Children and young people in regional towns will benefit from a $750,000 investment in their health and wellbeing thanks to a new round of the SA Healthy Towns Challenge.

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the new round of the challenge would offer grants of up to $125,000 per year over two years to up to three towns or regions across South Australia.

“The SA Healthy Towns Challenge is a grants program for regional and rural towns to support preventive health and wellbeing approaches within their community,” Minister Wade said.

“This additional $750,000 boost is available for community-led projects that will support the wellbeing of children through the creation of healthier environments.”

Eligible towns are required to be within the six South Australian regional Local Health Network areas and applications must be made with a co-investment and in partnership with local community organisations.

Wellbeing SA chief executive Lyn Dean said childhood wellbeing was among the agency’s highest priorities, with these grants designed to address the various risk factors, environments and policies that influence outcomes for children.

“We want to ensure all South Australian children have the best start in life and are given every opportunity to thrive,” Ms Dean said.

“These grants are designed to help communities take early action and reduce the preventable burden of disease and injury in children in their town.”

Applications for the SA Healthy Towns Challenge – Partnering for Children’s Wellbeing are open until October 15.

Visit wellbeingsa.sa.gov.au/HealthyTownsChallenge to find out more and apply.