From paddocks to prison breaks: How drought event grants are connecting communities
As South Australians face the state’s worst drought on record, a government-backed grants program is funding grassroots events that bring joy, support local business and reconnect isolated communities.
The Connecting Communities Events Grants program, which provides up to $5,000 to eligible groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support, is part of the South Australian Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package.
The grants have already supported several successful events across the state, from Kangaroo Island where the ‘When Pigs Fly’ event was held, to Quorn for a ‘Night Under the Stars’.
In Owen, on the Adelaide Plains, a Connecting Communities Events Drought Support Grant brought together hundreds of local rural women for ‘Day in the Dirt 2025’.
The Adelaide Plains FarmHers, supported by the Mallala and Districts Lions Club, hosted the afternoon to lift spirits, spark a few laughs, and remind rural women they are not alone.
Organising committee member Abbie Turner said the group wanted to thank PIRSA “for connecting a community in the most unbelievably fun way”.
“The Adelaide Plains FarmHers were able to put on an incredible event for women from as far as Jamestown, Kapunda and even Adelaide,” she said.
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“These women had the best day. They danced, they were well fed by community groups, and they didn’t want it to end.
“These women needed an excuse to leave the house, to let their hair down and come together in an inclusive, safe and incredibly fun environment.
“With PIRSA’s help, they didn’t have to spend a cent, and we were also able to support local businesses and community groups at the same time.”
Most of South Australia is experiencing the worst drought conditions on record, with some regions recording their lowest rainfall ever. Even if the drought were to break now, its impacts will continue for many months or years.
The State Government’s $73 million Drought Support Package includes multiple wholistic elements designed to support farm businesses and rural communities, from event and wellbeing support to donated fodder assistance, water security measures, levy rebates, small business support, and immediate financial relief for bills.
The aim is to help South Australia’s primary producers and rural communities to weather the drought and stay connected.
Gladstone, in the lower Flinders Ranges, also had a big turn-out for their recent Connecting Communities event.
In an unusual turn of events, a huge crowd visited Gladstone to break into the former local gaol – rather than out of it.
The event was aimed at enabling volunteer groups within the town to connect with the community and had huge support from Rural Aid, the Country Fire Service, State Emergency Service, SA Ambulance Service, Department for Environment and Water, Northern Areas Council, and the local Lions Club, along with a creative light and sound show from creators Illuminart.
Gladstone Community Development and Tourism Association President David Catford said local businesses were grateful for the support they received during the event.
“All stall and display holders were overjoyed at the level of support and patronage they received. Shop owners in the main street reported overwhelming support,” he said.
“The event really heightened our awareness of the ability of the community to support each other during challenging times.”
Gladstone Community Development and Tourism Association secretary Andrew Kitto encouraged other towns to host Connecting Communities events to support each other.
“We found what started out as a small local event also attracted neighbouring townspeople and farmers. Having locals run it is the key,” he said.
To apply for a Connecting Communities Events Grant to support your local community, visit Connecting Communities Events Grant – PIRSA.
Applications are open until 31 January 2026, and events must be held by 31 December 2026.
To learn more about the State Government’s Drought Support Package, visit Drought support package – PIRSA.
To subscribe to PIRSA’s Drought Support News, visit Drought support package – PIRSA.
