Being part of a community is about much more than just living in the same area – it’s about getting involved and creating positivity in your local area. Across Australia, countless opportunities await to give back, forge connections, and support meaningful causes. As the new year begins, there’s no better time to engage with your local community and make a difference right where you are. Here’s how:
- Get involved in local fundraising events
Fundraising initiatives are a cornerstone of community support, with charities relying on public donations to continue their valuable work. The options for getting involved are vast, with events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea raising funds for cancer research, charity rides like Ride for Sick Kids supporting Ronald McDonald House, and so much more. Alternatively, you can organise your own local event, like a bake sale or trivia night, to support community causes.
Do-gooder tip: Struggling to find a charity to support? Don’t just sit there; do something with the innovative platform DoSomething Near You. Pop in your postcode and your interests, and it’ll tell you where you can help.
- Contribute to community clean-ups
Participating in clean-up initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day is a powerful way to protect the environment and enhance our shared spaces. Whether it’s beaches, parks, or city streets, these events unite people to make a valuable and visible difference. By joining in, you not only remove rubbish but also inspire others to take pride in their surroundings and adopt sustainable habits. You’ll also connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for a cleaner, greener community. Rally your friends, family, and community group to improve your environment.
Do-gooder tip: Keen to help keep your community clean any day of the year? Find out how to Get Involved as a Community.
- Dig deeper into sustainability initiatives
Contributing positively to your local community through sustainability initiatives is a powerful way to care for the planet in your backyard. In addition to clean-up days, spearhead or participate in initiatives like local tree planting days, native wildlife habitat restoration projects, bike-to-work days and composting workshops. Continue your positive practices at home, by incorporating sustainable living practices into your daily routine. This can be as simple as embracing reusable products, switching to energy-efficient appliances or growing produce at home.
Do-gooder tip: Scour your local councils and organisations for free workshops on composting, sustainable gardening, and other eco-friendly topics and soak up the knowledge.
- Good things take time
As covered in our Guide To Doing Good, your time is a hugely valuable asset to charities, with volunteers forming the backbone of many organisations. Shift your focus to your local community, and you’ll soon discover where there’s a need – whether it’s a local sporting club, youth centre, op shop or local food bank – ask around and get ready to give back. It’s not a one-sided affair either; when you volunteer your time, you’ll foster new connections outside of your usual social circle and gain personal fulfilment in spades.
Do-gooder tip: For maximum community impact, stay committed to the needs of your local community, as they often need the most help. More widely known, larger charities usually garner broad support.
- Become a mentor or tutor
Another more specific way to donate your time is through mentoring or tutoring with organisations like The Smith Family or Big Brothers Big Sisters Australia. These programs connect you with children and young people who could benefit from guidance and support and are an incredible way to make a real difference in someone’s life. Whether you share your knowledge and skills or simply act as a trusted source of support and encouragement or a listening ear, your contribution will leave a lasting impact and empower the next generation.
Do-gooder tip: Make a difference in your local community by offering support at a local youth club or community centre, or apply to become a youth mentor through Raise.
- Focus on future generations
Supporting youth-focused initiatives that provide resources and programs assisting with education, personal growth, and recovery from challenges like substance abuse is a powerful way to protect our future generations. Organisations such as Kids Helpline, which offers 24/7 counselling and support and Hands Across the Water, which extends impact internationally, are just some stand-out causes you can get involved with or donate to.
Do-gooder tip: Contact your local schools, youth clubs or sports groups to explore how you can help support future generations.
- Health and wellbeing helps you and others
Health and wellbeing initiatives play a crucial role in meeting community needs. They support hospitals, hospices, and charities focused on specific health issues, ensuring care for individuals and families facing medical challenges. Beyond healthcare, organisations like Carrie’s Place address broader concerns like domestic violence and family support. Through compassion and targeted support, these efforts create a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives.
Do-gooder tip: They say to help others, you first have to help yourself. Look after your wellbeing with 10 Mood-Boosters for your Mental Wellbeing and these tips from Beyond Blue.
- Disaster relief where and when it’s needed most
Disaster relief efforts are crucial in helping communities recover and rebuild after crises. In response to events like the Baffle Creek fires, donations and support for families who have lost their homes offer immediate assistance and hope. Programs such as the Australian Red Cross Disaster REDiPlan further empower communities by providing resources and guidance to prepare for and recover from emergencies. These initiatives highlight the importance of coming together to support community members in need during their toughest times.
Do-gooder tip: Be prepared and prepared to alert others, and donate to the Australian Red Cross to assist your broader community.
- Seek out or create community groups
Community groups are a big part of what makes your area a great place to live. They build connections, nurture shared goals, and form the basis of a support network – all of which have positive mental health benefits for everyone involved. Whether it’s a community garden, book club, social sports team, or a cuppa and chat group, seek out an existing group that resonates with you, or create your own if it doesn’t exist. Social isolation and loneliness are plaguing Australia (with 1 in 4 Australians experiencing feelings of loneliness at any given time), making community groups an increasingly important avenue for connection.
Do-gooder tip: Find an existing group in your local community through Meetup or read up on how to create your own with Volunteering Australia’s handy handbook on Starting a Community Group
- Mental health advocacy: championing awareness and support
Advocating for mental health awareness is vital, especially for those in high-pressure or traumatic environments. Initiatives that raise awareness about issues like PTSD create safe spaces for open conversations and support. As covered above, creating or joining community groups, teams, or clubs fosters positive engagement and camaraderie and boosts mental health, but to provide additional support, consider becoming a mental health advocate for those in need. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and that help is always within reach.
Do-gooder tip: Look for local organisations or clinics seeking mental health advocate volunteers or explore the many free advocacy courses available.
- Support your local businesses
Shopping locally is a meaningful way to strengthen your community while enjoying unique, high-quality products and services. Whether buying fresh produce from farmers’ markets, supporting independent artisans, or dining at family-owned cafes or working with local real estate agents who understand your neighbourhood, you’ll contribute to the local economy and help to keep your neighbourhood vibrant. Many regions also host initiatives like Buy From the Bush, which shine a light on rural and regional businesses, offering vital promotional support. By sharing your dollar locally, you enjoy exceptional products and experiences while supporting the people behind them.
Do-gooder tip: Social media and word of mouth can make all the difference to local businesses, so drop them a great review or recommend them to neighbours and local friends or family.
- Keep your community friendly
Spreading kindness through simple gestures – like a smile, a kind word, or offering help – can have a powerful impact on your community. These small acts are contagious – creating a ripple effect that fosters positivity, connection, and empathy. By setting a good example, especially for children, we teach the value of respect and care. Imagine the collective difference if everyone took a moment to show a little extra kindness? Simple acts like holding the door open or offering a seat can make others feel seen and valued, transforming neighbourhoods into welcoming, happier places to live.
Do-gooder tip: A smile doesn’t cost a cent, so start sharing yours!
Every action counts
Making a positive impact on your community doesn’t need to be overwhelming – small actions can create meaningful change that will benefit you and those around you. Whether donating your time, resources, or simply sharing kindness, these efforts are what help communities across Australia flourish and thrive.
At First National Real Estate, our members are embedded in communities across Australia and New Zealand. We’re proud to live, work, and actively contribute to making our communities a better place to be. Over the past decade, our collective donations have surpassed $10 million*. This is a testament to our commitment to making a difference in our communities.