More than 25,000 native seedlings will be planted at Myponga, while Riverland students will explore a new interactive creek system as part of 10 grassroots projects receiving funding across South Australia.
SA Water has announced the recipients of its 2026–27 Community Partnerships Program, selecting 10 not-for-profit organisations from more than 120 applications.
Each organisation will receive between $1,000 and $10,000 to deliver projects promoting sustainability, community wellbeing, environmental leadership and stronger connections with water.
The successful projects stretch from metropolitan Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills to the Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland, Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula.
Among the largest projects is a community planting festival led by environmental organisation BioR, which will see more than 25,000 seedlings planted across 25 hectares at Myponga.
Biodiversity Victor Harbor will establish a Community Biodiversity Nursery Hub to grow locally native plants, while Clarendon Primary School will install water-sensitive urban design features designed to reduce localised flooding and improve biodiversity.
Kingston on Murray Primary School will build an interactive creek system to demonstrate how the River Murray functions, helping students better understand the waterways surrounding their community.
In the South East, OzFish will expand its Water Heroes program across Mount Gambier, Millicent, Beachport, Port MacDonnell, Penola and Naracoorte. The program teaches young people about waterway health and sustainable water systems.
SA Water’s Manager of Brand and Community Connection Kellie McDonald said the number of applications reflected the commitment of community organisations across the state.
“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.”
Other recipients include the Australian Migrant Resource Centre, which will host guided reservoir walks introducing multicultural communities to South Australia’s water systems and exploring cultural connections to water.
Cara will create a sensory, water-wise wellbeing garden at its Nunya respite accommodation in Morphettville, while Carlton Preschool in Port Augusta will refurbish its outdoor play area to support inclusive, nature-based learning.
Bordertown High School will turn donated intermediate bulk containers into water-efficient wicking beds, and the Point Boston Community Group will expand its water-wise community garden and learning hub on the Eyre Peninsula.
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.
Applications for SA Water’s separate Pirku-Itya Reconciliation Partnerships Program remain open until July 31. The program supports grassroots projects and events contributing to reconciliation.
For more information and details, visit the SA Water website: SAWater – Partnerships and sponsorships
