A Community Update: Where We’re At and What’s Ahead

We’re pleased to share an update with our members, friends, partners and volunteers on where things currently stand for Toc H South Australia Inc. and Cooinda Retreats, and to give a clear sense of the momentum building as we head into 2026.

Over recent months, Toc H South Australia has lodged a comprehensive 90-page grant submission with Toc H Australia, the entity responsible for administering the national bequest. This submission has been framed deliberately as a partnership proposal, reflecting our belief that the Cooinda Retreats Community Centre Village is a foundational project of national significance. It is designed to complement Toc H’s purpose across Australia and aligns closely with the intent of our benefactors, delivering meaningful services within Toc H regions.

During the time this proposal has been under consideration, Toc H Australia has experienced executive change, including national elections and the appointment of a new National Director. We have genuinely valued the opportunity to work closely with him, bringing him up to speed on the depth, intent and long-term significance of the project. Alongside this, we have attended multiple meetings, provided supplementary information and continued constructive dialogue with several Council members who are seeing the opportunity this proposal represents. We now anticipate a decision in the very near future and remain optimistic about a positive outcome for the benefit of Toc H nationally.

While this strategic work has progressed, operations at Cooinda Retreats have been anything but quiet. Over the seasonal period, the site has been transformed into a fully operational RV park, hosting up to 25 sites. We’ve been delighted to see the park almost continuously booked, day after day, demonstrating both the demand for this type of offering and the strength of the social enterprise model that underpins our wider community work.

None of this happens without people. We are deeply grateful to all of our volunteer caretakers who have supported the site over time, and in particular to our current caretakers, Guy and Mel. They are beautifully aligned with the Toc H ethos and have been doing a remarkable job caring for the place and welcoming guests. Their contribution is genuinely valued.

Looking ahead, we are preparing to reactivate the school camp business from February through to May as part of our transition plan. This will support continuity while we work with Toc H Australia on finalising the grant process and any associated acquittal requirements. Subject to approvals, this positions us well to begin significant on-site work from May and June.

A particularly important and encouraging aspect of our progress has been the depth and quality of engagement across all levels of government. These are not casual or symbolic conversations. They are informed, considered engagements with people whose professional lives are spent addressing complex human services challenges, community wellbeing, inclusion and regional sustainability.

At a local level, the City of Victor Harbor has responded with clarity and confidence to the Cooinda Retreats Community Centre Village proposal. Their support reflects a strong understanding of local need and a shared belief that this initiative will be both viable and impactful for the Victor Harbor region.

At a state level, we have appreciated the ongoing engagement and encouragement of David Basham MP, who has warmly welcomed Toc H’s contribution within his electorate. His visit to Cooinda Retreats reinforced his confidence in the project and its alignment with broader community outcomes.

Most significantly, we have had sustained and positive engagement with the South Australian Department of Human Services, the portfolio best placed to assess initiatives of this nature. The confidence shown by the Department reflects an expert-level understanding of what works in community service delivery. We are therefore absolutely delighted that the Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook, has reached out directly and is planning to visit Cooinda Retreats on Saturday 10 January.

For us, this level of engagement represents the pinnacle of endorsement. These are leaders and practitioners working every day within human services and community development. Their confidence in the Cooinda Retreats Community Centre Village, and in Toc H South Australia’s capacity to deliver it successfully, provides strong validation of both the work underway and the direction we are taking.

Alongside the visible progress on site and the significant external engagement underway, there has also been a substantial body of work progressing behind the scenes to strengthen Toc H South Australia’s organisational foundations.

A key focus of this work has been the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES). This nationally recognised framework provides a rigorous benchmark for governance, leadership, service delivery, risk management, continuous improvement and accountability, particularly within community and human services environments.

Under the leadership of Rebecca Butler, Executive Director of Governance and Policy, the first phase of an extensive Australia Service Excellence Standards alignment program has now been launched. This work goes well beyond accreditation as an outcome. It is about embedding best practice across every layer of Toc H SA Inc in a way that is practical, transparent and sustainable.

The initial phase has focused on mapping and aligning our existing policies, procedures and operational frameworks against the ASES domains, ensuring that governance, strategic planning, financial oversight, workforce practices, safeguarding, service quality, risk management and continuous improvement are clearly connected and mutually reinforcing. Importantly, this work draws together the language, evidence and intent across these areas so that nothing exists in isolation.

This process provides a clear line of sight between purpose, governance and delivery. It demonstrates how Toc H South Australia plans, makes decisions, manages risk, supports people, measures outcomes and continually improves its services. It also ensures that the work being undertaken at Cooinda Retreats is supported by robust systems that meet the expectations of government, funders, partners and the community.

As this work continues, further stages will deepen this alignment, strengthen evidence frameworks and support long-term organisational maturity. It is a significant piece of foundational work that underpins everything else we are doing and reinforces confidence in Toc H South Australia’s capacity to deliver complex, place-based community initiatives to a high standard.There is a great deal happening, and we are grateful for the continued support, patience and belief shown by our members, volunteers and partners. We look forward to sharing further updates as decisions are made and the next chapter unfolds, and we’ll continue to keep you informed through the Toc H community noticeboard.

Thank you for being part of the journey 🧭