We’re passionate about helping communities connect with nature and we’re always looking for ways to encourage people to learn and get involved. Community Hub Leaders at Community Hubs SA value meaningful connections between children, families, and nature, and recognise the lasting value of these experiences. That’s why they reached out to Green Adelaide to support them to develop a program to support families from diverse cultural backgrounds to connect with their local environment.
Community Hubs SA are local, school-based centres connecting culturally diverse families to each other and essential services, such as health and education.
They operate in 10 primary schools across the northern suburbs, connecting multicultural families with their schools and the wider community. The hubs support women and young children through playgroups, English classes and links to health, education and settlement services. And now – they incorporate a connection to nature, too.
In 2025, we supported Community Hubs SA to lead and co-design 5 nature-based playgroup sessions in parks, bushland and coastal environments. Here’s a snapshot of each session:
Session 1: Carisbrook Park, Salisbury Park
Over 300 participants enjoyed a day of nature walks, potion making, nature-based art and close-up encounters with spiders, lizards and insects, helping families become more comfortable with local wildlife. For many, this was their first experience exploring what local parks have to offer.
Session 2: Webb Beach, Mallala
Over 200 participants came to Webb beach in Mallala, an expansive sand flat that really feels much more remote than its relative proximity to the CBD. Activities included beach exploration, shell necklace making and learning about Kaurna dreaming stories, providing a meaningful introduction to Kaurna culture.
Session 3: Greenfields Wetlands, Dry Creek
A smaller, more tailored group took part in a nature scavenger hunt and birdwatching. Many attendees were from Lantana Kindy, and the experience inspired the kindy to establish its own ongoing program at Greenfields Wetlands.
Session 4: Para Wirra Conservation Park
Around 250 participants spent the day enjoying nature play, bushwalking, basket weaving and toasting marshmallows over a bonfire in the picturesque Para Wirra Conservation Park, just a stone’s throw from suburbia.
Session 5: Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
The final session welcomed 250 participants for nature play, a bug hunt and learning about Kaurna art, providing a fitting and engaging conclusion to the year.
Want to get involved in 2026?
Given the program’s resounding success in 2025, giving children and families in the northern suburbs first-hand experiences of nature and supporting learning, connection and wellbeing, the Hubs will continue, with Green Adelaide’s support to offer more nature-experiences in 2026.
If you’re thinking about getting involved these 2 testimonials from 2025 participants should seal the deal!
“Taking two toddler out in nature is tough and I don’t have the confidence to do it alone but in these bush playgroup sessions with a group of fellow mums, it’s like having a village for support and gives the children early, friendships, new environments to learn and develop in.”
“The play group sessions have helped to give me to the confidence to go out and explore more and given me new locations that I can explore. My children were amazed and could not stop talking about all the things they saw and did.”
If you would like ideas or support for your local area please contact Green Adelaide’s Education Team.