RAA reveals grant recipients driving safety upgrades in South Australia

RAA’s Regional Safety Grant program has allocated over $78,000 to support safety initiatives in South Australian regional communities.

Fourteen organisations will use the funding to enhance road safety, upgrade emergency equipment, and provide first aid training.

The grants – distributed to groups in locations such as Clare, Kangaroo Island, Ceduna, and Beachport – aim to address a variety of safety needs. Funded projects include new rescue tools, road safety campaigns, and infrastructure to improve community safety.

RAA’s 2024 grant recipients

The program’s 2024 recipients include:

• SA CFS Williamstown Brigade: acquisition of a forcible entry tool
• Kangaroo Island Our Town Inc: delivery of a road safety education initiative
• District Council of Elliston: installation of mobile speed displays
• Royal Life Saving Society South Australia: training programs in water safety and first aid
• Life Ed SA: online learning via the “Harold On Air” program
• Mount Torrens Soldiers Memorial Hall Inc: safety upgrades for community hall exits
• Great Southern Swimming Club: training in CPR and emergency life support
• Angaston Football Club: netting installation for the junior oval
• Whyalla Baptist Church: child safety gate replacements
• Beachport Surf Lifesaving Club: volunteer initiative for individuals aged 60+
• Clare Uniting Church: provision of a defibrillator
• RSL Macclesfield: security lighting upgrades
• Ceduna Community Children’s Centre: speed awareness project for road safety
• Booleroo Melrose Wilmington Football Club: netting installation behind goalposts

Long-term program impact

Since its launch in 2013, the RAA Regional Safety Grant program has distributed more than $500,000 to nearly 200 organisations. These grants have supported diverse projects aimed at improving safety across South Australia.

RAA Insurance CEO Tara Page highlighted the program’s ongoing contributions.

“We’re thrilled to announce our 2024 Regional Safety Grant recipients, which will help to create safer communities in country South Australia,” she said.

She added that this year’s projects reflect a wide range of community needs, including education, security, and emergency response.

Equipment upgrades for emergency services

The SA CFS Williamstown Brigade, a 2024 grant recipient, plans to use its funding to purchase a forcible entry tool.

Brigade captain Steve Elliott said that the equipment will improve rescue operations by reducing risks during emergencies.

“It’s fantastic what RAA do with these Regional Safety Grants – for us and other deserving organisations,” he said. “This tool will make our lives so much easier and safer on rescue jobs.”