We were delighted to welcome Lou Nicholson MP, the new State Member for Finniss, to Toc H South Australia’s Cooinda Retreats site today. Lou spent time with Adam and Beck walking through the property and learning more about our emerging community centre village concept, a future-focused vision for connection, wellbeing, inclusion and practical community service across the Southern Fleurieu.

The upcoming Fleurieu Peninsula Youth Climate Summit at Cooinda Retreats is about more than a one day event. It is about encouraging young people to step forward as contributors, problem-solvers, and future community leaders.

By bringing students together to explore sustainability, leadership, and practical action, the Summit helps activate the next generation of volunteers and changemakers across the Fleurieu region.

Pictured here is a previous group of students volunteering in the Cooinda Retreats community garden, a simple but powerful reminder that when young people are given the chance to serve, learn, and grow, great things begin to flourish. 🌱

Cooinda Retreats has been recognised as a Hipcamp Star Host — but for Toc H South Australia, this award represents far more than great reviews. It reflects nearly a century of community stewardship, reconnections with old memories, and new guests discovering the Toc H story for the first time. Here’s why this recognition means so much to us.

Cooinda Retreats, an initiative of Toc H SA works because people care.
This update acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of our current caretakers, Guy and Mel, and explores why volunteerism is not a side story here, but the foundation of the Community Village we are continuing to build.

Toc H SA‘s Chair Michael Thomas, CEO Adam Hooper, and Executive Director Rebecca Butler warmly welcomed the Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook, to Cooinda Retreats for a place-based conversation about community, connection, and Toc H South Australia’s role in developing the Cooinda Retreats Community Centre Village for the Fleurieu Peninsula.

As 2026 unfolds, Toc H South Australia and Cooinda Retreats are experiencing strong momentum. This update shares progress on our national grant proposal, growing government engagement, on-site activity, and the foundational work strengthening our organisation for the future.

At Victor Harbor, Toc H South Australia is progressing a Community Centre vision shaped by place, connection and the enduring spirit of Talbot House. This blog explores how the Four Points of the Compass, volunteerism and a deep belief in belonging are guiding a renewed Toc H story for a contemporary regional community.

At Cooinda Retreats, Toc H South Australia held a 24-hour World Chain of Light vigil, honouring a global tradition of fellowship and service while marking 100 years of Toc H in South Australia.