Lutheran Care has officially opened the Barossa Community Centre in Nuriootpa, creating a new community-led space focused on connection, wellbeing, participation and belonging. 

Located in the 1940s bungalow at 25 Second Street, the Centre is the first of its kind in The Barossa Council region and builds on Lutheran Care’s long-standing presence and support for individuals and families across the Barossa. 

The Centre was established in response to local community feedback identifying a need for greater mental health and wellbeing support, social connection and activities for people of all ages. A 2025 community survey of 104 people found around 70 per cent were interested in mental health and wellbeing programs, 65 per cent wanted social groups, more than half identified a need for food relief and almost half were interested in youth programs and activities.  

Lutheran Care Executive Manager Practice, Quality & Services Ashleigh Hosking said the Centre marked an important next step in the organisation’s relationship with the region. 

“Lutheran Care has a long and valued connection with the Barossa, and the Barossa Community Centre represents an exciting new chapter in that relationship. We’re proud to continue working alongside local people and responding to what matters to them,” Ms Hosking said. 

“Connection and belonging can sometimes sound like small things, but they can make an enormous difference in people’s lives. We want this to be a place where people feel welcome, build relationships, access support and have opportunities to participate and contribute.” 

Ms Hosking said the strong local response to establishing the Centre demonstrated the Barossa’s community spirit and the importance of shared responsibility in building strong communities. 

“The way the Barossa has got behind this Centre has been incredible. Local organisations, businesses, donors, volunteers and individuals haven’t simply invested in a Lutheran Care initiative; they’ve invested in their own community and what it can become.” 

The Centre is supported by the South Australian Government through the Department of Human Services’ Community and Neighbourhood Development Program, with funding supporting its operation until 2032. Local businesses and community groups had already contributed donations worth $24,000 when plans for the Centre were announced in May. 

St Petri Lutheran Church has also played an important role in making the property available as the Centre’s new home, while local donors, businesses, volunteers and community organisations have contributed funding, equipment, expertise and practical support. 

Lutheran Care Operations Manager Family and Community Services (Barossa, Light & Lower North), Helen Walker, said listening to the community had been central to developing the Centre. 

“One of the first questions we asked was: what does our community need most? What we heard consistently was the need for a welcoming place where people could connect, access support, build relationships and feel a greater sense of belonging. This Centre has grown directly from those conversations,” Mrs Walker said. 

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the Centre already coming to life. We have organisations and programs using the space, volunteers getting involved and local people bringing forward ideas about what they would like to see here. That is exactly what we hoped for; a Centre shaped by the community, for the community.” 

Services and activities already connecting with the Centre include Lifeline, Feros Care, Good Better Best Men and Lutheran Care’s Chatty Café, with future ideas including a community garden, youth activities, Coffee with a Cop, volunteering opportunities, food literacy and sustainability activities and bush tucker education. 

“This is only the beginning. We want the Barossa Community Centre to keep growing and evolving with the people who walk through its doors; whether that’s through a community garden, youth activities, wellbeing programs, volunteering or ideas we haven’t even thought of yet. We can’t wait to see what the Barossa creates here,” Mrs Walker said. 

The official opening began with a Welcome to Country by Lutheran Care friend and respected Aboriginal leader Quenten Agius, who has a strong and valued relationship with the organisation. 

“I welcome you to the lands of the Adjahdura and Ngadjuri people, the lands of my ancestors; the lands I am physically and spiritually connected to,” Mr Agius said. 

Mayor of The Barossa Council Michael “Bim” Lange OAM welcomed the Centre as an important addition to the region. 

“This Centre represents an investment in our people and our future,” Mayor Lange said. 

“It will bring people together, provide access to vital services, build resilience and foster inclusion, creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with others and participate.” 

Mayor Lange said the Centre also aligned with Council’s newly adopted Wellbeing and Inclusion Plan. 

“While buildings provide the foundation, strong communities are built by people. This is more than a nice old 1940s bungalow, this is about our region’s most valuable asset – its people.” 

“On behalf of The Barossa Council, I look forward to seeing this Centre strengthen connections and contribute to a thriving community for many years to come.” 

Guests at the opening also heard a performance by State Opera South Australia tenor Callum McGing, through Lutheran Care’s community partnership with State Opera South Australia. 

The Barossa Community Centre will complement Lutheran Care’s existing presence in the region, including its Children’s Contact Service in Nuriootpa and Emergency Relief, Financial Counselling, Community Connections and Elcies Thrift Store in Tanunda. 

 Ms Hosking said the official opening was a milestone, rather than the end of the Centre’s development. 

 “Today isn’t about opening a finished product – we’re opening a door. What happens beyond that door will be shaped by the conversations, partnerships, friendships and ideas that develop here, and by the Barossa community itself.” 

For updates, follow the Barossa Community Centre on Facebook or visit the webpage here.