Rural Health Innovation Fund

Country SA PHN’s Rural Health Innovation Fund has grown its footprint and impact throughout 2023-24.

Through the inaugural grant round in March 2023, RHIF has provided funding opportunities for community-led programs to drive initiatives that support innovative, positive health and wellbeing outcomes for our rural communities.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund or RHIF as it is affectionately known was officially launched in December 2022 as a new and exciting opportunity to drive health care improvements for country South Australians. Country SA PHN enables RHIF to achieve its vision for better health and wellbeing for all country South Australians.

“We are passionate about supporting rural communities by strengthening and encouraging innovative programs that will have lasting impacts,” said Doctor Simon Lockwood, Chair of the Board of Directors.

“RHIF will create positive change through supporting community-based programs that address the diverse health, and wellbeing needs of the community.”

RHIF was honoured to hear from a diverse range of country South Australians and listen to the needs of our individual communities. The round one grant recipients demonstrated a breadth of integrative health solutions for their local communities –ranging from mental health and chronic health condition challenges to innovative ways to improve connectivity for regional communities to access health and wellbeing services. These initiatives have evidenced successful outcomes, and many are now embedded as ongoing activities within their communities. It has been heartening to see the engagement, connection, and capacitybuilding that these initiatives have achieved.

Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Community Heart Safety First Initiative

This initiative increased awareness of heart disease and emergency preparedness and significantly improved heart safety for the Port Lincoln Aboriginal Community through the installation of defibrillators and associated training.

Approximately 6.6 per cent of Port Lincoln’s 13,100 population are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Indigenous Australians are at a higher risk of heart failure compared to non-Indigenous Australians, with a prevalence ratio of 1.7 and an age-adjusted mortality ratio greater than 23.

The Community Heart Safety First 2023 initiative has made a significant impact on heart safety in Port Lincoln, showcasing the importance of such health interventions in rural communities.

Port Vincent Progress Association - Port Vincent Community Health and Wellbeing Initiative

This initiative included weekly exercise classes at the Port Vincent Institute. Nearly half of all adults in outer regional areas don’t meet physical activity guidelinesincreasing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Regular exercise can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by up to 30%. Preventive health initiatives reduce healthcare costs, improve quality of life and increase social inclusion.

Over 12 months, 950 attendees (about 475 unique individuals) participated in weekly exercise classes reducing chronic disease risk and enhancing mental health.

The Port Vincent Community Health and Wellbeing Initiative has demonstrated significant positive impacts on the community, particularly among the elderly, by promoting regular physical activity and preventive health measures.

We are so grateful to the Rural Health Innovation Fund for this grant... It enables the extension of our popular community exercise classes allowing participants to continue on their health and [wellbeing] journey and achieve their goals.

Port Vincent Progress Association Assistant Treasurer Sue Hall

Barunga Village ‘Stepping-On’ Initiative

The Stepping-On initiative aimed to increase education, prevent falls, and boost physical activity for seniors over 65 years living in the communities of Port Broughton, Clare, Kadina, and Port Pirie. Nearly a quarter of these populations are aged over 65 years and are living independently.

Guided by a Fitness Instructor and a Physiotherapist, the initiative also aimed to connect seniors at risk of social isolation, engaging them within the community. Collaborative interest was garnered from locally aligned health professionals, including pharmacists.

This program not only enhanced physical health and safety for seniors but also fostered social connections, contributing to overall wellbeing in the community.

Hawker Community Development Board gym enhancement

This initiative aimed to upgrade gym facilities and install a large screen for remote training. The project focused on promoting physical activity and health, particularly benefiting the older generation.

Almost half of Hawker’s approximately 300 people do not meet physical activity guidelines, increasing their risk of chronic diseases and mental health issues.

Enhancing the gym attracted both new and existing members to increase their physical activity. The introduction of new equipment and remote training opportunities has notably benefited the physical fitness of the older generation.

The community now enjoys improved access to modern fitness resources, promoting healthier lifestyles. The initiative fostered community support and overall wellbeing, creating a more active and health-conscious community.

Activate by The Embrace Collective Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier

The Activate initiative, led by the Embrace Collective focused on youth events designed to boost body image and enhance overall health and wellbeing through the lens of mental health. The initiative aimed to create a supportive environment for addressing body image issues and developing healthy coping strategies.

The Embrace Collective collaborated with local schools, sporting groups and organisations, and health professionals in Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier and surrounds. It was identified that approximately 20 per cent of young people in these communities face challenges related to poor body image.

The initiative engaged local councils and headspace, with contributions from MC Mikaela McCallum, who shared her lived experiences.

The “Activate” initiative by the Embrace Collective has demonstrated significant positive impacts on youth in both Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier, addressing critical mental health challenges and fostering a supportive community environment.

Riverland Youth Theatre

The Riverland Allied Health Arts Festival was a vibrant three-day event held in Renmark, Monash and Berri that provided invaluable opportunities for individuals living with disabilities and their primary carers. The festival featured accessible art workshops, insightful talks with health professionals, and sensory spaces designed to cater to all participants.

Approximately 6.1% of the Riverland region surrounding Berri lives with a disability, facing diverse challenges such as mobility issues, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions.

By raising awareness and promoting accessibility and inclusivity through the arts, the festival offered essential support and referral pathways for vulnerable individuals and their families. The festival attended by almost 300 people was a testament to the power of the arts in bridging gaps and creating inclusive and supportive environments. The partnerships between artists and health professionals, and the outcomes they achieved, highlight the potential for ongoing collaborations.

Diabetes SA Initiative on the Yorke Peninsula

Between nine and 12 per cent of the Yorke Peninsula’s population of 27,101 have Type 2 diabetes. To increase rural awareness, identify prediabetes, and promote healthy behaviours Diabetes SA held a health information and screening space at the Yorke Peninsula Field Days.

Diabetes SA engaged with approximately 1,000 attendees (30.3% to 41.0% of at-risk community members or those already challenged with Type 2 diabetes). This significant reach underscores the initiative’s impact on improving diabetes awareness and management in the region.

This initiative successfully increased awareness of Type 2 diabetes risk, prevention, and support for people with diabetes, elevated health literacy, healthcare access, and overall wellbeing for diverse and vulnerable demographics.

The positive feedback and substantial participation rates underscore the initiatives’ success in addressing community needs and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Our Town Ceduna Side X Side, Mateship for Life program

RHIF’s support for this initiative highlighted its dedication to mental health and community wellbeing. Approximately half of Ceduna’s approximately 2,290 people are male. This initiative engaged 106 men, representing just under half of the local male population -highlighting the community’s proactive approach to mental wellbeing and the initiative’s significant reach.

This initiative facilitated important discussions, provided support, and created community engagement, with potential for ongoing collaboration among attendees and stakeholders. The enthusiastic participation of organizers and attendees indicates potential for continued relationships, more collaborative events, resource sharing, and networking opportunities.

The “Side X Side, Mateship for Life” initiative significantly impacted the Ceduna community by fostering a supportive environment for men of diverse age groups. It facilitated meaningful interactions and discussions, building camaraderie and support among participants. The initiative also raised awareness of mental health issues and the importance of social connections, contributing to overall wellbeing.

Whyalla Men’s Shed health literacy initiative

This initiative aimed to hold monthly empowering information sessions to improve health and service literacy and knowledge to access health and support services.

Whyalla’s population of approximately 21,894, has a significant elderly population (10.9% aged over 65 years). Men in this region are statistically more vulnerable to health literacy issues, making this initiative crucial.

The Whyalla Men’s Shed health literacy initiative significantly impacted vulnerable men in Whyalla. The initiative had approximately 30 attendees, representing 72% of regular Shed attendees.

The initiative facilitated important discussions, provided support, and fostered community engagement, with potential for ongoing collaboration. It addressed a critical regional need by improving health literacy among vulnerable men.

Round one impact

The RHIF funding has empowered recipients to successfully implement innovative health programs, reinforcing their roles as primary healthcare service providers. They have not only enhanced service delivery but also cultivated valuable partnerships with local healthcare professionals and community groups, amplifying the organisations’ capacity to deliver impactful health programs and laying the groundwork for future initiatives.

RHIF’s support of these initiatives has demonstrated its dedication to improving rural health outcomes, solidifying its status as a pivotal contributor to community health.

Round One’s success has highlighted RHIF’s capacity to drive positive change through targeted funding and support, encouraging further investments in like projects.

RHIF has played an imperative role in steering, and sustaining these initiatives, ensuring their alignment with broader health aims and facilitating their successful implementation.

Looking forward

Following the successes of RHIF’s round one grant initiatives, applications for round two grants have been just as innovative and inspiring. RHIF is thankful to all those who applied for round two grants.

RHIF looks forward to continuing to support innovative programs across regional South Australia, alongside engaging with communities to increase opportunities for country South Australians to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing.