More Than a Roof: Building Community at Slacks Creek

When Churches of Christ welcomed the first residents to our Slacks Creek housing complex in early 2025, our primary goal was to provide safe, high-quality, affordable housing in a region facing significant rental stress.  

However, we recognised that moving into a complex can often feel isolating. Even though our residents had physical security, we were keen to find ways to help them connect and build community.

Churches of Christ staff work with onsite partner agency YFS to help build community connection. The team of staff bring together specialist skills from tenancy management, social work, community development and chaplaincy to help residents build a thriving community.  

Residents come together for a range of regular events, and we are setting up a community space for residents come together, rain hail or shine. The community have come together with Churches of Christ and YFS hosting celebratory events like Christmas and a local resident welcome, with the community having recently celebrated their second Easter togethering. Regular events are occurring, at present we have OZ harvest are coming onsite to deliver a cooking program, Reclink lead chair yoga and there is a tenant-led book swap each week. Our Chaplain Adam is hosting regular community BBQs and coffee mornings. These times of gathering over food and coffee are greatly appreciated by the residents as a place of connection and support.  

As well as social catch-ups, Chaplain Adam has responded to the specific spiritual needs of the residents.  

Some of the residents have identified as having an active Christian faith, so Chaplain Adam will be facilitating a Bible study for them, providing a space for spiritual nourishment right where they live. 

A Vibrant Community 

As well as connecting with our team and ‘Chappy Adam’, these initiatives are allowing residents to connect with each other. What began as a group of strangers in a building is transforming into a supportive network of neighbours. 

We are looking forward to seeing a vibrant, supportive community continue to grow and develop at Slacks Creek over the coming months and years.