Our Community Development Strategy is guided by community engagement and statistics, the Community Strategic Plan and widely recognised measures of wellbeing , such as the "Social Determinants of Health" from the World Health Organisation.

Community Development supports services, policies and resources that address barriers to participation and improve wellbeing. We do not deliver direct services to individuals in the community, as these are provided by other organisations and levels of government.

Our community development team has Community Development Officers for Children and Families, Young People, Older People and People with a Disability. These positions are supported by a Social Research / Data Management Officer and a Program Leader. While we advocate for vulnerable people in these communities, we work with all branches of Council and with community services in a broader approach for the benefit of the Common Good.

Examples of these activities include:

  • providing the backbone for the Stronger Families Alliance
  • convening Early Childhood Education Network and projects promoting children's wellbeing 
  • coordinating community events for the Seniors Festival
  • working with community groups including the Access Advisory Committee and the Blue Mountains Community Drug Action Team
  • facilitating the Blue Mountains Youth Council and their community-led projects
  • supporting community events like White Ribbon Day, IDAHOT Day and Katoomba Live and Local.

For more details about these community development priorities, please click on the links. 

We want to hear from you

We always encourage feedback and your ideas about Community Development in the Blue Mountains.

How we are guided in our work is outlined in the Community Development Strategy, which you can download below.

Maybe you believe that an identified priority or strategy needs to be included in this document, such as more about homelessness or employment? Or, you may wish to see changes or more information about Community Development on this website? Please let us know. 

The Community Development team uses the following methods to consult with the community. If you have any further suggestions on how to make consultation more effective, please let us know.

  • Special committees with focused priorities (eg: Access Advisory Committee, Stronger Families Alliance, Blue Mountains Youth Council)
  • Regular communication and training with peak bodies using the latest research and statistics
  • Surveys, conversations and community consultation,
  • https://www.bluemountainshaveyoursay.com.au/ 

Further information
Council’s Program Leader, Community Development
Phone: 4780 5542
Email: cberryman@bmcc.nsw.gov.au