Last month, for Wear It Purple Day, we spent three colourful days at Westfield Woden asking you, our community, to share your bold, bright ideas on how to make Canberra an even better place to live.
As a community service organisation, we’re always looking for ways to create spaces where people feel connected, supported, and proud to call Canberra home. And who better to ask than the people who live, work, and play here every day?
We were blown away by the number of suggestions you shared, from new ways to connect with local groups, to ideas that could spark more inclusive events and opportunities. In fact, we collected 36 suggestions in total!
We’ve pulled them all together below, with details on where you can access the services or groups you suggested, plus a few things we’re looking into to make happen in the future.
A big thank you to everyone who stopped by, had a chat, and shared your vision with us. Your ideas are helping shape the way we engage with our community, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Community Suggestions & Our Responses
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
More youth groups and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ young people
Check out Minus18 and local LGBTQIA+ groups in the ACT for social and support networks. WCS also runs youth programs and drop-ins that welcome LGBTQIA+ young people.
Queer craft activities
The Community Toolbox Canberra often hosts creative activities. We’re also exploring opportunities to bring queer craft into our Hub events.
Social groups for LGBTQIA+ seniors and grandparents
Visit the LGBTIQ+ Directory for ACT-based social groups, or COTA ACT for activities tailored to older Canberrans.
Queer sports clubs and social sporting groups
Groups like Canberra Queer Sporting Alliance and Long Yang Club CBR offer inclusive activities.
LGBTQIA+ social group for CALD people
The Long Yang Club CBR is one option. We’ll continue to share opportunities like this through our channels.
Community Spaces & Activities
Book club in Woden
We host a monthly Reading Group at Westfield Woden, all are welcome! Find out more on our events page.
A space in the centre for games, talking circles or meet-ups
WE also run a Games Group every Friday. Drop in and join!
Free workshops and classes (life skills, cooking, employment)
We’re exploring more community workshops in our shopfront space keep an eye on our events calendar.
Knitting group to make items for people in need
Lincraft Woden has knitting groups Mondays and Saturdays (9:30–12). WCS is also interested in linking community makers with our Little Pantry.
More sports days
We supports a range of youth and community events. We’ll explore more sporting opportunities in partnership with local clubs.
Families & Young People
More youth activities
We run Youth Drop-Ins three days a week, plus events for Youth Week, Mental Health Month, NAIDOC, Christmas, and school holidays. Find out more on our Child, Youth and Family page.
First Aid courses for young people
We partner with Northside Community Service who offer free first aid training for young people.
Tutoring services for school kids
We’re exploring how we can partner with local providers to connect families with affordable tutoring.
Playgroups for neurodiverse children
Check out:
- NEIST Playgroup at Nicholls Community House (Wednesdays 10–11:30).
- PlayConnect Plus Phillip (Wednesdays 10–11:30).
Parenting courses
We run free evening parenting programs, see our Southside Initiative Perks 0–8.
Social Connection
Addressing social isolation for retirees (cards, Scrabble, groups)
We host a Friday Games Group at the Woden Community Hub. We also have a Aged Care Social Groups available, take a look at our Aged Care page for more information, there’s something on everyday.
Social groups for grandparents caring for kids
Try the Grandparents Playgroup in Cook through ACT Playgroups Association or activities listed by COTA ACT.
Meditation programs
You can find a list of the best meditation classes in Canberra here.
Creative networking group
A “Woden Creatives” idea is something we’d love to explore. Stay tuned for opportunities to connect creative people locally.
Community Support
More street pantries
We operate The Little Pantry at Westfield Woden. We’re also seeking funding for a community garden to support the Pantry.
Supermarkets donating more food
Many local food relief programs, including ours, already partner with Coles and Woolworths. We’ll continue to advocate for community donations.
Haircuts for people experiencing homelessness
Free cuts are available at the Early Morning Centre in Civic.
Community business support and resilience groups
We’ll look at ways to connect local small businesses and creatives for skills-sharing and support.
Events & Lifestyle
More live music venues and community markets
The Southside Farmers Market runs every Sunday at Canberra College, with fresh produce, food and live entertainment.
Street libraries
Community-led street libraries can be found across Canberra and we’d love to see more popping up in Woden!
Clean streets campaign
We’ll share this with our community engagement team to explore opportunities for volunteer clean-up days.
More competitions and prizes
Great idea! We’ll look at building in more competitions across our community events.