Regional and rural communities are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to help improve the health and wellbeing of their towns.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade says through the SA Healthy Towns Challenge, the state government has committed $1 million to support regional communities with local initiatives.

“Many of the risk factors for chronic disease can be prevented or reduced through communities working together to support a healthy environment and we encourage communities to participate in SA’s Healthy Towns Challenge,” Minister Wade says.

“Maintaining good health and wellbeing is a shared responsibility between government, individuals and communities more broadly and through the Healthy Towns Challenge we have already invested almost $1 million into projects and community-led organisations across the state.”

As part of the fourth and final round of the program, successful applicants will receive up to $50,000 in June 2021 to develop programs to improve the health and wellbeing of their communities, which will have measurable benefits over 12 months.

Wellbeing SA Chief Executive Lyn Dean says many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease share the same risk factors and are preventable.

“By actions such as increasing physical activity, eating healthier, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol, South Australians can enjoy an improved quality of life,” she says.

“Successful Healthy Town Challenge projects in the past have aimed to increase access or create opportunities in the community to make healthier choices and participate in activities that encourage physical activity, healthy eating and positive mental health and wellbeing.

“Funded projects have ranged from community gardens, cooking lessons, walking trails, outdoor gyms and bike programs and I am looking forward to seeing the applications we receive this year.”

Applications close on Friday 26 March 2021. Visit the SA Healthy Towns Challenge website for more information and to apply.