.

Support team

HOPE Whyalla is proudly supported by Mission Australia’s Communities of Focus team. Through a formal Collaboration Agreement, Mission Australia provides essential resources and support, outlining how we work together to achieve our shared goals.

Part of this support includes a dedicated team made up of a Community and Neighbourhood Community Lead and a Community and Neighbourhood Project Officer. Their role is to connect with partners, assist the Leadership Group, and help grow and strengthen HOPE Whyalla’s reach and impact within the community.

Action Groups

Our community grows through action.

Each action group focuses on a different area of connection, learning, and wellbeing. Anyone can join a group, take part in its activities, or share ideas for new projects.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about what each group is doing, you’re welcome to join or reach out to one that interests you.

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Community conversations and HOPE connection activities

Creating spaces for open dialogue and shared experiences.

Grow HOPE
community hub

Supporting local gatherings and community initiatives.

Grow the Orchard community garden

Growing food, skills, and friendships

Justice system conversations

Exploring ways to support fairness and rehabilitation.

Men’s mental health

Fostering understanding, support, and wellbeing for men in our community.

Partnering with

HOPE Collective and Mission Australia are deepening their commitment to the Whyalla community through a long-term partnership. Whyalla is now Mission Australia’s fourth Community of Focus, with the organisations building on the foundation HOPE Collective has created to drive lasting change. From 2024, Mission Australia is committing up to 10 years of funding to establish a local team to support HOPE Collective’s ongoing work.

About Communities of Focus

We are also proud to partner with

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