Strategic Engagement - December 2025

Over the past few months the following events were held involving our Country SA PHN Community Advisory Committees. These Committees are an integral part of our organisation sourcing the information we need to realise our key objective: to provide right care in the right place at the right time.

25 September – Lower Eyre Local Health Cluster – Pt Lincoln

Country SA PHN Manager Community Collaborations Bridget Kennelly joined the Committee in Port Lincoln, where discussions included topics such as the Distress Brief Support (DBS) pilot program, which will be trialled in Port Lincoln from January-July 2026, as well as local events, such as the recent successful Living and Ageing Well Expo.

8 October - Barossa Local Health Cluster – Nuriootpa

Guest speakers from The Barossa Council spoke of the current wellbeing and inclusion strategy happening at The Barossa Council, work around mapping community assets and plans to develop a wellbeing alliance. Discussion centred around how the Barossa Local Health Cluster may complement the work being done in this space.

5 November – Upper Eyre Local Health Cluster AGM and general meeting – Whyalla

Bridget Kennelly travelled to Whyalla to attend the UELHC AGM and general meeting. Discussion included the algal bloom and consequences on the oyster farms and fears for the mental health of people in those communities. Updates were given on the Whyalla Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, pilot projects in Family Domestic and Sexual Violence and Distress Brief Support in Whyalla and surrounds.

6 - 18 November

Bridget met with Yorke and Northern LHN Tracie Hawkins - Senior Adviser Consumer and Community Engagement in Pt Pirie on 6 November, discussing the different consumer groups the YNLHN have, and how Community Engagement is attempting to be intertwined in all projects.

Bridget travelled to Yankalilla on 11 November, to meet with the Fleurieu Region Community Services Advisory Committee. We heard of some fantastic community programs taking place, including: Fleurieu Families, Love Bites (respectful relationships), Nunga Space (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples connecting to culture and community), Child Safe Environments Training, Circle of Security Parenting Workshops, and Advance Care Directive volunteer program.

Bridget participated remotely in the Roxby Downs Health Forum on 11 November, where 2 new members, one a CAFHS nurse, and another from Mind Over Masculinity spoke of their programs in the community.

On 12 November, Bridget attended Health Translation SA Consumer Community Involvement Action Group online, where feedback was sought on the usability of a research portal for community members taking part in research projects.

On 18 November, a representative from each of Country SA PHNs’ 9 Community Advisory Committees will come together in Hahndorf for a day of networking and collaboration.

For any enquiries around Country SA PHN’s Community Advisory Committees, please reach out to Manager Community Collaborations at [email protected].

Get Ready for RHIF Round 4: Opening 2 February 2026

The next chapter begins early next year. Round 4 opens on 2 February 2026 and closes on 17^th March, giving you six weeks to submit your best, most innovative solutions for improved health and wellbeing in regional SA.

As 2025 draws to a close, the Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) continues to reshape rural health innovation across South Australia. Supported by Country SA PHN, RHIF has grown from a grassroots idea into a strategic platform that empowers communities to design and deliver solutions that truly matter.

Since its launch in 2023, RHIF has invested in 21 initiatives that address critical gaps in mental health, chronic disease prevention, aged care, disability support, and community wellbeing.

The journey began with Round 1, which ignited interest and uncovered urgent needs, funding nine projects focused on youth mental health, diabetes prevention, and Indigenous heart health. Round 2 built on this momentum, strengthening community resilience through seven initiatives that championed mental health, women’s wellbeing, and youth engagement. Now, Round 3 is scaling quality and collaboration, supporting five innovative projects tackling mental health, aged care, grief and suicide prevention, and rural isolation.

A Spotlight on Round 3 - Driving Innovative Health and Wellbeing Improvement in SA

This year’s recipients are leading the charge with creative, community-led solutions.

• West Coast Youth & Community Support (WCYCS) is offering Grief & Loss Support Groups on the Eyre Peninsula, creating safe spaces for healing and connection.
• Riverland Youth Theatre (RYT) is inspiring young leaders through its 3rd Place initiative, providing a safe space, blending creativity and engagement to combat isolation.
• WoTL (Women on the Land) is delivering its Change Compass Program, building resilience for women in agriculture through tailored workshops and peer networks.
• Gather My Crew is breaking barriers with its Coordinated Care at Home platform, a free digital tool that helps people with disability or frailty access coordinated support. And in Whyalla,
• The Whyalla Men’s Shed Seasoned with Sawdust Initiative is promoting social connection and mental wellbeing through woodworking and peer support.

These initiatives prove that innovation doesn’t always mean high-tech, it means locally relevant, culturally safe, and resourceful solutions that make a real difference.

What Applicants Told Us in Round 3!

Round 3 applicants praised the process for its clarity and support.

One participant shared, “The guidelines were clear and concise. It caused one to examine all aspects of the project together, rather than having them compartmentalised.” Another noted, “The process this year was better than the previous round where it felt like I was repeating myself in a couple of questions.” The option to speak directly with a coordinator for clarification was also highly valued.

Exploring Collaborative Pathways in 2026!

As RHIF matures, we’re actively exploring ways to increase capacity and deepen our impact. This may include strategic partnerships with aligned organisations, investors, and philanthropists; collaborative funding models to amplify resources; and shared innovation pathways that connect local ideas with broader health system priorities - stay connected and stay tuned. Visit our RHIF Facebook Page for weekly updates,share in recipient journeys and gain tips to help prepare you for RHIF Round 4!

Download the RHIF Grant Toolkit and RHIF Grant Guidelines early, as we strive to keep a strategic focus on mental health, chronic disease prevention, aged care, disability, and creative community-led solutions to health and wellbeing in country SA. Co-funding and cross-sector collaboration will also be encouraged, because we understand the power of connection!

Let’s shape the future of rural health—together! Visit, like and share on the RHIF Facebook page.