Over half a million dollars invested to support regional and remote volunteers

Regional and remote communities across South Australia are benefiting from a nearly $515,000 investment, with 23 community organisations announced as successful recipients of the 2025–26 Supporting Regional and Remote Volunteers grants.

The grants recognise the vital role volunteers play in keeping country communities connected, safe and thriving; from running essential local services and facilities to supporting health, wellbeing and inclusion in some of the state’s most remote locations.

Diverse projects backed across the state

Successful grants of up to $30,000 reflect the diversity of volunteering across regional South Australia. Funded projects range from maintaining critical infrastructure and emergency access points to strengthening programs that support young people, Aboriginal communities and local services that rely on committed volunteers to operate.

Importantly, all Aboriginal community-controlled organisations that applied were successful, receiving a combined $119,948 to support culturally safe, community-led volunteering initiatives that contribute to Closing the Gap outcomes.

Examples of funded initiatives

Examples of funded projects include:

• Andamooka Opal Fields Tourism Association Inc, receiving $29,999 to support volunteer training, safety protocols and equipment stewardship at the local airfield used by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and emergency operators.
• Lucindale Community Economic Development Board, receiving $3,500 to provide compulsory accreditation training for community pool volunteer lifeguards.
• Junction and Women’s Housing Ltd, receiving $14,026 to introduce a volunteer management system on Kangaroo Island, strengthening the capacity of local volunteers and not-for-profit organisations.

Supporting long-term sustainability

The grants align with the Volunteering Strategy for South Australia 2021–2027, supporting capability-building, community-led design and the long-term sustainability of volunteering in regional and remote areas.

The Grants area lists the successful recipients