SA Power Networks sparks local community projects
SA Power Networks Community Grants Program will this year support a range of initiatives across the state, fostering reconciliation, cultural understanding and contributing to a sustainable South Australia.
A total of $132,000 will be shared across 30 projects and organisations including Roma Mitchell Secondary College, Aboriginal Community Housing, Foodbank and North Haven Surf Life Saving Club.
Roma Mitchell Secondary College will use the funding to create an immersive Kids on Country excursion led by Aboriginal Rangers and Elders to help young people connect with culture and country.
The College’s Aboriginal Education Coordinator Jane Thompson said the college was delighted to obtain one of the 30 community grants.
“We are so happy to be able to take our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students on the Kids on Country excursion,’’ she said.
“Learning on Country and connecting with culture has a long-lasting positive impact for students.
“We are grateful to SA Power Networks for this opportunity.’’
Since its inception in 2022, the SA Power Networks Community Grants Program has supplied funding of more than half a million dollars in support of initiatives which make a positive impact in South Australia.
Community groups were able to apply for grants of up to $5,000 during the submission period from Tuesday, 20 May to Tuesday 17 June.
Andrew Bills, SA Power Networks Chief Executive Officer said this year the focus areas were
‘Growing a Sustainable SA’ and ‘Fostering Reconciliation and Cultural Understanding.’
“I would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit a proposal and congratulate this year’s 30 successful applicants. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of our assessment panel,’’ he said.
“SA Power Networks remains committed to supporting and helping grow our state and the people who live and work here.’’
The full list of successful 2025 recipients is below:
| Organisation | Project | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Community Housing | Hosting a series of public workshops on bush tucker, Stobie pole art and content creation to empower and build people’s skills at the Tika Tirka facility. | Metropolitan |
| Activating Bridgewater | Hosting a free community event for people of all ages to help care for the Cox Creek waterway through weeding, planting and engaging in Kaurna cultural activities, nature education and play. | Adelaide Hills |
| Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation | Collaborating with renowned Ngunawal artists Wilay Designs and First Nations students to create a large-scale triptych mural wall display to showcase established and emerging First Nations talent. | Metropolitan |
| Andrews Farm Soccer Club | Installing solar batteries to complement newly installed solar panels to assist in significantly reducing the club’s carbon footprint. | Metropolitan |
| Balaklava High School | Creating a whole-of-school cultural learning initiative, including the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan, staff training and cultural immersion experiences for Aboriginal students. | Mid North |
| Berri Regional Secondary College | Commissioning a local Aboriginal artist and traditional owner to create a steel artwork for a Reconciliation Cultural Garden. | Riverland |
| Biodiversity McLaren Vale | Developing a downloadable, online guide to support landholders participating in the World’s Longest Insectary Project through the creation of native roadside plantings in the region. | Metropolitan |
| Ceduna Area School | Upgrading a fire pit to be used for annual NAIDOC cook ups where community members speak with students about how to cook traditional foods and the process behind this. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Christies Beach Primary School | Delivering face-to-face Cultural Awareness Training through First Nations organisation Tjindo, complementing existing authentic and impactful learning experiences led by Aboriginal elders. | Metropolitan |
| Circle of Friends Australia | Providing an immersive cultural experience day out for 40 new refugees in South Australia to learn about Aboriginal and First Nations cultures, traditions, and stories. | Metropolitan |
| Crystal Brook Kindergarten | Commissioning of a mural by local Aboriginal artist Judy Crosby-Woods that celebrates connection to community, culture and place. | Mid North |
| Foodbank SA/NT | Providing Cultural Awareness Training to frontline and management staff, with the aim to create a culturally safe environment for First Nations People accessing food relief. | Metropolitan |
| Heart & Soul Group | Purchasing a commercial chest freezer and upright display fridge to support the expansion of food relief operations. | Metropolitan |
| Kirton Point Primary | Co-designing a culturally significant ‘Our Culture, Our Shirt’ uniform through a whole-of-school approach with students and a local First Nations artist. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Lincoln Gardens Primary School | Developing a dedicated space within their Nature Play Garden to develop knowledge of native plants and create a bush tucker garden. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Loxton North Netball Club | Collaborating with Riverland Aboriginal artist Daniel Giles to create an artwork that celebrates reconciliation, pride and learning. | Riverland |
| Meadows Country Fair | Implementing a targeted waste management initiative aimed at significantly reducing landfill contributions from the event and promoting responsible disposable practices. | Adelaide Hills |
| Midway Road Community House | Replacing internal lighting and an ageing electric oven to capture a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach. | Metropolitan |
| Mission Possible (through Sustainable Community South Australia | Creating workshops to educate residents living in rental and social housing to support electrification and enhance sustainable living practices. | Metropolitan |
| North Haven Surf Life Saving Club | Delivering cultural awareness training as part of a new First Nations program, which supports the development of Indigenous and Special Needs Youth through surf lifesaving. | Metropolitan |
| Ocean View College | Commissioning a local Aboriginal artist to create a welcoming mural at the school’s entrance to celebrate culture, foster inclusivity and better reflect the school community. | Metropolitan |
| Orphan Lamb Rescue Farm | Establishing a community vegetable garden to provide fresh produce for people in need who visit the farm. | Limestone Coast |
| Parndana Sports Club | Upgrading an outdoor playground area to better serve both the club and the wider community, providing a safe, engaging and accessible space for children to play. | Kangaroo Island |
| Port Pirie Community Garden | Building a free-standing, flat roof shelter to provide protection from the elements for members and visitors as well as protecting Trees for Life seedlings. | Mid North |
| Roma Mitchell Secondary College | Providing an immersive Kids on Country excursion led by Aboriginal Rangers and Elders to help young people connect with culture and country. | Metropolitan |
| Thevenard Sports Club | Transitioning the club’s current lighting system to energy-efficient alternatives as part of a broader commitment to sustainability, cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. | Eyre Peninsula |
| Treasure Boxes | Installing additional infrastructure to expand capacity to sort, store and distribute preloved goods to families in need. | Metropolitan |
| Willaston Football Club | Installing an Acknowledgement of Country plaque featuring a First Nations artwork in clubroom to provide a powerful visual celebration of unity, community and reconciliation. | Metropolitan |
| YMCASA - The Valleys Lifestyle Centre | Upgrading an existing pool heating system by integrating solar energy, reducing reliance on gas and lowering operational costs. | Mid North |
| Younghusband Hall | Installing of a 6.6kW solar energy system with a 5kW inverter to reduce power bills and then reinvest the savings into community events to promote mental wellbeing and social inclusion for local residents. | Murraylands |
For more information visit our Community Grants Page