Kids First Australia strengthens community ties in SA with Mayoral Visit to Clearview

Kids First Australia was proud to welcome Mayor Claire Boan of Port Adelaide Enfield to our Clearview site last week for a meaningful discussion on the future of community services in the region. Joined by Liz Byrn, Manager of Communities, Libraries, and Learning, as well as SA Operations Lead Maddy D’Angelo and General Manager Western and South Australia Daniel Pisani, the visit highlighted Kids First’s vision to create a universal community hub that will serve the evolving needs of local families and young people.

As a result of these discussions, Mayor Boan has verbally pledged to extend our lease through 2025, securing our ability to continue delivering vital support to the Port Adelaide Enfield community.

A Vision for a Universal Community Hub

During the visit, Kids First outlined its commitment to developing an inclusive, centralised hub where individuals and families can access a wide range of essential services, including:

Family support programs
Mental health and wellbeing resources
Educational workshops
Youth engagement and diversion programs

“Our goal is to create a space where the community feels supported, connected, and empowered,” said Maddy D’Angelo, SA Operations Lead. “By bringing together key services under one roof, we can make it easier for families and young people to access the help they need, when they need it.”

Building on success: Interest in WA drop-in model

A key point of discussion was Kids First Australia’s Western Australia Drop-In model, which has successfully provided young people with a safe, welcoming space that offers:

Psycho-social education
Diversion programs
Community connection initiatives

Council representatives expressed strong interest in exploring how this model could be adapted to better serve young people in South Australia, ensuring they have access to support that fosters positive development and community engagement.

Looking ahead: Strengthening partnerships with Council

Kids First Australia will continue working closely with the Port Adelaide Enfield Council to develop collaborative initiatives, including planning for the 2025 National Youth Week event at Clearview. We will provide vital data and insights to council members ahead of their key discussions in June.

“We are committed to working hand-in-hand with Council and the community to create impactful, sustainable programs that respond directly to local needs,” said Daniel Pisani, General Manager Western and South Australia. “This visit was an important step in deepening our partnership and shaping the future of community services in the region.”

Left to right: Manager of Communities, Libraries and Learning Liz Byrn; Mayor of Port Adelaide Enfield Claire Boan; SA Operations Lead Maddy D’Angelo; and General Manager Western and South Australia Daniel Pisani.