A project to reconnect South Australian Aboriginal Elders with their traditional homelands is among 36 projects to share in $550,000 as part of the Office for Ageing Well 2020-2021 Community Grants.
Director of Office for Ageing Well, Cassie Mason said not for profit organisation Kura Yerlo will receive one of five Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants totalling $200,000.
“Kura Yerlo will receive $40,000 for its Miwi Matters Program which will provide the opportunity for 15 Aboriginal Elders living ‘off country’ in Adelaide, to journey back to their traditional homelands,” Ms Mason said.
“The program will allow Elders to reconnect with family and country, which will help maintain their spiritual health needs and promote positive, holistic ageing when they return to Adelaide.”
The Australian Refugee Association will receive a $40,000 Positive Ageing Fellowship Grant for its EngAGED Program, which introduces refugees aged over 50 to short courses to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence.
Ms Mason said The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI) will coach and mentor the grant recipients to develop and implement their project ideas and sustain their activities long-term.
“Positive Ageing Fellowship Grants allow organisations to offer older South Australians a new way to become involved in community activities that contribute to their wellbeing and reduce social isolation,” Ms Mason said.
“TACSI’s involvement provides the added bonus of looking beyond the immediate day-to-day of the program, by supporting grant recipients to imagine and plan for the extension of their activities into the future.”
Age Friendly SA Grants totalling $200,000 will be provided to nine local governments for seven different projects.
The Cities of Charles Sturt and Port Adelaide Enfield will receive $35,000 to support the CALD Connectedness in Western Adelaide Research Project to build relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to co design supports and services to strengthen community connections.
More than $53,000 will be provided to the Cities of Marion, Holdfast Bay, Mitcham and Onkaparinga to partner with Southern Cross Care in the Post COVID Kick Start Program to support older South Australians to ‘kick start’ ways to develop and maintain social connections and physical activity.
Ms Mason said the Age Friendly SA Grants support a wide range of innovative activities that encourage older South Australians to learn new skills and deepen their links with the community.
“Local governments across the state know their older populations and have proposed exciting ways to engage with them to design projects embracing their existing skills and knowledge,” Ms Mason said.
“These Grants will contribute to creating communities that support older people, including those from diverse backgrounds, to age well and be recognised for their valued contributions.”
Grants for Seniors totalling $150,000 have been awarded to 25 community organisations to support a wide range of programs and activities.
The Grants will support projects including: the production of a Centenary booklet for the Lyceum Club Adelaide; a no-falls pilot project for the Blackwood Community Recreation Association; and the purchase of an accessible beach wheelchair for The Paraplegic & Quadriplegic Association of South Australia for use on Goolwa Beach.
Ms Mason said each of the Community Grants reflect the strategic priorities and enabling factors of
South Australia’s Plan for Ageing Well 2020-2025.
“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,” Ms Mason said.
“These incredible projects promote opportunities for older people to actively participate in their community while improving their wellbeing and importantly creating more positive attitudes towards ageing and older people.”
For more information, go to www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/communitygrants.
More News
