Spare ya Change 4 Kids

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister tell the chamber about the program called Spare ya Change 4 Kids, a successful recipient of a Thriving Communities grant?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am delighted to announce that, through the state government's Thriving Communities Program, Spare ya Change 4 Kids will receive grant funding of $23,500 towards its program. Spare ya Change 4 Kids Incorporated is an incredibly important not-for-profit organisation that aims to eliminate hunger in our young people. They create pre-prepared lunch and dinner meal packs which are distributed to schools to ensure students' learning is not compromised by hunger.

Spare ya Change 4 Kids currently supports 25 of the 41 schools in the Limestone Coast region, along with Foodbank. The funding will be used to develop a website and associated IT infrastructure for Spare ya Change 4 Kids that can be maintained by the organisation and include an ordering platform to allow schools and other groups to coordinate access to their services, making it easier for schools to help students and families in need. Development of a website for this program will reduce food insecurity by improving accessibility, assist with volunteer coordination, reduce potential food waste and support the organisation's governance and operations.

Since its inception, Spare ya Change 4 Kids has created and distributed more than 35,000 meal packs, directly addressing issues of food insecurity, which in turn leads to improved wellbeing, concentration and learning in our schools. Recent studies have highlighted that many school-aged children don't have access to sufficient or nutritious food. The funding provided through the Thriving Communities Program will support the hardworking volunteers to directly address this problem, raise awareness and, to use the Spare ya Change 4 Kids motto, 'feed the need'.

The Thriving Communities Program, delivered through the Thriving Regions Fund, provides small grants to associations and charities for projects that build social resilience through facilitating greater community participation, a sense of belonging and ease of access. The grants range from $20,000 to $50,000 and are used to fund initiatives such as new or improved small infrastructure, access to services and programs or events with wellbeing outcomes.

As minister, I am delighted that the Malinauskas state government is supporting dozens of organisations across regional South Australia through the Thriving Communities Program, which has been incredibly successful in helping groups to deliver projects that make a difference in their communities. I would like to particularly congratulate Di Ind, who is central to the establishment of Spare ya Change 4 Kids. I know that a number, including the Attorney-General, are very familiar with Di and her work, and also the hardworking volunteers and volunteer board members of the organisation.

Earlier this year, the state government allocated an additional $800,000 to the Thriving Communities Program, following its popularity in 2023. Now, 23 projects have had their applications granted as a result of this extra funding. Along with Spare ya Change 4 Kids, further funding was also recently awarded to the South-East Christian Broadcasters, which runs the community-based radio station Lime FM and has been allocated a grant to replace their outdated computers and equipment.

The station airs educational and assistance programs about mental health, family breakdowns, financial assistance and positive relationships, and is yet another testament to the success of the Thriving Communities Program. I congratulate all the volunteers and community members who are involved in these organisations and congratulate them on receiving funding.