Local neighbourhood platforms

Neighbourhood platforms are those that exist in the online space, however they work to represent a particular geographic area, suburb or boundary and facilitate dialogue and interactions between those who live within them. These groups and networks facilitate the sharing of ideas and dialogue across the online space that relates to matters in their local neighbourhood with the intention of both engaging and informing members of the locality towards things happening in the area, future events, and the swapping of goods and/or services. While there is no cost usually associated with joining, users are typically required to live within a particular suburb or geographic boundary before they are permitted entry and the space is monitored by administrators. The online tool in this instance can be used to support the dialogue or engagement of people who share in a particular locality and as such can act as both an online facilitator and/or online community through its different uses.

Some neighbourhood platforms can be used for neighbours to post about items that they are giving away, animals that have gone missing, as well as future local events that can stimulate in-person engagement. Some also fall into the realm of an online community as they can provide useful information to the local community, however, do not stimulate a greater level of in-person interaction.

Examples:

Cumberland Park and Surrounds Facebook Group, Barossa Valley Community Chatters, Myponga’s Community Group, 5049 Coastal Community Association Facebook etc.