Nine Community Partnership Program recipients named

SA Water has announced 9 successful recipients of its 2025-26 Community Partnerships Program, with projects spanning from the South East to Eyre Peninsula sharing almost $75,000.

Selected from more than 120 applications, the not-for-profit organisations will each receive funding to deliver initiatives that foster sustainable water use, environmental education and stronger community connections.

SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the geographical spread of recipients highlights the utility’s deep-rooted connection to communities right across South Australia.

“From wetlands in the Riverland to community gardens at Port Lincoln and Weeroona Island in the Spencer Gulf, these projects show how water can unite people and purpose,” Kellie said.

“The response to our 2025-26 round was terrific, with more than 120 applications received. We’re proud to support a wide range of community-led ideas that align with our commitment to environmental sustainability, water literacy and community wellbeing.”

SA Water’s 2025-26 Community Partnership Program recipients and projects include:

• * Australian Landscape Trust – Wetland Ecology Immersions at Calperum Station: An immersive education in wetland ecology project that will connect with the region’s waterways, ecology and cultural heritage.
• * Eyre Bioregional Permaculture Group – Water Capture and Re-use program in Port Lincoln: For harvesting rainwater for community garden use promoting sustainability and education about efficient water use.
• * Kings Baptist Grammar School – STEM: Animals of the Coorong at Greenwith: Facilitate student fieldwork to document native animal tracks, incorporate First Nations knowledge and water’s cultural significance.
• * Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia – Splash! A Story About Water in Adelaide: A storytelling and art project by multicultural toddlers exploring water through play and creativity.
• * Nature Festival – River Speaks in Adelaide: An interactive art installation inviting the public to ‘talk’ with the River Torrens, deepening awareness of water’s role in our lives.
• * North Haven Surf Life Saving Club – Immersive community garden project at North Haven: Establish a water-wise garden highlighting sustainable practices and biodiversity education for all ages.
• * Weeroona Island Progress Association – Wicking beds community garden on Weeroona Island: Install water-conserving raised wicking beds using recycled materials to support gardening in dry conditions.
• * OzFish – Water Heroes in Mount Gambier and Millicent: Develop hands-on water education sessions for young people, focusing on waterway health, pollution reduction, and climate change.
• * Christies Beach High School – Winter Creek revegetation project at Christies Beach: A student-led creek restoration project aimed at enhancing biodiversity, and school and community engagement.

Kellie said the Community Partnerships Program is part of SA Water’s broader efforts to work with communities and support grassroots initiatives that value and protect South Australia’s important water resources as well as grow the collective understanding of sustainability.

“We encourage other community groups with ideas around water conservation, education and connection to explore the partnership programs we offer, such as our Reservoirs Partnership Program which is currently accepting applications until 22 September,” she said.

“We are also proud to partner with grassroots community events and projects by not-for-profit organisations contributing to reconciliation in South Australia through our Pirku-Itya (Reconciliation Partnerships Program) which will open for new applications in May of next year.

“There are plenty of opportunities to turn local passion into lasting impact, and we look forward to seeing even more inspiring projects apply in the future.”

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Contact: Tara Miko

Phone: 0448951418

Email: tara.miko@sawater.com.au