Every dollar donated to the SA Bushfire Appeal has now been distributed to the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island communities following devastating summer bushfires.
A total of 1,062 families, individuals and businesses have shared in just over $9 million generously donated by the community to aid their recovery.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said South Australians who lost homes, livestock, vehicles and businesses were among those helped by the Appeal.
“Every dollar donated to the SA Bushfire Appeal has now been distributed to South Australians in need – and everyone who donated can be very proud their contribution went to help our communities rebuild after such devastation,” said Minister Lensink.
“Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard to get the money in the pockets of those who need it most, so this is a significant milestone that $9 million has now been gifted.
“A heartfelt thank you goes to all of the individuals and businesses, both locally and abroad, who very generously donated during South Australia’s time of need.
“Their donations joined a $2 million Marshall Liberal Government contribution, which saw the SA Bushfire Appeal total reach just over $9 million.”
Minister Lensink said a further 15 projects were recently awarded funds from the SA Bushfire Appeal under Round 2 of its Community Strength and Resilience Initiative, completing the distribution of all funds.
“These projects join 22 others announced in July, bringing the total to 15 projects on Kangaroo Island, 21 in the Cudlee Creek area and 1 project that spans across both regions, with a combined value of close to $1.1 million,” said Minister Lensink.
“The Marshall Liberal Government continues to stand shoulder to shoulder to with the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island communities every step of the way in their recovery in the coming weeks, months and years ahead.”
Round 2, Community Strength and Resilience Initiative recipients:
* Lenswood Bowling Club – $15,000 to improve lighting and seating
* Kangaroo Island Business and Brand Alliance – $20,000 to produce the Kangaroo Island Community Directory, part of the #JustBuyKI project
* Rotary Club of Onkaparinga Inc – $20,000 to assist the clean-up of affected areas through fence line cleaning, provision of materials and rebuilding
* Torrens Valley Football Club Inc – $20,000 to upgrade lighting to enable night sports
* Schools Ministry Group – $20,000 to enhance connection and communication between children and their families through implementing The Wellbeing Classroom
* Nairne Oval Committee – $20,000 to upgrade lighting to encourage night sporting events
* Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation – $20,000 to implement the Barn Yarn initiative to normalise the conversation around mental health within farming communities
* Adelaide Hills Wine Region – $20,000 for community events which will provide growers the fundamentals of preparedness + mental health advice
* Disaster Relief Australia – $20,000 to provide training for Adelaide Disaster Relief team and local residents to build capability to assist with bushfire recovery operations
* Junction Australia – $10,000 to provide digital equipment for the dedicated youth space in the KI Community Centre
* Kangaroo Island Garden Club – $6,500 to arrange a series of open home gardens for the community to visit and enjoy
* Lobethal Recreation Ground Sports Club – $19,400 to update the disability access to oval clubrooms
* Ink Pot Arts – $19,750 to facilitate workshops and programs to meet recovery needs of fire-affected families
* Nairne Cricket Club – $5,512 to replace artificial grass to ensure continued use of the club
* Agriculture KI – $20,000 to allow for 20 fire-affected KI farmers to visit Eyre Peninsula to learn about recovery of farmers affected in Black Tuesday
