Several South Australian community organisations have been awarded RAA Regional Safety Grants to help them fund critical projects that will improve the safety and wellbeing of local communities.
Among the fourteen grant recipients were several Country Fire Service and State Emergency Service teams, which will now be able to purchase crucial firefighting, rescue and first-aid equipment to enhance the level of service they are able to provide to their communities.
A youth centre and a riding for the disabled association also received grants (see full list below).
Successful grant applicants ranged from Port Lincoln in the Eyre Peninsula, to Spalding in the Mid North and Mount Gambier in the South East.
RAA Insurance spokesman Shaun Ryan said 76 applications were received in November from regional community groups for the annual grants, which provide much-needed support to small communities.
“It can be really difficult for small communities in country areas to raise money for important projects, which is why RAA’s Regional Safety Grants are so important,” Mr Ryan said.
“Since the grant’s inception in 2013/14, RAA has been able to provide more than $410,000 in funding to 128 worthy causes across the state, which all share a common goal of keeping South Australians safe.
“Every year, we’re amazed by the entries and the variety of safety initiatives community groups and individuals come up with.
“It’s always such a difficult decision to make, as we’re so impressed by the ideas that are put forward.’’
Weavers Ag Bureau, based in southern Yorke Peninsula, is one of this year’s recipients. The agricultural bureau run by farmers, aims to improve fire safety in the community.
The bureau’s Regional Safety Grant will help fund 85 sets of fire protective gear, used by farmers in the region.
According to committee member, Fire Recovery Officer and local farmer Marty Collins, the need for this gear has never been greater.
“Because we had horrific fires last year at Yorketown and Edithburgh, we realised we needed more farmer-owned protective clothing and goggles,” he says.
“On that day [the fire came through], there were so many eye injuries and burns because of the flames and the smoke.
“You need goggles, and you need full protective clothing, so we are really appreciative of this grant.’’
Full list of 2020/21 RAA Regional Grant recipients
Marion Bay Country Fire Service – purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera $3000
Weavers Ag Bureau – fire-fighting personnel protection kits $8125
Mount Torrens Centenary Park – protection of bore pump electrics $1500
Mount Torrens Country Fire Service– farm fire unit refill point $2395
Lochiel Progress Association – defibrillator $3200
Riding for the Disabled Association Yorke Peninsula – road safety equipment $1597
Port Lincoln State Emergency Service Unit – steering wheeler cutter $5000
Mount Barker State Emergency Service Unit – purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera $4400
Spalding District Incorporated – RAA Regional Safety defibrillator project $4390
Regional Development Australia Yorke and Mid North Incorporated – Peterborough Youth Centre Safe Play Lights Project $3375
Mount Gambier & Districts State Emergency Service Unit – replacement of rescue pedal cutter $3992
Strathalbyn Country Fire Service Group – portable battery lighting $4304
Callington Memorial Hall Inc – defibrillator, fire blanket and cabinet $2865
Landcare Broken Hill Inc – Landcare Hub safety components project $2736
Latest News
- From rooftop parties to ringside action: VIP bash and SLB Fighters Night set the scene for a huge week of sportAdelaide gears up for an exclusive VIP party at SORA, setting the stage for “The Gathering” SLB Fighters Night, a showcase of AFL legends and boxing professionals at the Adelaide 36ers Arena.
- The McLaren Vale and Barossa Cellar Doors open on Easter Good FridayThere’s nothing quite like making the most of your long weekend by heading out to the wine regions South Australia is so famous for, and exploring the gorgeous cellar doors on offer.
- What’s on and open in Adelaide & South Australia on Easter Good FridayCheck out the businesses that are keeping their doors open for Good Friday 2024. From cafes to restaurants to grocery stores, we are here to guide you.
- Historic Adelaide Hills railway station plans transformation into vibrant hubPlans have been lodged for the transformation of the former Mount Lofty Railway Station into a café and a retail space for homewares and garden-wares.
- Mix your own M&M’s: Drakes unveils exclusive new machineTwist, mix, fill and enjoy! Drakes North Haven has unveiled an Australian supermarket exclusive with a make your own M&M mix cup machine.