SA & Vic Alliance Meeting: weathering storms and strengthening connections

The South Australia and Victoria Alliance Meeting took place in August on what turned out to be one of Adelaide’s most treacherous days. With tornado warnings issued and wild weather sweeping across the city, members showed their true resilience and commitment in gathering together for the day. Despite the challenging conditions, the sessions were well attended.

The day began with a welcome and opening devotion. This was followed by a legal session on PBI Status and ACNC Audits, led by Cowell Clarke, offering members valuable advice on compliance and preparing for increased regulatory scrutiny.

In the mid-morning session, members explored Employment Law and Human Services, with a focus on legislative change, psychological safety, and practical strategies to support workforce wellbeing. This was followed by an update from the LCANZ and a session on Building Better Connections Across the Church Community, which highlighted opportunities for stronger collaboration between congregations, schools, agencies, and aged care organisations.

The late morning saw an update on the work of the South Australian Lutheran Aged Care Chaplains (SALAC), before members gathered for lunch and networking at Balthazar Café. The afternoon continued with a Site Tour and Development Showcase at Trinity Place, led by Matt Johns, giving members the opportunity to view current facilities and learn about exciting development plans.

After the tour, members turned their attention to the Retirement Villages Act (SA), with discussion on recent amendments and the possibility of creating shared contract resources. DCMI then presented an overview of their Learning Management System (LMS) and a tailored offer for LCA members.

The day concluded with a Shared Resource Model Update, planning for the next meeting in Tanunda in November, and a round table discussion.

Despite the wild weather outside, the meeting proved to be a success inside, reinforcing the value of collaboration and shared learning. Thank you, Matt Johns, at Trinity Place for hosting.