Strategic Engagement - May 2026

Our Country SA PHN Community Collaborations Manager Bridget Kennelly reports on the following activities being undertaken with the Country SA PHN Community Advisory Committees.

Lower Eyre Local Health Cluster met on 30 March, with the Northern Eyre Health Care project giving a wonderful presentation. The Committee discussed creating a new logo and having a social media presence.

Flinders University have been commissioned to undertake a project around Child Health and Development in Primary Care in targeted regions of country SA. Bridget connected the Community Advisory Committees with Flinders University staff who held online meetings to introduce the project and provide opportunities for communities to be involved. Country SA PHN truly appreciates being able to have the expertise of local people involved directly in projects like this.

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

A strong theme emerging from Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) ‑ supported initiatives is the power of collaboration. RHIF Round 3 recipient Gather My Crew is a standout example of how working together leads to more connected and effective support for people and families across country South Australia. Through RHIF, introductions have helped foster partnerships with aligned organisations. Gather my Crew continue to engage to reduce fragmentation and deliver more holistic outcomes

Other RHIF Round 3 recipients continue to demonstrate the impact of community‑led innovation across regional South Australia. Whyalla Men’s Shed is championing connection while introducing new skills, with participants gaining confidence, purpose and mateship through hands‑on learning. RHIF Coordinator Susan Brown recently spent time connecting digitally with participants and heard firsthand how positive, inclusive and empowering the experience has been.

West Coast Youth and Community Support has created safe, warm and welcoming spaces where people can come together to connect and deepen their understanding of grief, supporting individuals to navigate their journeys with compassion.

Ramble Arts (formerly Riverland Youth Theatre) continues to mentor and empower young people, fostering early leadership, creativity and confidence as they navigate challenges unique to regional areas.

Women on the Land Learning (WoTL) remains focused on supporting regional women, particularly in the Riverland, reflecting the strength and resilience of women who. so often, step up for their families, communities and industries during challenging times.

Together, these initiatives show what’s possible when community insight, creativity and collaboration are supported to thrive.

Looking ahead, RHIF remains committed to strengthening its capacity enabling the Fund to responsibly explore partnership opportunities with aligned, values‑based entities. This deliberate approach will help extend the reach and sustainability of community‑led innovation, deepen collaboration across systems, and ensure RHIF continues to support meaningful, long‑term health and wellbeing outcomes for country South Australians.

We await the outcomes of RHIF Grant Round 4 so that we can welcome in newly engaged recipients, and continue to strengthen RHIF’s innovation-based contribution, supported by Country SA PHN, to create a healthier and happier future for country South Australians.