Alexandrina Council has been awarded $35,000 to fund its ‘Green and Blue Wellness: Engaging with Nature for Health’ project.

It is the only organisation in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region of the state to receive one of the grants for initiatives that aim 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.

Fifty-one community groups, organisations and local councils will be supported in four categories for applicants: Age-Friendly SA Grants, Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants, Impact Research Grants for Ageing Well and Grants for Seniors.

The Alexandrina project won an Age-Friendly SA Grant to promote exercising and socialising at the region’s parks, beaches and rivers.

It aims to  boost community health by encouraging engagement with nature, reducing social isolation, increasing physical activity, and improving mental health, while promoting inclusivity through collaboration with local organisations. 

Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well Nat Cook says 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.

“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. 

Funding for Ageing Well Community and Research Grants 2024-2025 will also support community activities during South Australia’s Week of Ageing Well, from 1 - 7 October 2025. Full details of the grants can be found online.