Uniting Communities

Our purpose is to build compassionate communities and great lives.

People are at the heart of all we do. We will work alongside South Australians as they strive for a bright future and great lives, supporting them to overcome adversity and disadvantage. We will do this in a way that is non-judgemental, generous and supportive; that embraces diversity; and that values and promotes fairness, justice and the benefits of strong communities.

Uniting Communities works across South Australia through more than 90 community service programs, including aged care, disability, youth services, homelessness intervention, foster care and family counselling. We also provide the critical Lifeline Adelaide service, supporting people in crisis.

Our team of staff and volunteers support and engage with more than 30,000 South Australians each year. We strive to build strong and supportive communities, and help people realise their potential and live the best life they can.

Our commitments and ongoing projects include:

• preventing violence against women


• continuing to reduce our carbon emissions and impact on the environment


• fostering opportunities for community engagement


• playing our role in achieving reconciliation, healing, justice, self-determination and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples


• supporting diversity.

We are also undertaking a significant city development - our $100 million, 20-storey U City building, which is currently under construction and due to open mid-2019. 

U City will be a truly unique, inclusive and diverse community incorporating retirement residences, specialist disability accommodation for long- and short-term stays, a function centre, commercial leasing, retail spaces and Uniting Communities' social services hub.

• Robyn Sutherland: Executive Manager, Services


• Mel Ottaway: Executive Manager, Aged Care Services


• Leanne Brus-Bentley: Executive Manager, People, Culture and Marketing


• Lee Sauerwald: Executive Manager, Corporate Services


• Rev Peter McDonald: Executive Manager, Advocacy

• Dr Sue King, Chair 


• Cathie Brown


• Astrid Kuivasaari


• Greg Box


• John Byrne


• Mike Flynn


• Dr Jörg Strobel


• Deborah Miller

More information