Iluka contracted Rural Solutions SA to facilitate the profile and to help in analysing the results.

The profile aims to improve community understanding of the strengths and capabilities of each community sector and provides a benchmark for future community profiles.

Iluka has obtained “baseline” data regarding community demographics through the help of industry, government and non-government bodies, such as the Eyre Regional Development Board and Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The profile could not be complete, however, without meeting directly with the community to gain a better understanding about the community.

Iluka community relations advisor Shelley Masterson identified the importance of undertaking the profile.

“Iluka is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates,” she said.

“A community profile is the first step in understanding opportunities for sustainable partnerships with community groups and businesses.

“We were lucky to have representatives from each community sector help on the day.

“It is important, however, that we try to make the profile an annual event to hear from different community members and ensure any changes in community needs, aspirations and challenges are identified ongoing.”

The day-long discussion looked at the following sectors: social organisation; health and human; education and training; natural resources; business; primary industry; arts and entertainment; and sport and recreation.

Community feedback was the essential ingredient required for this project. The profile will help the community, industry and government develop strategies to work toward achieving the community’s goals over the years to come.

Council community development manager Kathy Meier saw multiple uses for the profile.

“The information will provide recommendations on ways forward and proposed strategies. It will be a useful tool for the whole community to utilise, not just industry and government,” Ms Meier said.

The final profile will take Rural Solutions several weeks to complete. Once complete, the information will be shared and presented to the community as well as any other interested parties.

For more information on community development by Rural Solutions SA visit their website www.ruralsolutions.sa.gov.au.