South Australia’s senior wellbeing initiatives supported with funding boost

South Australia’s senior wellbeing initiatives supported with funding boost

A new round of grants from the South Australia Government's Office for Ageing Well will support the initiatives of 51 community groups, organisations and local councils looking to enhance the lives of older South Australians.

A total of $750,000 in funding has been allocated for the Ageing Well Community and Research Grants 2024-2025.

There were four categories for applicants: Age-Friendly SA Grants, Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants, Impact Research Grants for Ageing Well and Grants for Seniors.

The projects that have successfully received funding focus on connecting communities and tackling ageism while recognising the diverse social, economic and cultural needs of older people. Some examples include:

Age-Friendly SA Grants
Alexandrina Council, encompassing the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region of SA, has been awarded $35,000 to fund its 'Green and Blue Wellness: Engaging with Nature for Health' project to promote exercising and socialising at its parks, beaches and rivers.

Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants
Aboriginal Community Housing will use $40,000 in funding for its 'I am well (marni ai) at the Elders Village (Purrkanaitya)' project to measure the wellbeing of Aboriginal tenants before they move into a purpose-built village at Warriparinga (Bedford Park).

Impact Research Grants for Ageing Well
Torrens University plans to use a $25,000 grant to research what spurs or prevents people from taking part in Intergenerational Playgroups, which can positively impact an older person's self-esteem and wellbeing.

Torrens University Director of Research Management Services Dr Louise Townsin advised “Intergenerational playgroups bring children and older adults together to share fun activities, create meaningful connections and learn from each other.

“With this grant, we want to build an evidence base so we can expand these intergenerational playgroups across SA and beyond.

“We are eager to broaden the reach of intergenerational playgroups, bringing them to more locations and welcoming a wider range of participants, thereby strengthening community ties and enriching the lives of all participants.

Grants for Seniors
Maltese Aged Care Association (SA) will put $9,970 in funding towards an intergenerational storytelling initiative to share the life stories and cultural heritage of Maltese and other multicultural community members.

Funding for Ageing Well Community and Research Grants 2024-2025 will also support community activities during South Australia's Week of Ageing Well from 1st – 7th October 2025.

SA Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well Nat Cook notes “these grants encourage communities to harness the strengths within, which can be something as simple as those with lived experience sharing culturally rich personal stories of resilience across generations.

“These initiatives go to the heart of the many changes we experience as we age and aim to build older people's confidence and encourage informed decision-making as they navigate systems to access services and supports.

“Supporting older people to learn new things and enhance their experience of activities they are already involved in is important not only for physical and mental health, but for maintaining community connections.

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