The State Government has awarded $125,000 in grants to 28 organisations to commemorate and celebrate the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in South Australia.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said she was thrilled to see so many organisations awarded grants of up to $5,000.
“It’s fantastic so many organisations are interested in engaging their local communities in celebrating this significant milestone for gender equality in our state,” said Minister Lensink.
“I’m pleased to announce women’s groups, local councils, libraries and community groups were among the successful grant recipients.
“The grants will contribute to activities that inspire women and inform the community about the importance of inclusion and citizenship, following the example of the brave suffragettes.”
Activities include public events, community engagement forums, research projects and artwork displays and demonstrations across South Australia such as:
• The Penneshaw Progress Association will use its grant to celebrate women’s suffrage with an evening of cocktails and comedy, setting up information boards about women’s suffrage and how the women of Kangaroo Island have progressed over the past 125 years.
• The Australian Migrant Resource Centre will sponsor eight young women, representing new and emerging communities in South Australia, to participate in the 2019 Youth Parliament.
• The YMCA of South Australia will host an event with keynote speakers and interactive stalls to highlight the incredible amount of campaigning involved in winning the vote for women, and will provide an opportunity for women to share their experiences of democracy.
• The Gladys Elphick Awards Committee will screen a documentary of the story of life of Aboriginal activist, Aunty Gladys Elphick.
• The Royal Adelaide Show will host daily demonstrations by female artists in 2019 to encourage public participation, celebrating women of all backgrounds and the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in SA.
Applications were sought for initiatives, events or programs that would publicly promote, encourage engagement and increase awareness of democracy and the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in South Australia.
Grants were awarded to applications who were organising initiatives that would engage with women who live in rural and regional areas, are culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, older, younger, identify as LGBTIQ or are living with disability.
Minister Lensink said she encouraged all South Australians to get involved in the events.
“I look forward to celebrating 125 years of SA women’s suffrage across the state,” said Minister Lensink.
“I encourage South Australians to join in with events and activities being held in your local community to celebrate and commemorate women’s suffrage.”
A calendar, and more information about women’s suffrage is available at .
For anyone hosting an event or activity to celebrate the anniversary, email to be added to the calendar.
