Connect Up

Connect Up 2617 is a local initiative developed by and for Belconnen and Bruce communities to trial sustainable ways for residents aged between 18-30 to meaningfully connect, create and share experiences, and develop a sense of community belonging. This project is funded through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). 

The project scope was developed by local residents, stakeholders and community service providers in Bruce and Belconnen throughout April-June 2024. This collaborative process included a Working Group, consultation with over 140 community members on their experiences of social connection in these suburbs, and a co-design process with over 20 local residents and stakeholders.

Connect Up 2617, which will roll out from August 2024 to August 2025, is a multi-layered project that will include:

• Community-wide advocacy, stakeholder engagement, project oversight and communication: to build sustainable partnerships and local changes to increase greater local promotion of events, programs and services and opportunities for connection for 18-30 year olds;
• Community governance and oversight: through a Project Working Group comprising residents aged 18-30 years; and a Community Reference/Advisory Group;
• Community Connectors: 6-8 part-time/casual 'Community Connectors' who will work with residents, with Community Governance and HRI project team to link and promote existing local programs and services for 18-30 year olds and initiate new activities
• Community Initiators: support of local residents who want to volunteer to initiate new clubs, regular activities or social gatherings.

Want to join in? If you’re aged 18-30 and live in Belconnen and Bruce, keep an eye out for more programs, more events and activities in these suburbs or contact us on: ConnectUpBelco@canberra.edu.au.