From concept to impact

Published on 23 July 2025

The Onkaparinga Grants Program which helps power local grassroots projects is back after a comprehensive review – and it's returning with a fresh structure and a clear focus on supporting community-led change.

With more than $700,000 in funding now available, the program’s new structure better aligns with the Community Vision 2034 and streamlines access to support. The three-tiered approach includes:

• quick response grants – fast-tracked approval for small, low-risk community projects. open year-round until funds are exhausted
• annual grants – support for creatives, not-for-profits and businesses working to build a connected community and a sustainable future
• triennial grants – longer-term funding for established projects and events that define and strengthen the region.

While the program’s structure may be new, the Onkaparinga Grants Program has a proven history of success, shown through the impact of past grant recipients.

One such group, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER), turned grant funding into meaningful, long-term environmental change.

The not-for-profit’s habitat restoration project is changing the future for some of our most vulnerable native species.

The 24/7 free wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service also operates a full-time wildlife veterinary clinic and purpose-built rehabilitation centre with indoor and outdoor enclosures, and pre-release yards with a dedicated bushfire sprinkler system.

Using grant funds awarded in 2023–24, SKER created habitat "stepping stones" (or refuges) across its 22-acre Onkaparinga Hills property to support koalas, echidnas, woodland birds, insects and microbats.

Over the past 5 years, the team – supported by over 40 volunteers, a full-time vet and a part-time veterinary nurse – has also planted more than 1,000 native trees, shrubs and groundcovers, while also removing invasive weed species that had long threatened local biodiversity. The result is a healthier, more balanced ecosystem that is seeing native wildlife return.

Operations Manager at SKER Mish Simpson says contributing to the restoration of native habitat is deeply meaningful.

“It goes beyond planting trees – it’s about healing the landscape, creating safe spaces for wildlife, and taking tangible action to address the environmental pressures facing our native species,” Mish said.

The project to restore the local habitat and support sick or injured wildlife in SKER’s care is an ongoing one.

Most recently the team planed 30 eucalyptus trees specifically for leaf harvesting – an essential food source for koalas in care. On average, the team collects 35–50 kilograms of fresh eucalyptus weekly, feeding the 10–12 koalas typically in care at any one time (a number that reached 24 during the last peak rescue season in February 2025.

“Ultimately, we hope this work will contribute to a self-sustaining ecosystem that can continue to thrive with minimal intervention, while also serving as a living example of how community-driven conservation efforts can restore and protect native environments for the future,” Mish said.

“Every tree planted, every weed removed, and every animal released back into healthy habitat is a reminder of the positive impact we can have.”

Mish said the grant from the council significantly boosted their capacity to improve biodiversity and create a thriving, wildlife-friendly landscape.

Stories like this serve as powerful reminders of the value of community-led initiatives and the long-term benefits they create.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were said the refreshed grants program was great news for local groups and organisations working to align with the Community Vision 2034. 

“The grants program is an investment in community groups wanting to make an impact and a difference,” Mayor Were said.

“In line with the Community Vision 2034, the grants program supports community-led ideas and efforts that foster partnerships.”

The grants program opens on 21 July.

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more or book in for a free grant writing workshop, visit onkaparingacity.com/grants or call the council on 8384 0666.

To learn more about SKER and the important local work they’re doing, visit sker.org.au or email info@sker.org.au.

FOUND SICK OR INJURED WILDLIFE?

View the contact details for South Australia wildlife contacts on the SKER website.