Community Collaborations manager Bridget Kennelly had a busy few weeks attending meetings with key health stakeholders in the north and west of the state. Key presentations were held on the Distress Brief Pilot in Whyalla and health services across various towns. She also attended the Mentally Fit EP 3C’s Conference which was a great success.
Community Advisory Committees – Latest activity
Our Country SA PHN Community Advisory Committees provide important feedback to our organisation so the decisions we make when allocating funding are patient-centric and relevant to local communities.
Country SA PHN Manager Community Collaborations Bridget Kennelly was pleased to attend the Upper Eyre Local Health Cluster meeting in Port Augusta. Our Project Manager Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy Angie Felekis and Contract and Performance manager Sam Hogan (online) discussed the Distress Brief Support Pilot Project in Whyalla. It was fantastic to see the collaboration between key stakeholders.
Bridget took part in the Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network Strategic Plan Development Session in Port Augusta. Stakeholders reviewed the previous plan - using it as the basis for developing the next plan and held a clinical session.
Country SA PHN offers Health Promotion Grants each financial year to Local Health Clusters. The Lower Eyre LHC awarded their grant to Mentally Fit EP to hold the 3C’s Conference in Port Lincoln. The two-day conference was once again an incredible success. Mentally Fit EP is also a recipient of the Rural Health Innovation Fund, supported by Country SA PHN.
Bridget attended the Roxby Downs Health Forum online as part of her visits to the north of the state. Discussions included: updates on health services in the town, a new physiotherapist joining the forum, Child and Family Health Service visits to Roxby Downs, a new GP and a NDIS provider seeking the level of need for disability support services.
The Far West Local Health Cluster’s meeting that Bridget attended in Ceduna had constructive conversations around connecting to more community groups and having a social media presence to promote Country SA PHN services and opportunities.
Bridget has been sharing news of the Rural Health Innovation Fund, educational events including PalliLearn short courses and Hot Topic webinars, and the newly released Country SA PHN Palliative Care Needs Assessment Report.
For any enquiries around Country SA PHN’s Community Advisory Committees, please reach out to Manager Community Collaborations at [email protected].
Upper Eyre Local Health Cluster meeting in Port Augusta
The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) – A Journey We Are Growing Together
Round 4 of the Rural Health Innovation Fund opened on 2 February and remains open until 17 March 2026, welcoming community‑led, place‑based initiatives that strengthen health, connection and wellbeing across country South Australia.
If your organisation is shaping an idea or seeking guidance on eligibility, alignment or design, Susan Brown, RHIF Coordinator, is available for early conversations at [email protected].
Applicants can also access the RHIF Grant Toolkit, offering practical, step‑by‑step support, especially helpful for smaller, remote and first‑time applicants on the Rural Health Innovation Fund Grants page on the Country SA PHN website.
Round 4 Engagement Snapshot
Strong interest has already emerged from across the region, including Eyre & Far North/West Coast, Yorke & Northern, the Limestone Coast, and statewide organisations looking to deliver locally. Susan has met with many prospective applicants to provide guidance on eligibility and to support alignment with the vision and mission of RHIF, supported by Country SA PHN.
RHIF Round 4 2026, Application interest per PHN Region
Enquiry themes reflect RHIF’s objectives and priorities identified in the Country SA PHN Community Needs Assessment, including social connection, chronic disease support, disability inclusion, mental health, healthy ageing and culturally led Aboriginal health.
Themes Emerging from Round 4 Enquiries
These trends highlight that communities are developing ideas grounded in lived experience and local health realities. RHIF is promoting and strengthening collaboration across Country SA. Since 2022, RHIF has grown into a supportive ecosystem, building capability, strengthening partnerships and helping communities shape ideas from early exploration to refined, fundable models. Following the close of Round 4, a dedicated Independent Assessment Panel (IAP) will review applications. Susan will also be travelling across regions from March to May to meet with current and previously funded RHIF grant recipients and well as key stakeholders and Councils, continuing to build momentum and support.
RHIF Round 4 2026, Enquiry interest per health priority
Round 3 Highlights – Early 2026
Despite a brief January pause, Round 3 programs have relaunched with strong participation and growing regional reach.
Ramble Arts — 3rd Place Workshops (Riverland)
Youth-led creative spaces in Renmark, Waikerie and Loxton have resumed with strong attendance and growing ownership. Digital engagement through the CTRL+ALT+CREATE program continues to grow, and Ramble Arts recently received the Building Better Communities Award.
Gather My Crew — Coordinated Community Support (Yorke & Northern)
Engagement across Minlaton, Balaklava, Clare and Kadina has been strong, supported by strengthened referral pathways through the Mid North Local Health Cluster. App downloads and local uptake continue to increase.
“Working with Susan has been warm, thoughtful and generous — and that support has strengthened how I’m able to embed Gather My Crew across the region.” — Denise Campbell, Community Engagement and Education Officer SA; Gather My Crew
WoTL — The Change Compass (Riverland, Mallee & Coorong)
Interest remains strong, with the next program intake scheduled for Loxton in May 2026. Updated delivery dates from 21 April better support women balancing changing work and on‑farm demands. Kim Blekiron, Executive Officer has updated Susan that ripple effects are clear as past participants are stepping into new leadership roles, including a newly appointed WoTL Ambassador, and strengthening wellbeing initiatives locally.
Whyalla Men’s Shed — Seasoned with Sawdust
Weekly sessions recommenced on 29 January, supporting people aged 50 years and over, through practical skill-building, connection and wellbeing. Gary Misan, Secretary, and Whyalla Citizen of the Year, is excited that women are stepping up and out to join the program this year!
WCYCS — Mentally Fit EP: Grief and Support Groups
WCYCS continues to provide inclusive, safe spaces for individuals navigating grief and major life changes. At the recent 2026 Mentally Fit EP 3C’s Conference, (co-funded via a Lower Eyre Local Health Cluster Health Promotion Grant, was a wonderful opportunity bringing partners together across sectors and strengthening regional collaboration. Country SA PHN Community Collaborations Manager Bridget Kennelly attended this event and reported that it was a ‘truly wonderful experience’ for all who attended. We are very proud of WCYCS and the progress they are making RHIF Round 3.
Thinking About Applying?
Round 4 closes 17 March 2026.
If your organisation has an idea that could strengthen health, connection or resilience in country SA, we would love to walk the journey with you. Start the conversation with Susan Brown now by emailing [email protected].
