Sunshine Coast residents who are keen to help build healthy neighbourhoods are being encouraged to register for a free online course that starts from mid-July.
Council has partnered with the region's Community Praxis Co-op, who will lead Building Better Communities – a six-week online course that's part of the At Home in My Neighbourhood program and designed to help lay the foundation for a better social fabric.
Community Praxis facilitator Howard Buckley said the course would be a wonderful interactive learning opportunity.
"This is open to anyone and may appeal to someone who is engaged and active within their neighbourhood; those who volunteer or perhaps are part of community groups," Mr Buckley said.
"We'll explore safe ways to build people's confidence and skills in effective communication; connect with others around shared ideas and provide support for people to build inclusive groups and initiate local projects."
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said building a strong community was a key focus of the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.
"We are keen to ensure community places and spaces are vibrant, inclusive, accessible, adaptable and meet the needs of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
"This course is a great opportunity to help deliver that ethos and I encourage people to sign up now as spots are limited."
"Council's At Home in My Neighbourhood program really rallied around the community during COVID-19 through its Covid Kindness initiative and beyond, aiming to nurture socially cohesive neighbourhoods and this course is a continuation of that great work."
Session topics include understanding challenges people face in trying to build community, positive examples of local values plus understanding First Nations' perspectives.
People can register here: https://haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/communitybuilding
Each online session will be held on a Tuesday morning between 10.30am and noon from 14 July to 18 August.
