The City of Playford has showcased its leadership in precinct planning and community inclusion on a national stage at the Australian Local Government Association’s inaugural Urban Forum, held alongside the National General Assembly in Canberra.
Mayor Glenn Docherty, Cr Shirley Halls and Cr Misty Norris attended as representatives of the City of Playford.
The event, held from 23-25 June, brought together councils from across Australia to hear directly from federal government leaders, contribute to national policy discussions and advocate for the needs of local communities. It also provided an opportunity for councils to learn from one another, gain insight into key federal policies and help shape sector-wide priorities.
The City of Playford contributed to the discussions with Mayor Docherty, presenting on Council’s role in shaping the Playford Health and Wellbeing precinct – a world-leading, connected, place-based precinct-one that’s tailored to the unique needs of Northern Adelaide.
Located 25 kilometres north of Adelaide’s CBD, the precinct is uniquely positioned among established urban centres, innovation hubs, defence and manufacturing industries, supporting one of the fastest growing populations in South Australia.
Centred around the Lyell McEwin Hospital, the precinct is driving economic growth through expanded research, education, employment and health opportunities, while improving access to essential services closer to home for both local and regional communities.
Mayor Docherty said getting the foundations right early allows councils to build precincts that contribute to improving outcomes and support long-term community wellbeing.
“Council has played a key enabling role in shaping the precinct since 2011, including rezoning land, coordinating infrastructure, unlocking Council-owned sites and working in partnership with government, health providers and education institutions to attract investment aligned to community need,” he said.
“This long-term, Council-led project is bringing health, education and wellbeing services together for northern Adelaide and surrounding regional communities-
making sure we can meet the increasing demand for healthcare services as the population expands.”
With Playford having a higher rate of residents living with disability and complex health conditions the Mayor spoke about attracting investment for the benefit of current and future residents.
“We’re focused on attracting investment in research and innovation across health, social services and wellbeing. This is about positioning the north as a real-world test bed for new, cutting-edge solutions that could be applied at a global scale.”
Mayor Docherty also spoke about the work of the Northern Adelaide Health and Wellbeing Partnership which has been pivotal in building the precinct. Founded in 2022, the partnership has representation from a range of organisations with a focus on working collaboratively to create healthier communities, drive economic growth and participation and secure the long-term regional prosperity of the north.
“Working in close partnership with like-minded organisations is helping shape the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct with purpose, care and a bold vision-one that supports the needs of today’s community while creating lasting benefits for future generations,” said Mayor Docherty.
Mayor Docherty was part of a panel that discussed disability access and inclusion hosted by renowned ABC journalist, David Speers where he discussed the City of Playford’s commitment to inclusion through Kawanta Pirku-itya/Belonging in the North, a four-year initiative funded by the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing. Co-designed with Aboriginal families, Elders and service partners, the program responds to a critical gap for Aboriginal people living with disability and their families by delivering a culturally safe, whole-of-family model that brings together support and participation.
Mayor Docherty said initiatives such as Tukka Time cooking, Yarning for Knowledge sessions, Mob Moments family programs, Olive Branch carers group and on-Country excursions, highlight how families are supported in a space that is accessible, practical and built around community.
“Since November 2024, the program has delivered 178 sessions and more than 2200 attendances, with families reporting increased confidence and improved engagement with services, and a deeper sense of belonging,” he said.
A key feature of the program is the inclusion of trained support workers in each session, providing real-time support to participants and families, helping them navigate services and continue participating.
Mayor Docherty shared with those in attendance on how the program demonstrates how listening to community and responding to lived experience can create lasting impact.
Council’s participation in the Urban Forum reflects a long-term commitment to contributing to national conversations, sharing local expertise and learning from partners across the country to benefit a growing community.
