Network manager Robyn McLean said the Covid-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions had created challenges for smaller community organisations, and this had inspired the network to work on changing its systems.
"During the lockdowns, we did a project focusing on our financial systems, and have been able to become an umbrella for other groups in our area," Ms McLean said.
The South Dunedin Community Network now works closely with the South Dunedin Street Festival, the South Dunedin Street Art Trail, Dream South D, and new craft, activities and fundraising group Women Helping Otepoti.
"We do a lot of work with South Dunedin development groups, as well as running our network centre, and our regular community hui where people can give their feedback on what they would like to see in their community," she said.
The two community hui held this year had been popular, with more than 100 people attending the most recent event in November.
Discussions had ranged from council activities in the area to the plans for the new South Dunedin Library, and community thoughts about sea level rise.
"So, it has been a year of growth for us, as we have developed that important aspect of our work — to help enable other groups to bring things into South Dunedin.
"It’s exciting for us to be in that supporting role."
The South Dunedin Community Network team has also grown this year, to three staff members, and there were plans to bring in another person to manage the community centre and finances.
The major project for the network in the next year will be the development of an interim community space on the site of the planned new South Dunedin Library, formerly occupied by Veggie Boys and Para Rubber, at the corner of King Edward St and Macandrew Rd.
With issues finding a new home for the remaining tenant, the Community Care Trust, demolition and building work on a new library complex cannot begin until February, 2025.
The South Dunedin Community Network had taken on the "amazing opportunity" of working with local people to develop the space for community use, Ms McLean said.
"It’s exciting that we have come up with a really flexible space, which will have meeting areas, display areas, relaxation space, and a lovely big area for community use."
There would also be free wi-fi and computers available.
"We have some funding from council to help set the place up, and to make it warm and safe."
Contracts to upgrade the space would be going out for tender over the New Year period, and it was hoped to have it ready to to be used in June, 2023.
The space would be available for community groups to book into and use for events and activities.
"We want it to be as diverse and as welcoming as possible."
The next South Dunedin community hui will be held in February, with the 2023 South Dunedin Festival set for April 1.
