Lutheran Care is thrilled to announce the Barossa Community Centre will open soon in Nuriootpa. The centre will be a first for the Barossa and has been initiated by Lutheran Care in response to community feedback highlighting the need for more support in areas such as mental health and wellbeing, as well as more opportunities for connection and activities for people of all ages. It’s hoped the new centre will become a true community space, shaped by the community and embraced by locals.
The confirmed location is the ‘White House’ at 25 Second Street, Nuriootpa, just across the road from Lutheran Care’s current Children’s Contact Service location at Gersch House, 24 Second Street, and the former Lutheran Care site at Schild House, just across from St Petri Lutheran Church.
While building improvements to the 1940s bungalow are under way, Lutheran Care is busy preparing for the opening. Pending the completion of these necessary works, a launch will be held, and key dates shared as soon as possible.
Funding through the Department of Human Services’ Neighbourhood Development Scheme will support the centre’s operation until 30 June 2032. Local businesses and community groups have also been extremely generous, giving donations worth $24,000 to date, including a refrigerator, microwave, and other items for the centre.
Lutheran Care Operations Manager Family and Community Services (Barossa, Light & Lower North), Helen Walker, said the organisation hopes the centre will become a welcoming place where people feel comfortable to connect and participate.
“We want the new community centre to be a warm, inclusive and safe space, embraced by the community and featuring activities led by the community,” Mrs Walker said.
Mrs Walker said she’d love to offer barista training, and an industrial quality coffee machine is another item on the centre’s wishlist. Additionally, rooms will be made available for hire for community groups. One of the first groups to utilise the new space is Lutheran Care’s Chatty Café, a popular initiative that encourages conversation and connection. Other ideas include board game and knitting groups, and a community garden.
Lutheran Care is also exploring partnerships with organisations including a food relief charity, mental health support providers and government organisations to support the centre’s future programs and services, as well as working with St Petri Church next door.
Mrs Walker said Lutheran Care was also excited to welcome Tanya Bingham as the centre’s Community Centre Coordinator. Tanya is a Barossa local and has over 25 years’ involvement in community-based health and wellbeing initiatives.
“Tanya has also led the planning and delivery of inclusive community programs that foster social connection, wellbeing, and safe participation, and we’re looking forward to having Tanya help shape the centre alongside the community,” Mrs Walker said.
Lutheran Care staff from the Community Connections program will also help onsite, and the team is looking for volunteers to get involved, too.
The centre’s development has been informed by community feedback. A community survey conducted in late 2025, with 104 respondents, highlighted strong interest in a range of services. Around 70 per cent of respondents were interested in mental health and wellbeing programs, 65 per cent called for social groups, more than half sought food relief, and just under half were interested in youth programs or activities.
Lutheran Care CEO Ian Byrne said Lutheran Care looks forward to the centre becoming a valuable community hub.
“We look forward to this being a hub for the community, supporting local needs for years to come,” Mr Byrne said. “We encourage the community to get around this new centre and help shape what it becomes.”
The community centre will complement Lutheran Care’s existing services in the region, including the Children’s Contact Service in Nuriootpa; Emergency Relief, Financial Counselling and Community Connections, delivered from the Tanunda Lutheran Care site, as well as Elcies Thrift Store in Tanunda.
Further details about the opening and upcoming programs will be shared in the coming weeks. To register interest in volunteering, or running a program from the centre, please contact Lutheran Care Tanunda at barossa@lutherancare.org.au or call 8562 2688.
*Please note, because of delays in building works, the location of the four-week course, Bringing Up Great Kids, starting 26 May, is now the Lutheran Care Tanunda office. The course supports parents to develop mindful, nurturing and positive relationships with their children, delivered by Lutheran Care’s Family and Relationships services. Contact Lutheran Care for more information.