Conference

The annual CANH Strengthening Local Communities Conference provides an opportunity for individuals working across the community and government sectors to come together to learn, share experiences and gather ideas. It is recognised as South Australia's leading community development conference.

2010 CANH Conference

The 2010 CANH Strengthening Local Communities Conference, the 15th annual conference organised by CANH, was held from 26-28 May at Glandore Community Centre, Glandore.

'Agents of Change' was the theme of the conference, which attracted over 150 delegates from across South Australia. The program featured a range of keynote speakers and workshop presenters who shared their knowledge, experience and stories by exploring change from an individual to a global perspective focusing on how community centres act as catalysts for strengthening individuals, their families and communities and ultimately, as catalysts for social change.

Topics included:

  • Results Based Accountability
  • Neuro-Linguistic Programming
  • Community Development
  • Volunteerism
  • The Changing Environment
  • Organisational Change
  • Leaders of Change
  • Community Food Movements
  • Health, Happiness and Wellbeing
  • Service Excellence
  • Work Life Balance
  • Industrial Relations

On the Thursday evening of the conference the 2010 CANH Awards Dinner was held at the Graduates Restaurant, TAFE SA Regency Campus. The dinner was attended by 130 guests celebrating the Graduate and Honorary Member Awards.

Patrick Maher, Manager of Community Programs, Community Connect; Department of Families and Communities presented the CANH Honorary Membership to Clare Dilliway, Chief Executive Officer; Northern Area Youth and Community Services (NACYS) in recognition of the contribution she has made to Community and Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Sector over many years.

Raymond Garrand, Chief Executive of Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology presented certificates to the 31 graduates who achieved a qualification through CANH's Workforce Development Project over the past year.

A special award was given to Janet Chambers to acknowledge the amazing contribution she made to CANH conferences by designing the CANH conference logos from 1996-2008.

On Friday morning Audra Cooper, Manager of Community Engagement; Department of Premier and Cabinet and Gabrielle Kelly, Director; Adelaide Thinkers in Residence Program facilitated a conversation café on the South Australian Strategic Plan. Audra spoke to conference participants about the value of community input to the state strategic plan. Gabrielle explored with participants what it means to be advocates in influencing and leading change from the 'grass roots' up. The participants then broke up into smaller groups and worked with the Community Engagement Team to discuss critical issues in relation to community services and the State Strategic Plan.

On Friday afternoon the honorable Steve Georganas MP, Federal Member for Hindmarsh officially opened the CANH Learning Centre.
To view pictures of the official opening of the CANH Learning Centre please click here

Quotes from conference delegates

Here are some comments from the conference delegates about the 2010 CANH Strengthening Communities Conference:

  • "Great opportunity to network with other organisations, obtain ideas and share ideas, outcomes."
  • "Networking, ideas and solutions that work."
  • "The keynote speakers were excellent - inspiring."
  • "Good balance of workshop topics."
  • "The opportunity to network and validate that we know what we know and that it makes a difference in our community."
  • "Some excellent speakers / presenters - great information, enthusiasm, encouragement, stimulating ideas."
  • "The conference is so inspiring. Great opportunity to network."
  • "I really loved the conference. It's very inspiring and motivating. Love the PASSIONATE speakers."
  • "The theme and core content, ...sharing highs and lows."
  • "... affirmation about the way we develop community and the way we work."
  • "The range of topics were relevant, interesting and informative. The information that I learnt through my chosen topics will assist me further in my daily management, leadership and planning."
  • "Very thought provoking and timely. Underlined the issues and challenges we are facing and offered exciting possibilities."
  • "Positive energy ... participants and speakers."