From Community Priorities to Real Change

The SCfC journey follows a continuous, community‑driven cycle that connects community voice to real activities and outcomes. This cycle supports communities to plan, deliver, reflect and strengthen activities over time, ensuring the program remains responsive and locally relevant.

1. Community Vision

The SCfC journey begins with Local Community Board (LCB) members setting a shared vision for children and families. Drawing on their local knowledge and what they hear from the wider community, LCB members articulate a vision that reflects local strengths, culture and aspirations, and what the community wants to see change over time.

2. LCB Priorities

LCBs lead community discussions to identify priorities that will contribute to the shared vision. These priorities are informed by community voices, lived experience and what is working or missing locally.

3. Activity Design

Activities are designed or selected to respond to the priorities identified by the LCB. This includes shaping ideas, approaches, and partnerships so that activities are culturally appropriate, place‑based, and aligned with SCfC aims.

4. Community Plan

The agreed activities and priorities are brought together in an annual SCfC Community Plan. The Facilitating Partner develops the plan, guided by the LCB, ensuring that it reflects the LCB's priorities and decisions. The plan outlines what will be delivered, why it is needed and how it will support better outcomes for children and families. Once complete, the LCB endorses the final Community Plan.

5. Funding Eligibility Check with NIAA

The Community Plan is submitted to the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to confirm activities meet funding and eligibility requirements. Activities commence only once approval is received.

6. Activities Begin

Approved activities are delivered in community through Facilitating Partners and local service providers. Delivery is guided by the Community Plan and informed by ongoing engagement with the LCB and community.

7. Monitoring & Learning

Communities, LCBs and partners monitor how activities are working and what is changing. Information, feedback and local data are used to support learning and informed decision‑making.

8. Reviewing and Strengthening

LCBs review progress, reflect on learnings and consider what is working well and what could be strengthened. Facilitating Partners also report on activities and outcomes to the NIAA, supporting accountability and informing the next cycle of planning and improvement.