Community partnerships flow across South Australia

SA Water is partnering with 10 grassroots organisations across the state to deliver community projects that strengthen connections with water, sustainability and the environment through the utility’s 2026-27 Community Partnerships Program.

The successful not-for-profit organisations were selected from more than 120 applications, and will each receive between $1,000 and $10,000 to help deliver projects that promote sustainability, healthy communities and environmental leadership, while strengthening local connections with water
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The projects showcase the diversity of communities across South Australia, with partners spanning metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland, Limestone Coast and the Eyre Peninsula.

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the strong application numbers reflected the passion South Australians have for creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

“Receiving 120 applications demonstrates the incredible commitment of community organisations right across the state to making a positive difference,” Kellie said.

“This year’s recipients represent communities from Port Augusta to the South East and the Riverland to the Eyre Peninsula, highlighting how local ideas can deliver lasting environmental, educational and wellbeing benefits.

“Whether it’s restoring native habitats, creating educational water-wise gardens, improving learning environments or helping people better understand the importance of healthy waterways, these projects show the many ways water brings communities together.”

The 2026-27 Community Partnerships Program recipients are:

Australian Migrant Resource Centre: Guided walks introducing multicultural communities to SA Water reservoirs to build understanding of local water systems and share cultural connections to water.
Biodiversity Victor Harbor: Establishment of a Community Biodiversity Nursery Hub to grow locally native plants.
BioR: A community planting festival at Myponga, planting more than 25,000 seedlings across 25 hectares.
Bordertown High School: Conversion of donated intermediate bulk containers into wicking beds to expand gardening and seedling production, and to model more efficient use of underground water supplies.
Cara (Morphettville): Creation of a sensory, water-wise wellbeing garden at the Nunya respite accommodation.
Carlton Preschool (Port Augusta): Refurbishment of an outdoor play space to strengthen inclusive, nature-based learning.
Point Boston Community Group (Eyre Peninsula): Expansion of a water-wise community garden and learning hub.
Clarendon Primary School: Installation of water-sensitive urban design features to reduce localised flooding and improve biodiversity.
Kingston on Murray Primary School: Construction of an interactive creek system demonstrating how the River Murray functions.
OzFish: Expansion of the Water Heroes program across Mount Gambier, Millicent, Beachport, Port MacDonnell, Penola and Naracoorte, teaching young people about waterway health and sustainable water systems.

The Community Partnerships Program is an annual initiative supporting South Australian not-for-profit organisations.

Meanwhile, applications for SA Water’s Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnerships Program) close on 31 July, with not-for-profit organisations developing grassroots community events and projects that contribute to reconciliation encouraged to apply.

For more information and details, visit the Community Partnerships Program webpage.