Strategic Engagement - September 2025

It’s been a big month for our Manager Community Collaborations, Bridget, who’s been on the road – and online – connecting with networks right across the state. These gatherings are more than just meetings; they are where local knowledge, lived experience, and shared goals come together to spark real change.

On 29 July, Bridget joined the Riverland Community Services Alliance in Berri, where a guest speaker from PIRSA’s Rural Business Support shared the vital services available to help primary producers navigate challenging times. Conversations like these strengthen the bridge between health, wellbeing, and economic resilience in our regional communities.

On 6 August, Bridget headed to Whyalla to meet with the Upper Eyre Local Health Cluster. The group explored regional health priorities and identified opportunities for Health Promotion Grant activities. By bringing together voices from different sectors, they’re shaping initiatives that respond directly to local needs.

Bridge then dialled into the Roxby Downs Health Forum on August 12th, who were celebrating the success of the recent Happy Healthy Expo and explored local health priorities that could be addressed through upcoming Health Promotion Grant activities. These discussions ensure momentum continues, with communities driving the vision for their own health and wellbeing.

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

We’re excited to officially welcome the Round Three RHIF Grant Recipients in 2025:

• Gather My Crew – Coordinated Care at Home (Yorke Peninsula and Mid North Region)
  A pilot program supporting older people, carers, and those with disability through a digital platform and local coordination. It complements existing services and empowers informal carers in a region with high rates of chronic illness.
• West Coast Youth and Community Support – Mentally Fit EP Grief and Loss Group (Eyre Peninsula)
  A timely initiative addressing youth grief and isolation, offering safe spaces and proactive support.
• WoTL – The Change Compass (Mallee and Murraylands)
  Building on Round 2 success, this program strengthens the resilience of women in agriculture by addressing the change management, including various areas of regional life.
• Riverland Youth Theatre – 3rd Place (Riverland)
  A youth-led creative program tackling isolation through workshops that build leadership, life skills, and self-esteem, delivered both in-person and online.
• Whyalla Men’s Shed – Seasoned with Sawdust (Whyalla)
  A hands-on woodwork initiative promoting wellbeing for older men in the community through creativity, connection, and cognitive stimulation.

These new initiatives reflect RHIF’s continued commitment to collaboration, innovation, and community empowerment. We look forward to sharing their progress and celebrating their impact!

The RHIF warmly extends our appreciation to all who applied for Round 3.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) empowers regional communities across country South Australia to lead innovative, place-based health and wellbeing initiatives.

In Round Two, seven initiatives reached over 3,000 country South Australians, delivering improvements in mental health, social connection, and cultural celebration, as well as building community resilience.

Highlights from Round 2 Recipients include:

• WoTL’s Regenerate Rural Women supported 24 women in agriculture with leadership and wellbeing tools, boosting confidence and resilience.
• iReach’s Second Beginnings in Murray Bridge provided meals and social enterprise opportunities for vulnerable individuals, fostering trust and employability.
• The Pinnaroo Project’s Mallee Arts & Wellness initiative embraced over 600 participants, through arts-based programs that reduced isolation and improved wellbeing.
• Crystal Brook Kindergarten’s Intergenerational Connection (Auspiced by Uniting Country SA) created inclusive spaces for children, seniors, Aboriginal community, Elders and members.
• SYP Community Hub’s SYP Sounds engaged 21 young performers and more than 300 attendees in their Youth Week concert, enhancing youth pride and resilience.
• Willaston Football Club reached 440 participants through three programs underpinned by sport-based education, addressing youth wellbeing and antisocial behaviour.
• Sanctuary on Eyre’s Wellbeing Program delivered animal-assisted therapy to approximately 600 individuals, improving emotional regulation and morale across schools and care services.

These initiatives reflect the power of grassroots innovation and RHIF’s commitment to culturally safe and locally relevant solutions. With increased visibility through regional presentations and the launch of RHIF’s public Facebook page, RHIF continues to grow in message, reach, and impact.

Stay engaged with our RHIF community by following our Facebook page! For more information, contact [email protected].