Strategic Engagement - February 2026

Our Country SA PHN Community Advisory Committees play an integral role in providing community perspectives to our organisation. They give us vital feedback about the state of community health in country South Australia and help us make locally relevant and patient-centred decisions, ensuring that funding is targeted and properly allocated.

It was wonderful for Country SA PHN Manager Community Collaborations Bridget Kennelly and Executive Manager Strategic Engagement Emma Young to come together with representatives from all nine Community Advisory Committees in November last year for our annual conference in Hahndorf. Committee representatives shared their stories, provided examples of good practice and discussed meaningful ways that Country SA PHN can better understand the needs of each local region.

Bridget Kennelly also visited various events around the state including the Flinders Upper North Local Health Network Annual Public Meeting and the Lower Eyre Local Health Cluster Annual General Meeting where the Distress Brief Support Pilot was presented. This Pilot involves community members providing immediate and compassionate support to people experiencing stress, in and around Port Lincoln.

Emma Young attended the Limestone Coast Community Services Roundtable with Bridget joining online online to hear discussions about improving health and wellbeing outcomes for the region - with guest speakers Kartanya Martinez from the First Nations Liason Officer Administrative Review Tribunal and joint Presiding Member of the First Nations Voice to Parliament, Danni Smith.

Later in the month, Bridget Kenneally and Country SA PHN Primary Care Support Office Jane Cooper, visited General Practices in Elliston, Streaky Bay, Ceduna and Wudinna, before attending the Far West Local Health Cluster AGM in Ceduna. Discussions focused on Country SA PHN newly commissioned services, improving the reach of the Committee through community networks and future potential activities to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in the region. Rounding off the month, Bridget attended the Barossa Local Health Cluster AGM where the Committee discussed the Country SA PHN Community Advisory Committee Terms of Reference and future planning.

In December Bridget travelled to Encounter Bay to join the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network Annual Public Meeting and to discuss collaborations with BHFLHN Director Strategy and Governance Tania Scally, and Network’s Senior Community Engagement Advisor Angela Stewart.

2026 kicked off with the Fleurieu Region Community Services Advisory Committee meeting in Victor Harbor. Discussions included the positive community response to the opening of the Victor Harbor Medicare Urgent  Care Clinic, the Rural Health Innovation Fund Grant Round 4, and the Medicare Mental Health Check-in service.

Bridget looks forward to another fantastic year of working with our Community Advisory Committees to ensure Country SA PHN can help deliver the best health and wellbeing outcomes for Country South Australians, in each region.

For more information about how you can get involved with your local Community Advisory Committee please reach out to Bridget at [email protected].

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF), supported by Country SA PHN, continues to support outstanding community-led initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, resilience, and connectedness across regional South Australia. Below is an overview of some of the inspiring progress made by Round 3 recipients from 2025.

We are also focused on RHIF Round 4 which opened on 2^nd February and will close on 17^th March 2026, giving applicants a six-week window in which to apply. This is an amazing opportunity for eligible and compliant organisations who are committed to regional health and wellbeing to put forward an innovative concept to address a health and wellbeing gap in country SA.

RHIF continues to evolve, with the addition of its newly created RHIF Grant Writing Toolkit, available for download on our website. As we enter the new year, we continue look to opportunities for conversations and collaborations around improving the health and wellbeing of people in country South Australia

We encourage all valued stakeholders, collaborators, and potential prospective applicants for RHIF Round 4 to check our RHIF Facebook Page, and dedicated landing page on the Country SA PHN website, for further details and eligibility.

West Coast Youth Community Support (WCYCS) — Grief & Wellbeing Groups

WCYCS continues to deliver profoundly impactful community-led grief support across Port Lincoln and Cummins, helping residents navigate grief with compassion, connection, and evidence informed guidance.

December 2025 saw exceptional progress where Cummins concluded its third drop in session with all participants committing to a 2026 closed group, while Port Lincoln’s final two sessions deepened understanding of the nervous system’s role in grief. Participants described these insights as comforting and empowering, enabling them to recognise personal ‘glimmers,’ build protective factors, and normalise their experiences.

The final Port Lincoln session showcased remarkable emotional growth, as attendees shared stories, memories, and even moments of joy, ending the session in laughter. Survey feedback was unanimous with 100% of the participants rating the program excellent and inclusive, celebrating the relief of being among people who “just get it.” With new groups starting in early 2026 and upcoming Griefline training, WCYCS continues to strengthen resilience, connection and healing across the West Coast - an outstanding example of community impact.

Women Together Learning (WoTL) — The Change Compass

WoTL is making a significant and uplifting impact for women across country South Australia through their RHIF-funded initiative, The Change Compass. This transformative program equips women with practical tools and emotional skills to navigate change—whether personal, professional, or community base, while strengthening resilience and peer connection.

By providing supportive learning environments where women can share experiences, explore their strengths, and build confidence, The Change Compass is empowering participants to grow through life’s transitions. RHIF proudly supports WoTL’s commitment to fostering capable, connected, and confident women across regional South Australia.

Ramble Arts — 3rd Place (Formerly Riverland Youth Theatre)

We proudly congratulate Ramble Arts (formerly Riverland Youth Theatre) on two major milestones: celebrating their 40th anniversary and receiving the Building Better Communities Award from Berri Barmera Council.

Their RHIF Round 3 initiative, 3rd Place, continues to flourish as a creative, youth-led space fostering belonging, leadership, and connection in Renmark, Waikerie and Loxton. Workshops recommenced on 5 February 2026, with dedicated groups of returning young people already showing strong ownership of the space. Youth facilitators describe their roles as meaningful, well-supported, and influential in building confidence and leadership, affirming the program’s success in nurturing young community builders.

Ramble Arts is also expanding digital engagement through the refreshed CTRL+ALT+CREATE program, featuring targeted online events inspired by Alysha Hermann’s fantasy universe Betwixt River and Stars. With interest growing from remote communities such as Cummins, this initiative is reaching young people across the state. RHIF is proud to support 3rd Place and congratulates Ramble Arts on their outstanding achievements.

Whyalla Men’s Shed — Seasoned with Sawdust

RHIF and Country SA PHN warmly congratulate Gary Misan, named Whyalla Citizen of the Year, for his longstanding leadership in men’s health, learning, and community wellbeing. Gary’s commitment continues through the RHIF funded initiative Seasoned with Sawdust, which provides subsidised woodworking classes for adults aged 50 years plus. He fondly refers to this wonderful initiative as the ‘Woodwork Classes for Oldies’.

This program is already proving highly successful in supporting physical activity, mental wellbeing, and social connection. Participants are building confidence with tools, developing practical skills, and enjoying the camaraderie that defines the Shed. Many are now applying their new skills to everyday home projects, demonstrating the real-world value and impact of this initiative. RHIF is proud to support this vibrant program that is fostering purpose, connection, and lifelong learning in Whyalla.

Gather My Crew — Coordinated Community Care at Home

Gather My Crew achieved exceptional impact in 2025, strengthening coordinated informal care across South Australia through their RHIF Round 3 support. Their work is helping families, carers, and individuals receive the practical and emotional support they need during life’s toughest moment; whether managing hospital stays, navigating illness, or coping with chronic conditions.

This year marked major growth, including the launch of the Cancer Patient Support Program, a national partnership with Deakin University and 14 cancer peak bodies aimed at improving supportive care pathways for rural and regional cancer patients.

Gather My Crew also expanded its South Australian presence through RHIF funding, including the appointment of Regional Awareness Officer Denise Campbell, with a rich history supporting the community within the Yorke & Northern region. Denise’s work alongside organisations such as Meals on Wheels SA and its WISE program is a powerful demonstration of rural care in action, local knowledge, trusted relationships, and practical support delivered exactly where it’s needed.

We are thrilled to support Gather My Crew and congratulated them on an extraordinary year of progress and look forward to the continued impact of their coordinated care model across regional South Australia.