Munno Para Little Athletics, Playford Christmas Pageant, Playford Uniting Church and Playford Men’s Shed are among the latest recipients, which will use the funds to develop and continue community events and projects.

More than three quarters of a million dollars in grant funding has so far been distributed to community groups within the Playford Alive project area which includes the suburbs of Smithfield Plains, Davoren Park, Munno Para, Andrews Farm and Eyre.

The Fund, set up in 2009, is designed to support projects and initiatives which protect and enhance the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the local community and improve community participation.

Playford Alive Project Director Mark Collins said a portion of every land sale within Playford Alive secured by Renewal SA and SA Housing Authority, as well as the AV Jennings development at Eyre, is allocated to the fund.

“So far, almost $800,000 has been thoughtfully put back into the Playford Alive community to help sustain or develop local projects and activities that not only make a positive contribution now, but in the future,” Mr Collins said.

“Playford Alive is more than just bricks and mortar, it’s a community. Communities foster a sense of connectedness - the importance of which has been reiterated to us during the isolation of the pandemic - so providing them with added support has a ripple effect.”

Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said community groups are the fabric of society and that these grants played an important role in assisting them.

“Whether you are a sporting group in need of new equipment or a not-for-profit organisation looking to develop a new community project, I would strongly encourage community groups to apply for the next round of grants,” Minister Champion said.

Felicity Rouse from Playford Uniting Church said its annual WonderFULL Christmas celebration was a ‘connection point’ for the community.

“We have local performers on stage, Christmas kids’ activities and community stalls where local businesses have the opportunity to sell and showcase their products,” Mrs Rouse said.

“It encourages volunteerism across all age groups. For example we have youth making fairy floss and older people helping, so there are great intergenerational opportunities too, where the festival is providing connections and a better understanding of each other.”

Mrs Rouse said the grant application process had also brought other unexpected benefits.

“What I love about the grant process is that it prompts you to think about what your organisation is actually about and what opportunities a grant will give your community. It entrenches why we are here,” she said.

“It’s also allowed us to meet other grant recipients in the community that are doing similar things so there is opportunities for partnerships.”

The Playford Alive Initiatives Fund is managed by a Board comprising of representatives from Renewal SA, City of Playford and the SA Housing Authority.

Playford Alive is one of the largest master-planned communities under development in Adelaide’s north, encompassing approximately 500 hectares of greenfield land at Munno Para, Andrews Farm and Eyre, and urban renewal projects in Smithfield Plains and Davoren Park.

On completion, around 40,000 people will call Playford Alive home. Its diverse mix of housing options makes it attractive to first home buyers, low-income earners, and migrants. Land prices start from $137,000*.

Details of how to apply for the next round of grants up to $5000 will be announced in the new year.

Grant applications up to $1,000 are open all year round. Application details can be found via the link below.