A project encouraging Aboriginal Elders in the northern region of Port Augusta, Nepabunna, and Marree to share their stories with community, is one of many South Australian communities that will receive funding from Office for Ageing Well in the latest grants round.

Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association will receive $40,000 – one of five grants totalling almost $200,000 under the Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants program – which aim to provide older South Australians with new ways to become involved in community activities that enhance wellbeing and reduce social isolation.

The grant will support its Our Elders Speak project to assist Aboriginal youth to digitally record Elder’s stories in-language including Barngarla, Adnyamathanha, Dieri, and Yankantjatjara.

“I would like to congratulate the successful recipients for their efforts to support older South Australians, including those from diverse cultures and backgrounds, to age well,” said Chris Picton, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

“These projects will tackle ageism and ageist stereotypes, support older people to actively participate in their community, and recognise older South Australians for their valued contributions across their lifetime.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants have across our community including the important intergenerational connections they create,” said Minister Picton.

Safe Pets Safe Families will receive a $40,000 Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant for its Paws with friends - until we meet again project that will connect older people with volunteers and foster families who can support them to care for their animals.

The grant recipients will receive coaching and mentorship from the Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) to develop and implement their project ideas and sustain their activities long-term.

“These Community Grants help to deliver on South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025 through projects that tap into older people’s skills and wisdom, encourage social connections, and tackle ageism,” said Cassie Mason, Executive Director of Office for Ageing Well.

“The 35 projects, which will be implemented from June, will help to combat social isolation, create community connections, and promote cultural wellbeing.

“TACSI’s involvement in our Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants provides the bonus of supporting recipients to imagine and plan for the extension of their activities into the future,” said Ms Mason.

Age Friendly SA Grants totalling around $200,000 will be provided to six local councils for projects supporting innovative activities that encourage older South Australians to learn new skills and deepen their links with their community.

The City of Marion will receive $40,000 for its The Words Within Us project, which will invite local families, schools, aged care facilities and isolated older people to co-design initiatives to alleviate loneliness and develop connections through creating and sharing stories.

An $18,000 Age Friendly SA Grant will be awarded to City of Unley for its GRANDfriends program, which will bring older teens and over-65s together to plan and enjoy activities such as cooking and dance.

Grants for Seniors totalling more than $150,000 have been awarded to 24 community organisations to support projects including an In-Home Tech Support Program, monthly regional day trips and the purchase of equipment for activities including surf lifesaving, bowling, walking football and senior citizen scientist data collection.

Read the full list of recipients of Office for Ageing Well 2022-2023 Community Grants.

For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitygrants.