ONKAPARINGA GLADE - Nature, learning and growth  —  Founding Board Members

Opportunity to be a part of a unique Nature-based  Social and Emotional Learning Centre

 

The vision

Onkaparinga Glade is a proposed community-owned, nature-based wellbeing and vocational  learning centre in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Embedded in the new Onkaparinga Heights neighbourhood, a 235 hectare master-planned development bringing over 2,000 new homes to Adelaide's south. It will be a living, working farm where schools refer students for structured wellbeing and vocational skills programmes, and where children, youth, adults, families, and women’s organisations access wellbeing and vocational programmes in a beautiful natural setting.

 

Five programme streams will be delivered on site: Equine Led Social and Emotional Learning, food growing and market garden, horticulture and landscaping, native plant and rewilding education and animal husbandry.

 

Where we are now

Onkaparinga Glade is at establishment stage. The founding vision, programme model, and strategic case have been developed. We are now seeking to incorporate as a SA not-for-profit and form a founding board of three people before approaching Renewal SA for community land allocation and securing funding to move the project forward.

 

Way of the Horse Coaching Inc, an existing registered charity with proven programme delivery of Equine Led Social and Emotional Learning and referral partnerships across the southern Adelaide region, will deliver the equine led Social and Emotional learning and be instrumental in providing evidence and partnerships to validate the project.

 

The board opportunity

This is a founding board role. You will shape the governance, strategic direction, and early relationships of a new community organisation at the moment it matters most. Founding board members will:

• Sign the incorporation application and adopt the constitution

• Guide the land allocation approach with Renewal SA and City of Onkaparinga

• Support the development of school and community partner relationships

• Provide governance oversight as the organisation moves toward its first funding

• Help build the Onkaparinga Glade into a lasting community asset

 

Time commitment:  Approximately 2–4 hours per month, including a monthly board meeting. Establishment phase may require more in the first six months.

Remuneration:  Volunteer role at this stage, with the potential to review remuneration as funding is secured.

Location:  Onkaparinga Hills, South Australia. Meetings may be held in person or online.

 

Three roles — we are seeking one person for each

 

Planning & Community Development

Local government, planning, or community development experience. Knowledge of Renewal SA and City of Onkaparinga processes.

 

Education & Youth Services

School leadership, youth work, or student wellbeing background. Understanding of how schools make referral decisions.

 

Finance, Governance & NFP Management

Accounting, legal, or NFP governance experience. Familiarity with SA incorporated associations, grant acquittal, and compliance.

 

What all three roles share

Beyond specialist skills, we are looking for people who:

• Believe in the power of nature, animals, and experiential learning to change lives

• Are motivated by outcomes for young people, women, and families in Adelaide’s south

• Are willing to roll up their sleeves at establishment stage

• Bring networks and relationships as well as skills

• Can commit to the organisation for at least two years

 

Express interest or find out more

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, or if you know someone who would be a strong fit, we’d welcome a conversation. There is no formal application process at this stage — a brief email or phone call is the best place to start.

 

Contact:  Joanna Turner 0434201106  jo@wayofthehorsecoaching.com

 

 

Onkaparinga Glade  |  Nature, learning and growth  |  Onkaparinga Hills, South Australia  |  Established in partnership with Way of the Horse Coaching Inc